Aims of the school

The aims of the School are to nurture the child?s natural physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development. This will be done through a child centred approach where the individual child is the focus of education.

Curriculum:

The School is bilingual, however English is the dominant language. The curriculum in the Nursery and Reception section is Montessori based. Though it is structured, the children are at liberty to choose their own activities according to their own interests and they work through the exercises according to their levels of development.

The curriculum areas covered for the 3 to 5 ½ year olds are Practical Life skills; Sensorial activities; Language skills(listening, speaking, reading and writing); Mathematical skills; Cultural awareness; Creative activities and Outdoor activities.

For the Primary children the English National Curriculum is followed for Geography, History, Language, Mathematics in all its branches, Science, Citizenship, Music and Art. The French programme is taught by a qualified French mother tongue teacher on a small group basis and follows the French National Curriculum. French history, geography and Citizenship are also taught.

Visits to museums, theatres, zoos etc. are organised throughout the year for all age groups where appropriate.

The School and Classroom:

The School functions as a community, with each member taking responsibility for his or her actions within that community. The vertical or family grouping within the school affords the child the opportunity to help and be helped by other children, which encourages the children to care for, and be aware of other's needs. A framework of simple rules helps him/her to develop without abusing the freedom of others. The child is encouraged to think for himself/herself and to work individually with the structure of the school. In this way, the natural development of his/her personality is achieved while at the same time promoting healthy physical, social and emotional development and providing the optimum opportunity for intellectual development. Above all, the School is a place where the child can feel at home and where everyone is actively and purposely involved. It is an environment where an atmosphere of calm and harmony reigns.

A child has a natural desire to learn, so therefore no rewards or punishments are used in the School to motivate him/her. A spirit of competition is not encouraged either. The child learns for learning's sake, from an inner drive or interest which makes it all meaningful. The child learns to learn.

By means of observation, recording and evaluation, each child's progress is carefully monitored. The ratio of children to teachers is approximately 10:1

The Teacher:

The teacher is responsible for the quality and harmony of the structured environment. She/he activates the child by putting him/her in touch with the environment, showing him/her how to do things and then allowing him/her to discover for himself/herself. Through her/his careful observations of the child she knows when to introduce new activities to stimulate and stretch his learning. She ensures that there is respect for each member of the community and that there is an attitude of caring and kindness towards everyone.

Admissions Policy:

The School accepts all children on a first come first served basis between the ages of 3 and 11 years. It practices an "equal opportunities" policy but reserves the right to refuse admission if the specific needs of a child cannot be met in the School's environment. Children must attend school full time from the trimester in which they become four year old.

Admissions Procedure:

A meeting between parents, child and the Head Teacher is scheduled at a mutually convenient time. The child's place is confirmed upon receipt of a duly filled out Registration Form and the Registration fee of 50€. Copies of the child's health certificates and school insurance certificate are required before he/she enters the school.

Hours:

The School is open from 08.15 to 16.00 Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 08.15 to 12.00 on Wednesdays. Children must be in school and ready to start work before 08.30 when classes begin. The French school holiday schedule (Zone B) is observed as are Public Holidays.

Parents meetings:

There are parent-teacher meetings at the end of each trimester to discuss each child's progress and development.

Illness:

It is the parents' responsibility to inform the school immediately a child becomes ill and, in order to minimise the spread of communicable diseases, parents are required to discontinue a child's attendance at such times until he/she is free of both symptoms and cause. Children with fever may not return to school until their temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours.

If a child becomes ill during the school day, the parents will be notified promptly and the child will be cared for until a parent or a designated person comes to pick up the child

If a child needs prescribed medication at school, written permission and details of administration will be required from the parents.

Nutrition:

Children staying for the whole day should bring a packed lunch which can be heated up if required. Parents should inform the school if their child has any special dietary requirements for medical or religious reasons.

Fees:

There will be no reduction in fees in case of absences. The school reserves the right to review the fees on a yearly basis. Full time attendance is four and a half days a week. Part time attendance is five half days a week. Children from the same family attending the school at the same time benefit from the following reductions : Second child -10%; Third and subsequent children -15%.

Parents are requested to give notice to the School in writing, one trimester before the date when they wish their child to leave the school. Failure to do this will entail the payment of one trimester's fees.

Clothing:

Children should wear comfortable, washable clothes. All items of clothing which the child is likely to take off or put on at school must be clearly marked with his/her name.

A hairbrush or comb, toothbrush and toothpaste and light-weight shoes for inside are also required. A change of underwear should be provided if appropriate.