Immersion classes

Immersion classes: for a smooth learning of French or English

Joining a bilingual school in France often requires having a certain level of French and English, which is not always the case for children who have lived abroad for years, or since they were born. We provide these students with the best suitable option: our immersion classes offered by EIB Monceau and EIB de La Jonchère.

For one year, students join a class that is focused on intensive language lessons, without losing an academic year. This innovative teaching method offers the best transition for international students, expat families returning to France or French student who speak little English.

Immersion Classes: a Gateway to join the French bilingual Education System

EIB Monceau, the bilingual school in the 8th district of Paris, welcomes students from Petite Section to CM2, and offers bilingual education that includes 25% English and 75% French classes. Children who do not speak fluent French from CP to CM2 can also join our immersion classes. During this immersion year, students learn the foundations of French, and benefit from tailored instruction based on their individual needs, as explained by Marie-Hortense Zeller, Headmistress of EIB Monceau.

“We test the level of French of students to make sure the immersion section is appropriate for them. Depending on the profile of each student, we may continue to include some English practice or we may completely set English aside and focus on French. In addition, some students may have greater difficulties than others, and may need to attend immersion classes for more than a year to feel truly comfortable with the French language. In this situation, the child moves on to the next grade, but still in the immersion section. This ensures that students make progress at their own pace, without being overwhelmed by difficulties. So this is a truly tailored learning programme". After completing the immersion programmes, students are able to express themselves in an educational context, know how to read and write in French. 

The Best Learning Conditions

At EIB Monceau, everything has been designed to provide children with the best conditions for learning Frenchor English, particularly thanks to small class of 12 to 15 students at the very most. In addition, classes are taught by native teachers, who are specifically trained to teach French or English as a foreign language. "Teaching small classes is a great opportunity for teachers to provide tailored support, since the students have very different nationalities and backgrounds, and they do not all have the same knowledge when they arrive" adds Marie-Hortense Zeller, Headmistress of EIB Monceau.

A Cultural Transition and a Human Experience

In addition to learning the language, immersion classes also help students integrate on a cultural human level.

"In an immersion class, students experience something slightly similar to what they experienced when they were abroad. They don't feel stigmatised since they are surrounded by other children with similar backgrounds, different nationalities and languages. Students in immersion classes all know each other and they are like a big family! They are surrounded by a comforting environment where they can learn effectively. This is a great opportunity to promote transition towards the French system. It also reassures parents who are worried about returning to France” concludes Marie-Hortense Zeller.

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