Learning
Classes and curriculum
Our set-up is similar to French maternelles. Classes number are small, between 8 and 16 children depending on their age.
Pre Petite Section
(PPS)
18 months to 3 years old
Staff ratio under 2s: 1:3
Staff ratio 2yo: 1:5
A settling-in year designed to ease the transition from home to school.
Emphasis on routine, confidence and early language.
Petite Section
(PS)
3 to 4 years old
Staff ratio: 1:8
The first full curriculum year. Building language, independence and social skills in French and/or English.
We strive to ensure children have a smooth transition into Reception.
Moyenne Section (MS)
4 to 5 years old
Staff ratio: 1:8
The final year before Reception.
Strong focus on school readiness, literacy foundations and confident communication in both languages.
Our bilingual approach: One person, one language
At L’École du Parc, we strictly follow the One Person One Language (OPOL) method. Every member of our team speaks exclusively in their mother tongue with the children: our French-speaking teachers always speak French, and our English-speaking teachers always speak English.
This consistency is what makes bilingual immersion work. Children’s brains naturally separate the two languages when they are delivered reliably by different people, building genuine fluency rather than simple translation. From their very first day, children at L’École du Parc are immersed in both languages in a natural, nurturing way.
British and French curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, drawing also on the French maternelle curriculum and Montessori methods. We combine the best of both systems.
As in the British system, we put a lot of emphasis on: Confidence and speaking in public, Arts and creative expression, Outdoor and nature-based learning.
As in the French system, we put a lot of emphasis on: Socialising and learning to be part of a group, Clear routine and structure to the day, Independence and self-care.
Themed learning
Each period, the whole school comes together around one theme such as:
Science, music, nature, art, the people around us, my family.
Every theme ends with something memorable: a workshop at school or an outing that takes the learning into the real world.
