Language Integration Programme

The Language Integration Program (LIP) for learning French or English swiftly and smoothly

Being a part of a bilingual school in France often requires a certain level of French and English, which is not always the case for children who have lived abroad for years, or even all of their lives. For these pupils, there is a solution: the Language Integration Program (LIP) offered by the bilingual schools, EIB Grenelle and EIB de La Jonchère.

Located near La Défense, the EIB de La Jonchère bilingual school caters to pupils from Nursery to 3ème (Year 10). From Nursery onwards, pupils follow a bilingual curriculum, with 50% of lessons in French and 50% in English.

The LIP at EIB de la Jonchère: a Gateway to join the French bilingual Education System

The LIP at EIB de la Jonchère offers a complete and inclusive educational experience for non-French or non-English speaking students entering primary schools (CE1 to CM1). Designed to facilitate socialisation and ensure a smooth transition into the school system, the LIP includes various elements tailored to the needs and language abilities of each individual student.

A crucial aspect of the LIP is the establishment of a homeroom class, where students attend all their lessons in the language in which they feel comfortable, either English or French, alongside their classmates. This arrangement fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, allowing pupils to interact and bond socially with their peers. They will study in their dominant language for 13 hours a week.

Recognising that pupils may need additional support or reinforcement in their language learning journey, the LIP offers a dedicated space for language reinforcement in small groups. This framework allows educators to respond to specific needs and age-appropriate language challenges, ensuring that learners receive individual attention and assistance.

The language project within the LIP is designed to evolve and adapt to the unique needs and abilities of each student. Regular parent-teacher information and evaluation meetings are held throughout the year to monitor progress, discuss difficulties and establish collaborative strategies for continued growth.
Enhanced teaching of French or English

To reinforce the student's language skills in the other language of instruction, the LIP incorporates reinforced parallel teaching. Pupils receive additional hours of teaching every week in the non-dominant language, adapted to their linguistic project. This approach ensures that the students receive full exposure to both languages, improving their bilingual skills.

Work in the non-dominant language is concentrated on the gradual mastery of the lexical field necessary for integration into the homeroom class (specific vocabulary needed, understanding of instructions, accompanied repetition of learning given in the homeroom class) and also on learning the target language in everyday life (daily vocabulary, construction of simple sentences, mastery of  "emergency" vocabulary linked, for example, to the student's physiological needs).

Language learning, comprehension and expression are also developed through fun activities (singing, games, art, reading for pleasure, theatre, discovering French or English-speaking culture, etc.).

Over the course of one or two years, pupils join a dedicated class for intensive language tuition, without losing a school year. This innovative teaching method provides an ideal transition for international students and expatriates returning to France, or for French students who speak little English. As each student progresses at his or her own pace, if the teaching team feels it is appropriate, a a language PPRE (Personalized Plan for Educational Success) can take over for a set period. Each family will then be kept regularly informed of developments at meetings. 

Extra-curricular programmes can also be used to support the student's learning of the target language.

The Language Integration Project (LIP) is also based on regular assessments of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  

After and beyond the LIP

EIB la Jonchère and EIB Grenelle bilingual schools offer a programme of extra-curricular activities in both languages. Different activities can complement the learning of French and English in a diverse context. Additionally, we offer school camps which provide up to 4 weeks of extra time during the holidays throughout the year which provide the occasion to practise more English or French.

A Cultural Transition and a Human Experience

In addition to language learning, the LIP also facilitates the integration of students on both a personal and cultural level.

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