Welcome to the ANGLOPHONE SECTION in FONTAINEBLEAU!

Transcription

1 NEW STUDENTS' GUIDE Welcome to the ANGLOPHONE SECTION in FONTAINEBLEAU! An introduction to help you settle into your new school THE SECTION WITHIN THE SCHOOL It is important to remember that the Anglophone Section is not a school. The Anglophone Section is run as an Association 1901, a non-profit making organization administered by a Board comprised of member parents. Our Section has approximately 440 pupils, aged between 6 and 18 from 22 nationalities, who all follow the full French State programmes of studies and, in addition, the specific Anglophone curriculum. Created by the Ministry of Education, the Section operates as a fee-paying division and is integrated within the French state host schools on the International Campus, which are administered as three separate units: L École Internationale Léonard de Vinci Primary/Elementary Le Collège International Middle School Le Lycée International François Premier High School Primary education begins at age 6. The 300 pupils of the school are divided into 11 classes in five year-groups: CP, CE1, CE2, CM1 and CM2. At approximately the age of 11, pupils usually move up to the Collège where they will spend 4 years of their school career in sixième, cinquième, quatrième and troisième. Then follows the Lycée which makes up the final 3 years of secondary education: Seconde - ail students study the same subjects, other than a few options. Anglophones take the IGCSE exams. Première - students start study in one of three sections: 1 e L Literary 1 e ES Economy & Social Studies 1 e S Maths and Science Terminal most students apply to university and take the OIB examination. 1 08/2016

2 As this is a French School, most subjects are taught in French. The only subjects taught in English by Anglophone Section teachers are: English Language & Literature and History-Geography. Teaching by the Section will account for approximately 6 hours of the students weekly timetable from Primary through to Lycée. Fluency in spoken and written French is, therefore, a vital key to success in this curriculum. LEARNING FRENCH Students can join this school in the Primary Section or in the Collège even if they do not speak any French. This is not the case for students who enter the Lycée, where it is essential that all students are totally fluent in French. This means that, no matter when you join the school, your French MUST be excellent by the time you move into Seconde. All Primary and Collège students who do not master French will embark on a programme of French as a Foreign Language (Français Langue Etrangère/Français spécial). In Primary classes this normally amounts to one hour per day with a specialised teacher, who works closely with the French class teacher (maître / maîtresse), which helps pupils to get up to level in French. In Collège, the number of hours may vary from year to year, but the FLE programme should be of a minimum of 3 hours per week. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of speaking, reading and writing well in French. It is crucial to study, do the homework set and make the most of all opportunities to practise. Of course it is difficult to sit in a classroom studying a subject when you will, at the beginning, understand very little of what the teacher is saying. By being patient and listening attentively, you will be surprised how quickly you begin to understand. When a new student arrives, he or she is helped by other pupils who speak both French and English so he or she can find their way around and understand what is happening. It is important not to speak English with friends in class. This will hinder progress and is considered very discourteous to the French teacher. 2 08/2016

3 The French teachers understand how difficult things are at the beginning - all they expect are attention and courtesy - a smile does wonders! They will probably not give grades for a while, but will comment on the student s attitude and progress. French teachers keep the Head of the Anglophone Section informed about how the new students are settling in. As soon as possible, students should try to become involved in French activities - by joining local sports groups or signing up for cultural activities, for example. Some students manage to become very fluent in French extremely quickly, but the "experts" talk in terms of 18 months. Here we have found that one school year is often enough to enable students to become very comfortable with most aspects of written and oral French. The Anglophone Section is very much a part of the schools. Any pupil accepted into the Section is, first and foremost, a pupil in the Primary School, the Collège or the Lycée. Our Section pupils must obey the same rules and follow the same procedures as all the other pupils. The French Education system is based on academic excellence and intellectual discipline. All students must understand that they are expected to work hard both in school and at home. - Homework is not an optional extra and all students will need to spend time going over what they have studied during the day and, depending on their age, doing a certain amount, sometimes a significant amount, of written work at home. Expectations for homework can be found on the Section website. INSURANCE Families will be asked to confirm what arrangements they have made for insuring their children as the school will not take any pupil on trips or activities unless insurance cover is total. Most home insurances contain a clause that protects third parties against bodily harm or damage your children may cause, but this does not cover damage or bodily harm they may suffer themselves. It is therefore strongly advisable to subscribe to one of the inexpensive national school insurance policies (assurance scolaire) offered even if you feel that your own family cover is adequate. 3 08/2016

