CLASSIC SECTION
Elementary
The classical section in primary school at LFIB
The Classical Section is a unique English teaching program designed to prepare students for the international environment in which they live.
The program has been created using the reference framework of the French Ministry of Education and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The classic section offers 2.5 hours more English per week than schools in France, and is organized around themes and projects.
This allows students to explore English and develop their language skills through activities that are both engaging and draw on their personal experiences.
Classics subjects are cross-curricular, covering a wide range of areas from physical education and sport to science, music and computing.
The classical section encourages the exploration of everyday English through discovery and play.
Classes in the classical section are taught by qualified teachers.
What are the objectives of this section?
By the end of CM2, students should be able to perform activities using a variety of English skills with ease.
Students must demonstrate mastery and autonomy in the use of the four language skills:
– talk
– listen
– read more
– write
What are the learning hours in the classical section?
Students have 4 hours of English lessons per week:
– 2 hours of English language
– 2 hours of CLIL
How are students assigned to the classical section?
Language pathways at LFIB are determined by the students’ level of proficiency in French.
The classical section is designed for students who need more intensive French language training. With two extra hours of French lessons compared to International Section students, students in the classic section can progress in their knowledge of our main language while acquiring good English skills.
Students are assessed in French three times during the school year. Their main French teacher then determines the most suitable language path for each student.
Language courses at LFIB are designed to enable students to move seamlessly from the Section Classique to the Section Internationale. The two English courses work in harmony, following similar themes and vocabulary.
What is CLIL?
Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is the teaching of the core subjects of the French curriculum in English. At LFIB, our CLIL program is divided into two different types of teaching, the CLIL course and the Doublette course.
The CLIL course is taught in English by a single teacher.
The Doublette course is a bilingual approach to the subjects. It is taught jointly by an English teacher and a French teacher. The additional skills developed in this session focus on researching and solving questions in both languages.
Students from the Classical Section and the International Section explore these courses together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the classic section just for second-language learners?
No, the classical section is designed to enable all students, whether novices or native English speakers, to progress in English. English teachers work according to the principle of lesson differentiation to meet the needs of their students.
When are assessments carried out?
French assessments take place in September, December and April. If the student has sufficient skills in French, he or she can then be assessed in English. Changes in a student’s language path take place at the beginning of the following term.
Are students in the classical section in the same class?
No, the classes are made up of students from the classical section and the international section. Classics students from two classes are then grouped together for their language lessons.
Are students assigned according to their level of English?
No, students follow either the international section (6 hours of English) or the classical section (4 hours of English).
Are international section students in the same class?
No, the students are in heterogeneous groups.
Are students assigned according to their level of English?
What are the learning objectives of the classical section?
We offer a program that integrates the competencies of the French Education Nationale curriculum and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Are students in the classical section automatically enrolled in the classical section the following year?
No, students are assessed in both languages at the start of the new school year, and the International Section Council may propose that they continue in SI.