Primary school lasts 5 years and consists of two important educational cycles.
Cycle 2, ages 6-9: CP, CE1, CE2
French is the teaching language from Petite Section (the first year of preschool) to Terminale (final year of high school). Proficiency in French is a prerequisite so that children can attend classes in optimal conditions. This is the time we lay foundations of successful education by teaching basics of reading, writing, expression, and mathematics.
Cycle 3, ages 9-12: CM1, CM2, 6e
At CM1 and CM2, students transform previously acquired knowledge into intellectual tools that enable them to get informed, to create lasting knowledge, to become independent – to become less dependent on the constant support of their teachers.
Areas of study
Learning spoken and written French
Cycle 2
Learning to read and write and perfecting the spoken language are the main goals in the 2nd cycle. Learning the language allows students to enrich their vocabulary and syntax, and to express themselves in writing.
Cycle 3
Language knowledge is enriched by learning grammar and conjugations, as well as written expression. The development of spoken language continues, and the students use French to describe, prove, and present their works. Students analyze different texts. They reason and learn through writing.
Mathematics
Cycle 2
Learning and using numbers, solving problems and starting to learn arithmetic operations.
Cycle 3
Good knowledge of whole and decimal numbers, use of various mathematical operations for solving different and complex problems. Students already know certain geometric relationships. They learn units for mass, volume, time. They all generally use mental calculation.
Moral and civic education
Cycle 2
Development of civil and humanistic awareness while respecting others’ and one’s personal sensitivity, as well development of critical observation.
Cycle 3
Students deepen their knowledge, develop a critical thinking and engagement. They know the concept of public interest.
Questioning the world around us
Cycle 2
Acquiring knowledge necessary for understanding the world around us, accepting the digital environment and understanding the concepts of time and space.
Cycle 3 – History & Geography
Gaining basic understanding of the subject, which will be deepened later in the middle and high school.
Cycle 3 – Science
By using the methods of manipulation and experimentation, students acquire solid foundations for further acquisition of knowledge in the fields of biology, physics, technology, and informatics. Students are introduced to scientific and technological methods.
Physical Education
Cycle 2
Development of motor skills through various individual or group physical activities; adjusting movement to different environments.
Cycle 3
Students continue to improve their motor skills and their performances through various physical activities, participation in both individual and team sports, and in artistic activities. Both technical and tactical skills are improved.
Art
Cycle 2
Development through applied art and music; sensibility and artistic expression. Expressing emotions and exploring the world of images; working on vocal abilities.
Cycle 3
Applied arts, music and interdisciplinary art teaching enable development of sensitivity and artistic expression. Due to learning the history of art, students build a rich general knowledge.
Languages
Cycle 2 – Serbian
Learning the local language, i.e. Serbian for 2 hours a week. Students are divided into groups according to their level of knowledge: mother tongue or foreign language.
Cycle 2 – English
Learning English is mandatory for all students. You can choose one of the two courses:
• PFC (intensive French course) includes 2 English classes per week;
• PARLE (intensive English course) starts at the Grande Section (final year of preschool) and implies a high proficiency of English due to 5 lessons of English per week (3 hours of English classes, and 2 hours of other subjects taught in English).
Cycle 3
Learning English and getting to know the elements of Anglo-Saxon culture. Learning or improving Serbian language skills. An approach that guarantees multilingual education at the highest level. Students work in small groups with specialized teachers and qualify for acquiring certain diplomas at the end of the 3rd cycle.
The grade report (livret scolaire) is delivered at the end of each quarter (in December, March and June) to the students’ families via the Livreval platform. The grade report must be electronically signed on the platform by a student’s family member.
Linguistic programs
Our school proposes two linguistic programs to the: Classique (classic, i.e. enriched French course) and Parle (reinforced English course). For more information visit the link.
A typical day at primary school
Students arrive to the primary school yard from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
During the day, between 8:00 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. (i.e. 2.15 p.m. on Wednesday and 11.15 a.m. on Friday) they attend classes with their teachers. They also have language classes and attend sports or cultural activities.
During the two recesses, students get the necessary break from classes, and they normally use this time to socialize. The youngest children from the 2nd and 3rd cycles are separated during the recesses so they can spend pleasant moments playing and relaxing. The lunch break is between 11:15 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. The school offers the possibility of having lunch in the school cafeteria.
Optional extra-curricular activities and assistance with homework are available to primary school students, as well as extended stay program until 6:00 p.m. on all days, except Fridays when it ends at 4:00 p.m.