4 ANGLOPHONE SECTION AIMS To ensure that each child fulfills his or her potential in the Anglophone subjects and activities. To promote the pleasures and values associated with intellectual curiosity, creativity and learning. To develop the highest possible standard of competence in written and spoken English. To create, maintain and strengthen knowledge and understanding of the Anglophone culture, past and present. To ensure compatibility of the education provided with potential integration of the students into Anglophone educational systems. To facilitate the students social and moral development and mutual understanding and tolerance within a multicultural framework To generate, manage and employ financial revenues sufficient to ensure the optimal development of educational resources: within the limit laid down in the Statutes and confines of the French educational system while maintaining fees, as far as possible, within the reach of potential candidate families. To positively facilitate the integration of Section students into the French educational and cultural system. 4 08/2016

5 PRIMARY SCHOOL Parents have tocheck the residence requirements for entry to the school. It may be necessary to ask for a dérogation from their local Mairie. Enrolment procedures include registering children at the Espace Famille (12-14 rue du Château) near the Mairie in Fontainebleau. This includes enrolling pupils for cantine and morning or afternoon child care. The timetable for all pupils is as follows: MON, TUES, THURS, FRI to lunch break to WED to no school Gates open 10 minutes before 8.15 and Please be on time! The school is not under the obligation to open the gate for latecomers and you may be asked to go to the Collège gate with some form of identity in order to be admitted onto the campus. Please note: some Anglophone Section year groups have their English classes towards the end of the day which means that once a week their school day ends at In this applies to pupils in CE1, CE2, CM1 and CM2. Parents of children in these years have to sign the declaration form included in the Welcome folder. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday CE1 CP CP CM2 CM CM1 CM2 CE1 CE2 CP & CE lunchtime CM2 CE2 CM1 CP & CE CE2 CM1 CE1 CM2 The Anglophone teachers in Primary are: Mrs Vercoutre, Mrs Waddington, Mrs Rangan and Miss Jamieson. Each Section pupil has four English sessions, spread throughout the week. The rest of the time, they will be in a French class with their French teacher. Some of their English-speaking friends will also be in that class with them. There is always a break mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Most pupils like to bring a snack or a drink for this time. For the French side there are lists of the necessary stationery per year group on the notice boards outside the school. For the Anglophone Section most books and equipment are provided, but students will need to provide two exercise books. Information about this and any other material you need to bring will be given by your English teacher. Students also need a satchel or back-pack and a pencil case with pens, pencils etc. Most children have lunch at the school cantine (parents apply for places when enrolling at the Espace Famille). In certain cases, for medical reasons, children can bring a lunch box. This should also be arranged with the Espace Famille. Volunteer parents may offer a range of activities (arts & crafts and games) during lunchtimes. The Section is keen to promote such initiatives which are of enormous benefit to pupils. 5 08/2016

