Pedagogical model
Language Teaching
Languages teaching is at the heart of EFI and one of the pillars of its internationality. Our language program is based on several principles:
An early initiation to language through daily instruction
French
French is the main language of instruction, maintaining tradition and excellence.
English
As an international language, English has become essential in the professional world and will be a valuable asset for our students who master it in all its nuances.
Arabic
Arabic, the national language, also has a privileged place in our program and students acquire it with pride.
Because of the way very young children are able to hear sounds, it is essential that our youngest students are given the opportunity to hear the diversity of the French, Arabic and English spoken languages on a daily basis. Most young children are uninhibited and spontaneous. This is a great asset in language learning because they build confidence. Even children who are not yet ready to use the languages will develop a sound and vocabulary base for each, which is essential for when they are ready to produce.
As school time includes daily teaching of English and Arabic throughout kindergarten and primary school, EFI ensures swift and continuous progress in both.
By the end of primary school, all children will have reached a level of English which will allow them to use the language as a work and communication tool.
Mostly native-speaking teachers
All language courses are taught primarily by native-speaking and certified teachers. The linguistic authenticity of our instructors allows students to grasp the natural rhythms and intonations of the language—essential elements in mastering a foreign language—which in turn fosters effective listening comprehension and accurate pronunciation. Moreover, learning from native-speaking teachers offers students rich and authentic cultural insights.
A progressive and active language program:
- During the 3 years of Kindergarten our lessons are centered around playful and interactive learning activities. Children learn by doing, acquiring vocabulary, structures and concepts through games, songs, object manipulation, and experimentation.
- Learning to read and write in English begins only once reading and writing skills have been mastered in French (generally at the end of 1st grade). The transfer of these skills to English then takes place quite quickly, given the similarities of the Roman alphabet. Meanwhile, learning to read and write in Arabic is carried out in a progressive manner, generally as of pre-kindergarten. Our Arabic teachers hold regular calligraphy and writing workshops to students so that the students are progressively accustomed to writing from right to left.
- From 1st grade through 5th grade, English language instruction is reinforced and the number of class hours increases. Progressive theme-based programs in English-only classes as well as co-teaching sessions allows teachers to touch on several disciplines in English. This is a key element of EFI's instruction, which puts students in a position to learn English and to learn in English.
Learning through leveled groups
Based on placement testing at the time of admission, followed by continuous re-assessment throughout the course of the child's schooling, grade-levels are divided into leveled groups as of 1st grade, allowing each student (beginner, intermediate, advanced/native speaker) to follow a course that is best adapted to their development.
Preparation for English language certification
Preparing our students for language certifications every 3 years (3nd grade, 6th grade and 9th grade), allows for objective evaluations at established international levels, adding value to their course of study.
