English for everyone from the first year of Kindergarten
English as a mother tongue
One of the core values of International School 33 is to educate students so that they find their place in the world of tomorrow. There are more than 180 students of 15 different nationalities in the school. English and French are offered to all in immersion from the first year of kindergarten.
Students learn English and French as a mother tongue, during their sensitive language period, and their teachers, who are native speakers, make them discover their culture.
Spoken language acquisition occurs during childhood in such a way that a child learns languages and all their accentuated subtleties effortlessly, simply by listening and reproducing what is offered.
We take advantage of this sensitive period of language to enable children to master not only their mother tongue, but also one or more foreign languages.
Every day, students study 50% of the time in French, and 50% in English, in immersion, in kindergarten and primary. In middle and high school, students also study the language in immersion 8 to 15 hours per week depending on the level groups (international section or English taught as a second language).
The teaching of Spanish, German and Chinese is offered as an option in nursery and primary. From the 6th year, Spanish or German are part of the common course and Chinese is always offered as an option.
By attending International School 33, children are given the opportunity to master the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.
Nelson Mandela
International Children
French-speaking students or not
The non-French speaking children who join International School 33 have the same timetable as the other students. They learn the French language in half-days in full immersion in kindergarten and primary, and can study Spanish, German and Chinese.
French as a foreign language courses are offered to students with a beginner level.
In middle and high school, the programs are adapted to their level allowing a gentle pedagogical approach so that the students can quickly find their place in the school. New foreign students regularly join our classes during the school year. Therefore, the teachers know how to differentiate their teachings and have different objectives for every student.
The French-speaking world in which foreign students evolve allows them to quickly and easily learn the language under the guidance of teachers anxious to promote their adaptation. They are often accompanied by bilingual students who facilitate their access to educational tools as well as the assimilation of the French language within the framework of school life.
IS33 offers a thriving social ecosystem in which foreign families can bond with parents, students and teachers. Events and activities within the school also reinforce these interactions.
Master writing
Cambridge exams
In elementary school, students’ work is designed for English-speaking children, or specially prepared by native English teachers, depending on the level of students. The language is therefore studied in depth with grammar exercises, vocabulary, writing and listening.
From grade 1, students who wish and are of a sufficient level, are prepared for the Cambridge Young Learners English Tests (YLE).
These tests, highly appreciated by the children, attest to a level of listening, writing and understanding of the language.
Beginning in middle school, students may continue with the rest of the Cambridge exams: Key English Test, Preliminary English Test First Certificate of EnglishCertificate of Advanced English and Proficiency Certificate in English.
Students pass the exams of Cervantés in Spanish, and HSK in Chinese.
To enroll in kindergarten and primary programs, no level in English or French is required, the teacher adapts to each level.
In middle school and high school, the students are grouped in level sections.
The quality of language teaching at IS33 develops a great sensitivity among students, which is a considerable advantage for their future since some students engage in preparation courses within the school to attend the top universities in the world.
Our students maintain a high level and obtain results in oral language tests well above the national average.
