Windfield International School
EN | FR

Élémentaire (Primary School, Ages 6–11)

The Élémentaire stage of the French curriculum builds on the foundations of Maternelle and develops essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, languages, and civic education. Covering ages 6 to 11, it is divided into two learning cycles:

  • Cycle 2 (Fundamental Learning, ages 6–9) – CP, CE1, CE2
  • Cycle 3 (Consolidation, ages 9–11, extended into 6e at Collège) – CM1, CM2, 6e

Élémentaire provides children with the knowledge and learning strategies they need to become confident, independent learners.

At Windfield International School, the French Elementary Programme follows the official curriculum of the French Ministry of National Education and covers Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 (ages 6–11).

Throughout these years, pupils strengthen core competencies in:

  • French language and literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History–geography
  • Arts
  • Physical education
  • Moral & Civic Education,
  • Modern languages such as English and additional foreign languages (Spanish & Mandarin).

This progressive pathway builds critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and digital literacy – laying a solid foundation for success in collège and beyond.

  • French Language and Literature – reading fluency, writing, analysis of texts.
  • Mathematics – operations, problem-solving, geometry, measurements, fractions.
  • Science and Technology – living things, matter, physics, chemistry, environment.
  • History & Geography – historical periods, territories, citizenship.
  • Foreign Language – introduction and progression in a second language.
  • Arts and Music – creative expression through visual arts, theatre, and music.
  • Physical Education (PE) – sports, movement, coordination, teamwork.
  • Moral and Civic Education (EMC) – values of respect, citizenship, and democracy.

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).

Why Choose the French Elementary Programme at Windfield?

The Élémentaire stage (ages 6–11) at Windfield International School combines the rigour of the French Ministry of Education curriculum with a rich, multilingual and multicultural environment that few schools can match.

A Rigorous and Balanced Curriculum

  • A structured programme fully aligned with the French Ministry of National Education.
  • A balanced timetable blending academic excellence, the arts, physical education, and civic values to nurture well-rounded, confident learners.
  • Continuous assessment and personalised support to help every child succeed and prepare for Collège and beyond.

Strong Emphasis on Languages and Culture

  • Extensive language learning is at the heart of our elementary programme.
  • English is taught for several hours each week, far exceeding the national requirement.
  • From Year 2 (CE1), pupils may add a second foreign language (Spanish or Mandarin).
  • Thai language and culture are introduced through dedicated weekly sessions, giving students a genuine understanding of their host country.
  • Several non-language subjects—such as Art, Music, and selected Physical Education lessons—are taught in English under the EMIL model (Enseignement de Matières Intégrées en Langue), reinforcing bilingual skills in authentic contexts.

Specialist Teaching Rare in France

Unlike most primary schools in France, Windfield provides subject-specialist teachers in:

  • Art and Music,
  • Physical Education, and
  • Swimming,
    ensuring expert instruction and inspiring, high-quality lessons.

A Nurturing, Multicultural Environment

Set within a truly international community, Windfield offers a warm, inclusive atmosphere where children develop curiosity, respect for others, and the ability to thrive in both French and global settings.

By combining French academic rigour, rich bilingual exposure, and specialist teaching, Windfield’s Elementary Programme builds strong academic and personal foundations -preparing students to excel in Collège and to embrace opportunities anywhere in the world.