6 For those who are enrolled at the Espace Famille for after-school care, there are three distinct periods. Because of the security situation in France (plan Vigipirate) children will only be allowed to leave the school grounds after each of these periods. The first is a supervised playtime from to During the second, from to 17.00, a team of young activity leaders, under the auspices of the town council, present a variety of artistic and cultural activities (les NAP - Nouvelles Activités Périscolaires) to the children. Those with homework will be given the time to do it. From till there is study or playtime. For those who enrolled on a Wednesday, there is a supervised playtime from till All Primary pupils who arrive in the school with little or no knowledge of French will (with the possible exception of CP students) follow a special programme of French as a Foreign Language (FLE/Français spécial) designed to help them learn the language as quickly as possible. Pupils will have sports/physical Education classes with specialised sports teachers. Depending on the year group, children will also go (by bus) to the nearby swimming pool for swimming lessons. There is also an Anglophone Family Sports Day that will take place this year on the 17 th of September. It is a very good way for newcomers to meet other parents and children in the Section. Traditional games such as the egg and spoon race, the sack race and the three-legged race run alongside some more inventive ones, such as the welly-wangling competition. In all the year groups there are school day-trips and parents may be asked to accompany these excursions. The highlight of the Primary Anglophone Section year is the Drama production by CM2s in the historic Municipal Theatre in Fontainebleau. Costumes, scenery and music accompany the pupils star acting performance to the delight of young and old. In the Anglophone Section, Primary school reports are given twice a year. Parents are given the opportunity to meet their child s teacher for a short discussion in the January parent-teacher meetings. If parents would like to discuss work and progress with their child's French teacher, one of the Section teachers could act as interpreter if necessary. Section teachers are available throughout the academic year. To arrange an appointment, parents should contact the Section office. 6 08/2016

7 COLLÈGE LANGUAGE STUDY When enrolling in the Collège, students will be asked to choose which Modern Language (LV1) they want to study in 6 e The choices are German, Portuguese or Russian. Anglophone students are not obliged to take a Modern Language at this stage. Anyone whose knowledge of either English or French is weak would be discouraged from embarking on yet another language. For some students, the transition to the demands of 6 e is a difficult one and it is often better for such students to have more time to concentrate on organizing their work in fewer subjects. When entering 5 e, students will be asked to choose a second Modern Language (LV2). The choices are German and Spanish. If a student already studies a LV1 he or she will not be obliged to choose another language. The Anglophone curriculum in Collège consists of 6 hours of lessons per week: 4 hours of English and 2 hours of History-Geography. At the beginning of 3 e Section students embark on the two-year curriculum in English Language, English Literature and History-Geography to prepare for the three igcse (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) certificated exams taken at the end of Seconde. At the end of 3 e, all students in France take a French State exam le Brevet des Collèges. There is also an oral exam in each of the Anglophone subjects The Anglophone Section teachers in Collège are Mr Corrigan, Mrs Kendrick, Mr Sanderson, Mr Arthur, Mr Tillier, Miss Rios, Mr Loxham, Mr McIntyre, and Miss Vaughan. SCHOOL DAY ln Collège, you will have lessons all day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and until on Wednesdays. Each day's time-table may be a little different, but classes normally take place between 8.30 and LUNCH Students will either go home for lunch (externe) or stay at the cantine (demi-pensionnaire). They should remember that there will be days when they have only a relatively short lunch break, so going home might not be advisable; anyone living outside Fontainebleau would probably find it impossible. VIE SCOLAIRE This is the name for the part of the school administration which deals with all aspects of school life apart from teaching. If you are late for school, have been absent or need to deal with administrative matters, you normally go to this office. They also handle all aspects of discipline. Please note that in French Middle Schools, a nurse is not available every day, so the vie scolaire office can be used if you are feeling a little unwell and until your parents can be contacted. No medicine can be given by the staff unless arrangements have been made. 7 08/2016

