Learning a language entails a lot of different abilities. At the Petite Ecole Kentoise we are boosting the spoken language acquisition and introducing our bi-lingual children to the more complex language study and the way French « works ». The study of grammar, spelling, verb patterns is something they would not be able to master easily should their spoken language should be left to develop without the support of a written infrastructure. 

 

 

The Saturday morning sessions are proving very successful as, first and foremost, our pupils gain confidence in using their additional language. Also, their knowledge of the culture of France and of French speaking regions is enhanced and finally, their writing is being built in a sound way.

 

Our learning objectives and programs are based on the “Bulletin officiel de l’apprentissage des langues étrangères et régionales” published by the conseil de l’Europe. It is a 6 tiered evolving document in all four skills (speaking, reading, writing, understanding) that sets different targets for each level (copies of program and objectives on request).

 

Between our two schools the PEK has fourteen classes in which pupils are dispatched according to their age and ability in the language.

For pre-schoolers in the English educational system, emphasis is laid on talking and understanding (a lot of sing-songs, stories, recounting, acquisition of new vocabulary, new language structures…), leading to reading and writing activities.

 

We make a point to ensure the children will get the least chance to have interference between the two languages and that is why we always wait for a child to have developed his writing and reading skills at English before they can tackle the French. We also always consult the parents/tutors, and even schoolteacher if need be, before moving on to this stage.

 

The older pupils’ sessions are organised around:

 

•          The study of the French language: grammar, syntax, verb patterns and lexical development.

•          Cultural discovery: history, geography, literature and the arts, citizen.

 

Some homeworks may be set after each session but we realise that the children are already busy with their school homework and try and keep that to a minimum. Yet, we do encourage the practise of French at home on a regular basis whenever possible.

 

Our pupils enjoy their Saturday French sessions as our team are qualified, imaginative and always try to add wit and fun to their teaching. We are all aware that learning through fun is often the most effective.