Bilingual Primary at EIB de la Jonchère

Lessons are divided between French and English, with equal time allocated to both languages. To achieve this ambitious project, pupils at the bilingual primary school attend three extra hours of lessons per week compared to a standard state-funded school or a state school.

Language learning support

We offer language support tailored to each pupil’s needs, enabling them to flourish and achieve a near-native level of proficiency. 

EIB de la Jonchère follows the French national curriculum and ensures that pupils master the core knowledge and fundamental skills. This foundation guarantees every pupil solid progress and a smooth transition to middle school, within a structured bilingual environment.

Primary education covers Cycle 2 and part of Cycle 3. It aims to ensure the gradual acquisition of the fundamentals and the building of a solid foundation of skills, within a demanding and structured bilingual framework.

Cycle 2 – Foundational learning: CP, CE1, CE2 (Years 2-4)

Cycle 2 is a crucial stage during which pupils acquire fundamental skills – reading, writing and arithmetic – whilst developing their ability to express themselves, reason and cooperate.

At EIB de la Jonchère, pupils learn in a bilingual environment where French and English are used as the languages of instruction. Teaching is structured coherently: French is used for French language lessons, weather, PE and part of maths (arithmetic), whilst English is the language of instruction for English language lessons, geometry, science and space. Pupils alternate between full days in French and full days in English, promoting balanced language immersion.

Particular attention is paid to mastering the fundamentals of reading and writing, in both French and English, through explicit and progressive approaches. Support measures are in place to assist pupils in their linguistic development.

Cycle 3 – Consolidation of learning: CM1-CM2 (Years 5-6)

In Years 5 and 6, Cycle 3 allows pupils to consolidate the skills acquired in Cycle 2 whilst gradually preparing for the transition to middle school. Pupils strengthen their reading, writing and maths skills, whilst developing their independence and ability to organise their work.

The bilingual programme is delivered through a structured division of subjects between French and English. Pupils learn to apply their knowledge in both languages, to organise their thinking and to develop essential cross-curricular skills.

The teaching approach emphasises understanding, rigour and cooperation. Pupils are gradually encouraged to become more independent and to develop effective study habits.

By the end of the primary years, pupils have mastered the core skills of the Common Core curriculum and have a solid foundation in both languages, enabling them to move on to middle school with confidence.