A Bilingual Education
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDSA bilingual education
Is a bilingual, multicultural education preferable to a monolingual education?
Let’s hear it from the experts:
“…a multilingual brain is nimbler, quicker, better able to deal with ambiguities, resolve conflicts and even resist Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia longer.” – time.com
“…multilingual individuals [are] not only superior to their single-language colleagues in terms of their ability to communicate cross-culturally, but also in terms of a wide range of other high level brain functions.” – ablrecruitment.com citing Northwestern University in Illinois research
“Bi-culturals, it turns out, are more creative than individuals who only identify themselves with a single country.” – knowledge.insead.edu
“… bilinguals have shown that they are better able to focus on demanding mental tasks despite distractions.” Variety makes you more mentally fit. – economist.com
“Research demonstrates that we need to reshape our views of early bilingualism: children are born ready to learn the language or languages of their environments without confusion or delay” – national library of medicine
The benefits
Without a multicultural education, many children are unaware of these differences, and few have the occasion to experience this awakening so early in life. Preparing students to be “citizens of the world” is a key part of our educational focus. Students develop self-confidence and the ability to “think on their feet”, challenging assumptions in a way that monolingual education cannot.
Dual immersion in both French and English accelerates comprehension in both languages. Schedules vary somewhat according to age and individual configuration of lessons, but in the Anglophone Section roughly 25% of learning time is spent in a fully English-speaking environment. In such classes, students are taught by experienced, native English teachers.
Remaining classroom time is spent immersed in the French classroom, alongside both Anglophone and Francophone students. And although many of the French professors have a functional understanding of English, their role is to encourage students to strive for complete fluency in French. For students who are completely new to French language and culture, we offer “French as a Foreign Language” lessons to get them up to speed as quickly as possible.
Testimonials
Hi,
Just wanted to send my congrats to all involved in The Phone!
I know it’s a lot of hard work to launch a publication. I’m impressed by the breadth of the stories you all have written, as well as the level of your writing.
I’m a parent of a student in 1ere as well as another in 5e at the collège internationale and am happy to see my children are part of such a vibrant and smart group of young people in the Anglo section. Keep up the great work!
Father of two students
Dear Mr Corrigan,
We just wanted to send a few words – though no words would ever be enough – to thank you, along with Elna, Désirée, and the entire team of teachers, for the extraordinary journey C. has experienced within the section.
Her years in the section have shaped her profoundly – not only intellectually, but in terms of her identity, values, and human depth. The friendships she has formed, the skills she has developed, and the worldview she now carries are lasting treasures. The section is a part of who she is. She will always remain an Ambassador – living proof of your dedication, excellence, and kindness.
A quick update on where C. is headed next: she has accepted an offer from the UFR Droit et Science Politique at Université Paris Nanterre, joining the highly selectiveLicence Droit Français – Droit de Common Law programme (only 115 spots nationwide). It’s a demanding, international and comparative law track that truly aligns with her interests.
She was also admitted to two law BAs in the UK -at Queen Mary University of London and at Warwick- but has decided to stay in Paris for now, with plans to pursue a Master’s degree later on, either in France or abroad. We’ll be sure to keep the section updated on her path as an alumna.
Once again, thank you for everything the Anglophone section of Fontainebleau has given her—your impact will remain with her for life.
Mother of a former student
Let me take this opportunity to thank you and the whole team, teaching and administration, for having taken such good care of my children in their academic and personal developments. Having joined the Anglophone section has given them such a great opportunity to have the best of both education systems!
Mother of two former students
We want you to know how wonderful you all have been and what a rich and stimulating educational experience the Anglophone Section is. We have been so grateful for your support, skills and energy and are sad to leave. My son has really enjoyed his lessons and being pushed to write, to be a creative thinker and to express himself. These are essential life skills and have been an important compliment to the French education system.
Mother of a former student