Curriculum content
For the academic year 2024-2025, the curriculum we offer will revolve around the Grades 5, 6, and 7 levels, closely following the official programs of the French Ministry of National Education and the Department for Education of the United Kingdom (illustrated by the following pictograms summarizing these respective programs). Inspired by the pedagogical principles of Maria Montessori, we emphasize concrete and interactive learning experiences where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover on their own. This approach not only promotes the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills but also the overall development of each student, stimulating curiosity, creativity, and initiative.
In mathematics, students will explore basic concepts such as arithmetic, geometry, and fractions while developing problem-solving skills. In French and English, they will enhance their mastery of these languages through reading, writing, and grammar, while exploring a variety of literary texts. Science and technology will enable students to discover the world around them by exploring subjects such as biology, physics, and information technologies. In history and geography, students will travel through time and space to discover major periods of world history and the diverse cultures of the world. Civic education will raise awareness of democratic values and the responsibilities of citizens. Visual arts, music, and theater will encourage creative and artistic expression, while physical education will promote physical and social development through a variety of sports activities and games.
Project-Based Learning
As described earlier, our approach is based on hands-on experiences, and the goal will often not be to learn each subject individually, but to prioritize cross-disciplinary and integrated work, based on collaborative projects. A lesson on the history of Ancient Egypt, for example, may include elements of mathematics to calculate the dimensions of pyramids, artistic aspects to create visual representations, and discussions on geography to understand the impact of the Nile on Egyptian civilization.
An essential aspect of learning, in all fields, will be individual responsibility and adaptability. As Maria Montessori said: “Let’s not raise our children for today’s world. This world will not exist when they grow up; and nothing allows us to know which world will be theirs: so let them learn to adapt.”
Some examples of projects envisaged for the upcoming school year:
– Art and History across the Seven Continents: This project will focus on exploring the historical and cultural significance of art across the seven continents. Students will research and analyze various art forms, styles, and techniques from different regions of the world. They will create their own artworks inspired by the diverse cultural heritage of each continent, thereby fostering creativity and understanding of global history and diversity.
– Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Music, and Theatre - Short Film Production: In this interdisciplinary project, students will collaborate to produce a short film integrating elements of ICT, music, and theatre. They will learn scriptwriting, cinematography, sound design, and acting, while working together to create a coherent and engaging narrative. This project will provide students with valuable skills in digital media production and teamwork, culminating in a final screening for students and their parents.
– Environmental Science, Design Technology - Sustainable Fashion Show: Students will explore the intersection between environmental science and design technology by organizing a sustainable fashion show. They will study environmentally friendly materials, ethical production practices, and innovative design solutions to address environmental challenges in the fashion industry. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative design projects, students will create their own sustainable fashion collections and showcase them in a fashion show promoting sustainability and creativity.
– History and Mathematics - Exploration of Value and Wealth through Modern History: This project will delve into historical and mathematical concepts of value and wealth, focusing on their evolution during modern history. Students will examine historical events, economic systems, and cultural changes that have influenced perceptions of value and the development of mathematical concepts such as ratios. Through research, data analysis, and critical thinking, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnection of history and mathematics.
These project-based learning proposals will enrich the educational experience by providing students with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration, critical reflection, and creativity. They align with the objectives of the educational project aimed at promoting holistic learning and student-guided inquiry.
Digital Citizenship
As part of our educational program, we place particular emphasis on digital citizenship, which aims to raise awareness among our students about responsible and ethical use of the online environment. Our goal is to promote responsible behavior in the digital world and prepare them to navigate safely on the Internet. This will be addressed in several stages:
– Introduction to Digital Citizenship: Students will learn the concept of digital citizenship and identify responsible online behaviors.
– Implementation of Online Safety Workshops: They will participate in workshops on online safety and protection, where they will learn about potential risks and how to mitigate them.
– Creation of Digital Content: Students will have the opportunity to produce digital content such as blogs, videos, or presentations, while emphasizing the importance of respectful online communication.
– Cyberbullying Awareness: They will explore the impacts of cyberbullying and develop strategies to prevent and address it.
– Community Engagement: Finally, students will share their knowledge of digital citizenship with people in their close circle and organize awareness campaigns to promote responsible online behavior.