Bilingualism
We define bilingualism as the ability to express oneself in French and in English, orally and in writing, with native ease and compelling effectiveness. 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.
A bilingual curriculum
At Jeannine Manuel School, teaching is shared equally between English and French (with the exception of our anglophone track from Year 11), and all our teachers are native speakers of the language they teach in. As such, they also contribute the educational perspectives of their countries of origin.
French and English language and literature are taught in French and English respectively. Music is also taught solely in English, while Science, Art and P.E. are taught in either French or English. Finally, History, Geography and Mathematics are taught bilingually (except for Year 7 & 8, where Mathematics is taught solely in French), by two separate teachers who will at times come together to offer "crossed perspectives" sessions. The two teachers work closely together to ensure a coherent treatment of the themes covered in class. 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.
Divider Dot Path
Did you know?
We admit students with no French at any point in their education! Students with no English can join us until Year 7.
Unique and tailored methods
Every year, we welcome students who are new to French, English, or both. Our tailored Language+ programmes are designed to support these students, combining immersion with structured language instruction to accelerate their acquisition of both languages. In Primary School, younger learners of English benefit from our very own Knock-Knock™ method, which builds oral fluency through storytelling and age-appropriate vocabulary. Students developing their French follow a similarly structured approach. Regardless of their starting point, all students are fully integrated into the life of the school and supported by dedicated teachers, peers, and a welcoming community.