8 DISCIPLINE You will be given a copy of the School Rules (Règlement Intérieur) by the Collège. It has to be signed by the parents and the student. In case of infringement to the school rules, students may asked to do extra work or given detention. As in all education systems, disciplinary matters are treated with the utmost seriousness. In keeping with French school policy, serious disciplinary issues within any part of the school could result in a student being removed from the Anglophone Section. One of the most important documents you will be given is the Carnet de Liaison. As its name implies, this is intended to serve as a link between the school and the student s family and must in the school bag at all times. If a pupil arrives late for school or has been absent, there are parts of the book which must be completed by his or her parents. They must also sign any messages which teachers write in the book, as well as monthly marks or grades. If parents wish to see a French teacher, or vice-versa, there are special pages for correspondence. If any discipline problem arises, this will also be marked in the carnet. While the pastoral care of each young person falls under the responsibility of each French school, the Anglophone Section provides complimentary pastoral care in English. Mrs Kendrick oversees the well-being of our students from our own cultural perspective. She may be contacted at any time through the Section office. There will be a bi-cultural and bilingual professional in Collège once a week, who will be available to listen to students who wish to talk to her about any concerns they may have. Introduced last year, this has proven to be a great success. GRADING Teachers in France mark, or grade, on a scale from 0 to 20. Pupils usually have frequent tests (interrogations) or more formal exams (contrôles). At the end of each term, there is a full meeting (conseil de classe) when all the teachers from the class, together with two elected representatives of the pupils and the parents' representative, sit down with the Head of School or the Deputy Head to discuss every child in the class. Following this you will receive a bulletin or termly report. Anglophone Section teachers are fully involved in this but, in addition, you will receive an Anglophone report each year and parents can come to speak to Section teachers at Parent/Teacher meetings. Appointments with teachers may be arranged at any time throughout the school year by contacting the Section office. LIBRARY The Anglophone Section has a well-stocked library with a wide variety of books. Library hours depend on the presence of Section teachers and upon request. Miss Rios is responsible for the Section library. 8 08/2016

9 DRAMA Drama plays an important part in the life of the Section and every year you will be asked if you would like to take part in one of our superb drama productions which are staged in Fontainebleau Municipal Theatre. BUTHIERS CAMP Soon after the start of the school year we organise a weekend camp at the Buthiers Base de Loisirs. This is open to ail Collège Anglophone Section students and gives students the chance to try out treetop treks, zip wires and rock-climbing with Section friends and teachers. Priority is given to 6 e students, newcomers and students who had never been. This year the camp will take place from Friday 23 rd September to Sunday 25 th September. ANGLOPHONE SECTION CHOIR The Section choir welcomes all Collège anglophone students who like to sing to join the choir lead by Mr Corrigan. The choir perform at least twice a year: at Christmas-time and at the prize-giving ceremony. The first meeting will be on Wednesday 7 th September, from to in room 100. LONDON THEATRE TRIP In 4 e, Anglophone Students go on a 3 to 4-day theatre trip to London. This provides a cultural and social experience for the students while introducing them to some first-class theatre. INTERNATIONAL DAY International day normally takes place an afternoon in June. There are stalls and concerts and eat and treats galore. The more than 900 collège students of different nationalities and their families look forward to this day every year. Volunteer parents would be very welcome for representing their countries with a display of images and artefacts which portray their culture. 9 08/2016

