The objectives of language teaching
The objectives to be achieved for each cycle:
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Communication skills
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Knowledge of the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.
The language skills covered are:
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Oral expression (reproducing, expressing oneself, dialoguing)
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Oral comprehension
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Reading comprehension
- Written expression
"Spiral" progression: Knowledge and knowledge are reviewed each year.
Teaching the French language
French is the language of communication within the school.
Our students have a special relationship with French, which involves significant exposure to the French language, thanks in particular to pedagogical, educational and cultural projects such as class projects, thematic weeks, simulations of international organizations, eloquence competitions, etc.
My child doesn't speak French. Can he enter the French International School of Bern?
Yes, your child can enroll in our school even if they do not speak French. Up through fifth grade, we can accommodate non-French-speaking students; beyond that, an interview with the family and the student is required.
In kindergarten, a large majority of our students do not speak French when they arrive at our school. Our teachers are professionals who know how to set up a pedagogy focused on the acquisition of French as a foreign language. The acquisition of French is then done by impregnation (students listen to their teacher and their French-speaking classmates) and by imitation (students repeat what their teacher or classmates say). They thus acquire language structures and a passive vocabulary, which they understand, and then an active vocabulary that they are able to produce on their own.
From elementary school, your child will be able to benefit from specific support thanks to the intervention of a teacher specialized in the teaching of French as a foreign language (FLE/FLSco). This teacher will be able to intervene in your child's classroom to help him with his daily tasks. She will also take your child during school time but outside the classroom for specific French lessons.
No one speaks French in the family. How will I be able to support my child in his or her schooling?
For many academic subjects, it is not necessary for families to be proficient in French at home. In fact, subjects such as math, science, German, English, and geography do not necessarily require families to be proficient in them. There is also the option to enroll your child in the “homework help” program so that a qualified staff member can assist them. You are therefore fully capable of supporting your child in these subjects. As for French, our teachers are aware that some families do not speak our language of instruction. They can communicate with you in English or German if needed and set up resources to assist you (QR codes, audio files, etc.).
Teaching the German language
German is the language of our host country.
The Department of Public Education sets the conditions of permeability between the French system and the German , Swiss system (German-speaking or French-speaking). Thus, at any time during their schooling, our students can join the Swiss system without prejudice to their schooling.
My child doesn't speak German. Can he enter the French International School of Bern?
We specialize in language teaching in general. All our students learn to speak German to a level that allows a discussion to continue. From kindergarten onwards, our pupils benefit from 12 hours of teaching in German per week with the equivalent in French. This teaching and the presence of German-speaking students will allow your child to start learning German, which will become, over time, a language that he or she will master perfectly.
In elementary school, non-German-speaking pupils can benefit from specific learning of the German language (Deutsch als Fremdsprache DAF). Our teacher specialising in teaching German as a foreign language will work with your child outside of class for a specific German course.
Students receive language instruction in a whole-class setting, ensuring that each student receives instruction tailored to their level, whether they are beginners or native German speakers. This approach allows everyone to progress at their own pace and benefit from their classmates’ knowledge and skills.
As in elementary school, the teaching of a German DNL (subject or linguistics) is provided in history-geography, moral and civic education, as well as technology or PE (Physical Education and Sports).
Teaching the English language
Learning English begins in the Petite Section of kindergarten, in the form of a playful impregnation with the language and continues throughout the student's schooling until the third grade.
Reinforcement classes are offered at lunchtime in the form of an extracurricular activity for students wishing to take additional lessons in English or with a view to taking the Cambridge exam. At the end of the course, our students have access to Cambridge certifications at B2 or C1 level. As with German, the teaching of an English DNL is provided in physics, chemistry and/or mathematics during the 4 years of college.