Primary (Elémentaire)

The British Section Primary Department follows a distinctive curriculum rooted in UK teaching methods and shaped by a strong understanding of our pupils as plurilingual learners, bringing together a rich range of cultural and linguistic experiences.

At its heart is the development of confident and effective communication in English, with a clear focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing, alongside a growing love of language, learning and literature. The curriculum also introduces pupils to historical thinking, geographical and scientific vocabulary, and creative disciplines including art, music and drama, providing opportunities to explore and express ideas in different ways.

Through celebrations such as National Poetry Day and World Book Day, as well as collaborative projects with their French classes, pupils are encouraged to develop their curiosity, creativity and confidence while making meaningful connections between their languages, cultures and learning.

What We Learn

English language: Pupils develop confident speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, supported by systematic work in phonics, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Reading and literature: Stories, poetry, drama and non-fiction introduce children to a wide range of authors, genres and ideas, while regular library sessions encourage a lifelong love of reading.
Writing: Pupils develop their ability to write creatively and confidently, with opportunities for descriptive, imaginative and extended writing.
Topics and wider learning: Engaging topics such as Ourselves, the natural world, the Great Fire of London and the Titanic develop children’s knowledge, vocabulary and understanding of the world.
Creativity and performance: Poetry, drama, performance and Shakespeare give pupils opportunities to explore language and express their ideas and imagination in different ways.
Developing independence: As pupils progress through Primary, they become increasingly confident, curious and independent learners, developing the skills and enthusiasm needed for a successful transition to collège.

Pastoral Care & Home-School Partnership

We believe that strong pastoral care and a positive home-school partnership are essential to every child’s wellbeing and development. The class teacher is the first point of contact for any pastoral concerns and works closely with families to ensure that pupils feel happy, secure and supported. The Head of Primary maintains an overview of all pupils’ wellbeing and development, working closely with teachers and families to ensure that individual needs are understood and that appropriate support is put in place when needed. This close oversight helps us respond thoughtfully to concerns, while ensuring that each child is known as an individual and supported to develop confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Educational Visits

Educational visits and enrichment activities provide opportunities for pupils to extend and deepen their learning beyond the classroom. Visits and experiences are carefully chosen to complement the curriculum and bring learning to life, with past activities including visits to a local pottery studio and Normandy, online tours of UK museums, and sessions with visiting authors, poets and illustrators. These experiences encourage curiosity, creativity and a broader understanding of the world beyond school.

The Library

Our libraries are at the heart of the British Section, providing welcoming spaces where children can discover the pleasure of reading and develop a lifelong love of books. Every child enjoys a weekly library session, giving them time to choose, read and discuss books with the support of our staff, who help each pupil find their “just right” book. We know the children and their reading interests well, offering personalised recommendations and encouraging them to explore new authors and genres as their confidence grows. The children are encouraged to share their book recommendations and to be involved in growing our collection. Our libraries also house the reading-scheme books that children take home each week, while pupils from CE1 to CM2 (Years 3-6) enjoy shared class novels, using them to explore character, setting and plot and to develop their own writing.

Sports and Drama

The PTG (Parent Teacher Group) provides opportunities for pupils to take part in sporting activities, including football and netball, encouraging teamwork, participation and enjoyment of physical activity. The British Section also offers a Drama Club for CM1 and CM2 pupils, providing an opportunity to develop confidence, creativity and self-expression through performance and collaborative work.

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