10 LYCÉE SECONDE At the end of Seconde, students take the Cambridge igcse qualification in English Language, English Literature and History-Geography. This core programme is certificated and provides an excellent foundation for the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat in 1 e and T e. These qualifications are recognized by universities and can, therefore, strengthen applications. PREMIÈRE AND TERMINALE All Section students entering 1 e embark on a 2-year programme leading to the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB). Whether in 1 e L, 1 e ES or 1 e S, the programme of studies is identical to that of any other general lycée student, with the exception of English and History- Geography (the two subjects specific to the International Option). The OIB is jointly certified by the University of Cambridge International Examinations and the French Ministry of Education. It provides students with a university entrance qualification valid in both France and Britain. The exam consists of a 4-hour written paper in English plus a ½-hour oral and 4-hour written paper in History-Geography, with a 20 minute oral. There is a substantial difference between the weighting given to OIB subjects and the regular History and English (LV1) of the standard French baccalauréat. This compensation for the work of the students should be looked at with great interest. Fontainebleau is the second largest OIB examination centre in France. Unlike many Sections, our students sit the orals and written papers in their own school. Most of the Anglophone Section teachers are OIB examiners and travel all over Europe to administer the exam. The Anglophone Section teachers in Lycée are Mr Corrigan, Mrs Kendrick, Mr Sanderson, Mr Arthur, Mr Tillier, Mr Loxham and Mr McIntyre. MUN The Anglophone Section has been sending delegations to Model United Nations (MUN) conferences for many years. They are: SAIMUN - St. Andrew s International MUN conference in Dublin for 2 e students THIMUN - The Hague International MUN conference for 1 e students PAMUN Paris MUN conference for T e students FIMUN Fontainebleau International MUN conference for all Lycée students (compulsory for 2 e and 1 e students). The underlying idea is that of role-playing simulations of the work of the United Nations, aimed at encouraging young people to take an active part in the events of their world in order to promote international tolerance, understanding and cooperation. Schools throughout the world are invited to participate and represent one or more UN member states. Initially each school submits a list of countries in which they are particularly interested and then a draw is made to determine the final attribution of countries. Over the years our Lycée students have represented many nations /2016

11 In terms of preparation, various stages are gone through: All students undertake thorough research of the country attributed to the delegation. Everyone must become well-acquainted with current events and all pupils are involved in both debates and the presentation of written papers. Each individual delegate selects a UN Committee or Commission in which he/she is particularly interested (e.g. Economic Issues, the environment, plight of refugees, etc.) and through research and presentations becomes the delegation expert in the field. An ambassador is selected, whose main function is to make a one-minute presentation of the country and its political agenda to the entire Conference (sometimes an audience of over 3500). Students debate issues in class and learn to write UN resolutions in the appropriate manner. The delegation participates in mock preparatory debates with other participating schools, e.g. Lycée International St. Germain, American School of Paris, etc. A group of delegates prepare a list of questions and visit the country s Embassy in Paris. Most of this preparation talks place in the MUN club, an extra-curricular club which is, in a large part, run by senior students. Pupils from the Germanophone Section and European Sections are also welcome to participate. These conferences (which are, of course, conducted in English) and the preparation for them constitute one of the most exciting and stimulating educational opportunities available. They are formative, highly-enjoyable events which frequently instil in our delegates a lifelong interest in world affairs. This sort of experience can reinforce university applications and a number of our former pupils have, thanks to their MUN experience, embarked on university courses and subsequently professional career paths in Foreign Affairs, International Relations or related subjects. The French administration of the Lycée fully appreciates the importance of this experience for our students. THEATRE Every year our Lycée students can audition for a part in the Lycée play (traditionally an adaptation of a popular musical). A member of the staff directs the plays and parents play an integral part in assisting. Your offer to help with costumes, sets, song coaching, or choreography will be welcomed and is indeed encouraged. GUIDANCE FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE In addition the the careers forums organized by the Collège and Lycée, the Anglophone Section provides support and guidance for applications made to English speaking universities. Typically, just over half of Terminales students apply to UK universities with between 5% to 10% to the institutions in North America. In addition, we have students apply for courses taught in English in European universities such as those in the Netherlands and Italy. Mr Corrigan overseas all applications. Each T e student is allocated a lycée teacher who will meet with them, guide them through the process and write the school reference. Mr Corrigan holds two information evenings in December and 3 e to 1 e students are encouraged to attend with their parents /2016

12 The Section is a member of the Independent Schools Career Organisation (ISCO) which assists us in keeping up to date and which provides information and support for countries with which we may be less familiar. Finally, in partnership with ISCO, we are able to offer families the possibility of signing up (at a discounted price) for Futurewise, a personalized career guidance and planning service. This service provides subscribed students a careers service until the age of 23 years. This includes psychometric testing, meetings with a counsellor and unlimited telephone support /2016