Élémentaire (Primary School, Ages 6–11)

Cycle 2 of the French Elementary Programme runs from CP to CE2 (Grades 1–3), covering children aged 6 to 9.

Each week includes approximately:

• 1 hr 15 min – Class Council / Homeroom (Vie de classe)
• 10 hours – French Language & Literature
• 5 hours – Mathematics
• 1 hour 30 min – Discovery of the World (Science & History–Geography)
• 2 hours – Arts and Music
• 3 hours – Physical Education
• 1 hour – Moral and Civic Education
• 3 hours – English
• 4 hours – Thai National Curriculum (for Thai nationals)
• 2 hours – Thai Culture (for non-Thai students)
• 2 hours – Spanish or Mandarin *
• 1 hour – Computing / Digital Literacy

* Starting in Year 2 (CE1), pupils add a second foreign language with about two hours per week of Mandarin or Spanish.

Cycle 3 of the French Elementary Programme runs from CM1 to CM2 (Grades 4–5), covering children aged 9 to 11. Each week includes approximately :

• 1 hr 15 min – Class Council / Homeroom (Vie de classe)
• 8 hours – French Language & Literature
• 5 hours – Mathematics
• 2 hr 30 min – History–Geography & Moral and Civic Education
• 2 hours – Arts Education (Visual Arts & Music)
• 3 hours – LV1 Foreign language (English)
• 2 hours – LV2 Second foreign language (Mandarin or Spanish)
• 4 hours – Thai National Curriculum (for Thai nationals)
• 2 hours – Thai Culture (for non-Thai students)
• 3 hours – Physical Education
• 1 hour – Science & Technology

• Progressive literacy instruction – step-by-step mastery of reading and writing.
• Problem-solving in mathematics – applying concepts to real-life contexts.
• Inquiry-based science learning – observation, experimentation, and discovery.
• Collaborative projects – teamwork, discussion, and shared responsibility.
• Bilingual approach – integration of foreign language learning.
• Interactive learning – arts and physical activities for creativity and expression.

At Windfield International School, our French elementary classes integrate Calimots, Maths Access, and Retz methods to provide structured, interactive learning.

• Calimots – A phonics-based reading and spelling programme that helps pupils decode sounds and build strong literacy and writing skills step by step.
• Maths Access – A hands-on mathematics approach using visual models, games, and real-life problem-solving to strengthen logical thinking and numeracy.
• Retz – Grammar – Grammar resources from Éditions Retz that offer progressive lessons and playful activities. They help students understand sentence structure, conjugation, and spelling rules through guided discovery and practice.

These complementary methods enrich the French national curriculum, making lessons both rigorous and engaging while supporting each child’s language and thinking skills.

By the end of Élémentaire, students will have:

• Mastered reading and writing in French with confidence.
• Built strong foundations in mathematics and logical reasoning.
• Developed a basic scientific culture and curiosity about the world.
• Acquired artistic and physical expression skills.
• Learnt to collaborate, respect rules, and take responsibility.
• Progressed in foreign language learning.

In the French Elementary Programme, pupils take national assessments set by the Ministry of National Education (MENJ) from CP to CM2 (Grades 1–5) every September.

These standardized evaluations measure key skills in French language, reading, and mathematics, ensuring that each child’s progress aligns with the official French curriculum and national benchmarks.

In Year 1 (CP), there is also a mid-year assessment in January to monitor reading and numeracy development and provide tailored support.

In addition to these national tests students also follows:

• Continuous assessment through daily observation, class exercises, and projects.
• The Livret Scolaire Unique (LSU), an official digital student record with periodic reports issued in December, April, and June.
• End-of-cycle evaluations at CE2 and CM2 to confirm mastery of fundamental skills.

Validation criteria for promotion include:

• A minimum of 80 % attendance,
• Demonstrated academic progress and results,
• A final decision by the Cycle Council.

This comprehensive approach ensures that each student receives both rigorous national evaluation and continuous, personalized monitoring of progress.

The Élémentaire stage is designed to:

• Consolidate fundamental knowledge in literacy and numeracy.
• Build critical thinking and logical reasoning.
• Develop autonomy, collaboration, and civic values.
• Strengthen bilingual and multicultural learning.
• Ensure a smooth transition into collège (lower secondary, ages 11–15).