Welcome to the Elementary School
Written by James Duval   

During the elementary years at BFIS our aim is to provide students with educational opportunities that enable them to grow academically, socially and emotionally.  By empowering the students with a strong foundation of academic skills, a proclivity toward creative thinking and the ability to work effectively both independently and in groups, we believe our students are prepared to conquer the present and future challenges they will face.

058

All students have a homeroom teacher who provides instruction in the core content areas, which include Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies (see the curriculum overview ). In addition to these subjects, students receive weekly classes from specialist teachers in the areas of Art, Physical Education and Music, as well as visits to the Library for increased exposure to engaging literature.

Additionally, BFIS is committed to the Spanish language development of our students, focusing on reading, writing and oral communication skills. Students in our Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten classes receive approximately 90 minutes of instruction each week, while students ingrades Kindergarten through 5th grade have one class period per day designated to building their Spanish language skills.

 

Students with Spanish nationality are also required to study Catalan in Grades 1-5, with the number of hours per week varying at each grade level. Students who are not of Spanish nationality have the choice to study Catalan or receive further enrichment in their study of Spanish as a foreign language.

There are different support services built into the elementary program in order to maximize the growth of our students. These services include the English as an Additional Language program (EAL), Learning Support program and support from our Guidance Counselor. These support services are provided by individuals with areas of professional expertise who work in conjunction with students, teachers and parents to provide to support the individual needs of students. The EAL program supports students whose native language is not English, the Learning Support program aids students with learning difficulties or those having difficulty reaching academic benchmarks set by the school and the Counselor who supports children particularly in the area of social and emotional growth.

By presenting students with a well-rounded school experience, teachers are able to nurture and develop the particular talents and interests of each child while simultaneously imparting students with a concrete foundation of skills necessary for future pursuits.

We believe that the strength of our educational program in combination with our unique international community enables students to embark on a journey of lifelong learning and global citizenship.

Last Updated on Thursday, 19 February 2009 13:29