We define bilingualism as the ability to express oneself in French and in English, orally and in writing, with native ease and compelling effectiveness. This ambitious goal opens the doors of top universities around the world and enables our alumni to live, study, work and excel anywhere in the world. The native command of the nuances of both languages demands a rigorous early learning program as well as need-based support for students who join the School along the way. From inception, Jeannine Manuel School has focused on the teaching and learning of languages in a bilingual context. Our methods rely on structured language immersion and student engagement.
For young EFL children (English as a Foreign Language, i.e. non-English speakers), the School uses the interactive audiovisual Knock-Knock™ method from Year 1 through Year 5. This method, developed by Jeannine Manuel, is based on storytelling with the vocabulary and syntax used by native English speakers in the same age groups. EMT children (English Mother Tongue) follow a school-based native English speaker program using American and British teaching resources.
All teachers are native speakers educated in English-speaking countries. As such, they also contribute the educational perspectives of their countries of origin.
In Primary School, teaching is shared equally between French and English. French language and literature is taught in French throughout. English language and literature, Art, Music and P.E. are taught in English. Science is taught in French until Year 3 and in English subsequently. Mathematics, History and Geography are taught in both languages throughout.
In Secondary School, Science is taught in English and follows an inquiry-based science curriculum conceived at School. History and Geography are taught both in French and in English and students benefit from both perspectives. The two teachers work closely together to ensure a coherent treatment of historical themes.
Through bilingualism, two educational cultures come into contact, two ways of teaching and assessing students, two ways of approaching subjects, and arguably, two fundamental approaches to education.