Frequently Asked Questions
Bilingual Education

In what languages are the courses given at Ecole Bilingue Chardin?

École Bilingue Chardin has chosen to offer children a bilingual learning environment at an early age.

Multiple studies have recently highlighted the value of early language learning, even if the child may not have been immersed in a bilingual environment from birth. École Chardin Bilingual Preschool and Elementary School provides daily interaction with people who speak both languages. This exposure to languages must then be maintained throughout schooling.

Starting in the 2-year-old section, the children of École Bilingue Chardin have two teachers in the classroom every day, one English speaker (native) and one French speaker. We make sure that each child can interact habitually with each teacher through regular activities in split groups, so that they are not limited to their mother tongue.

Starting in the first grade, the courses are taught either in English or French in order to encourage and maintain a balance in the use of both languages. Therefore, the different subjects may be taught either in English or in French. The children will be ready to progress in their secondary education, either in a bilingual environment, or in a strictly Anglophone or Francophone environment.

Do I have to be bilingual to attend École Bilingue Chardin?

Of course, integration into one of the bilingual classes at Ecole Bilingue Chardin does not require the child to be bilingual. The Ecole Bilingue Chardin has chosen to offer children a bilingual learning environment from a very young age, allowing them to move on to secondary school, either in a bilingual environment or in a strictly English or French environment.

Are the English-speaking interlocutors native speakers?

Starting in the 2-year-old section, the children of École Bilingue Chardin have two teachers in the classroom every day, one English speaker (native) and one French speaker. We make sure that each child can interact habitually with each teacher through regular activities in split groups, so that they are not limited to their mother tongue.

Is École Bilingue Chardin really bilingual?

École Bilingue Chardin has chosen to offer children a bilingual learning environment from the earliest ages. Starting with the preschool's 2-year-old section, children will have two teachers in their classroom: a native English speaker and a French speaker. From first grade onwards, classes are taught either in English or in French in order to maintain a balance between their use, and to encourage the practice of both languages.
The children will be ready to successfully advance to secondary school, either in a bilingual environment, or in a strictly English or French environment.

What are the advantages of a bilingual school?

Mastering two languages can provide greater mental flexibility: thinking skills are increased and individuals are better able to learn and integrate complex concepts, as well as different cultures and ways of thinking. Bilingualism also makes it easier to speak other languages. Indeed, the knowledge of the particularities of speech makes it easier to assimilate the third or even fourth language. Finally, bilingualism promotes communication with others and tolerance of differences. Bilinguals will have greater flexibility in understanding and comparing cultural differences. A taste for foreign travel will be enhanced.

How do you assess a child's progress in a bilingual nursery school?

The progress of pupils in a bilingual nursery school can be monitored using a number of tools. :

Firstly, the teachers at the Chardin bilingual nursery school observe the child's interactions with other children in class. This observation is used to assess the pupils' understanding and use of the target language.

Secondly, the bilingual nursery school programme can include assessments, such as listening and reading comprehension tests, to evaluate the child's linguistic progress. Finally, teachers can create a language portfolio for each child. This contains examples of their work in the foreign language, audio or video recordings of their interactions with other children, and so on. This information provides long-term feedback on the child's progress in learning the target language.

Is growing up in a bilingual environment enriching for my child?

Growing up in a bilingual environment can offer your child much more than just learning a second language. It is possible to enroll your child in a bilingual nursery school from an early age, to help them continue their studies in international establishments.

Improving language skills
Children who grow up in a bilingual environment or who have attended a bilingual nursery school are generally more advanced than those who speak only one language. This is because they are able to interact with people from different cultures and have an easier time learning a new language.

Ability to think more flexibly
Pupils at a bilingual nursery school adapt more easily to new situations. They are also better able to understand different cultures and ways of thinking.

Better social skills
We've noticed that it's easier for these children to interact with people from different cultures, which can only improve their development of social skills and open-mindedness.

Academic benefits
Pupils benefiting from bilingual education generally perform better in reading, writing and mathematics.

Professional benefits
As soon as children are enrolled in a bilingual nursery school, and throughout their school career, they acquire advanced language skills that will give them a professional advantage later on.

What method is taught in a bilingual nursery school?

There is no universal method taught in bilingual nursery schools. It depends on the school's objectives, teaching philosophy and student body. However, some schools may use methods such as linguistic immersion, where teaching is exclusively in two languages, or the proportional method, where one language is used for the majority of lessons with moments of practice of the other language. The main aim is to enable children to become bilingual from an early age.

How long does it take for my child to become bilingual?

Learning time depends on many factors, such as the child's age, each parent's mother tongue and the child's level of exposure to both languages. However, with regular and consistent exposure to two languages from an early age, it is estimated that, on average, a child can become bilingual in four or five years. Of course, this estimate can vary considerably from one child to the next.

Find out more questions and answers
about the Ecole Bilingue Chardin!

FAQ Preschool and Primary School FAQ Daily life FAQ Arts and Sport FAQ Registration and Admissions