Bilingual Teaching at ICS Côte d’Azur: 5 Proven Methods That Empower Preschool and Primary Learners

At ICS Côte d'Azur, bilingualism is not just an academic goal — it’s the foundation for success in our preschool and primary programmes. Rooted in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), our bilingual approach in English and French fosters critical thinking, global awareness, and strong communication skills from the earliest years.

Below, we explore five innovative teaching methods that support language development and empower our students to thrive in a truly bilingual learning environment.

1. Total Physical Response (TPR): Language Through Movement

In our preschool and primary classrooms, Total Physical Response (TPR) is a powerful tool for language acquisition. Young learners respond to spoken instructions with physical actions, helping them connect words with meaning in a memorable and active way.

By integrating movement into daily lessons, TPR supports both English and French language development while enhancing motor skills, boosting engagement, and making language learning fun and intuitive — particularly vital during the Early Years.

2. Mathematics in Two Languages: Building Cognitive Flexibility

At ICS Côte d’Azur, maths is taught through a bilingual lens using elements from both the English and French national curricula. For example, geometry — a strength of the French curriculum — is explored in French, while more advanced fraction work is taught in English using resources like White Rose Maths and Singapore Maths.

This flexible approach supports cognitive agility as students learn to problem-solve in both languages, preparing them for academic success in diverse secondary school systems — whether British, French, or international.

3. Bridging Time: Vocabulary Development Across Languages

Bridging time is a key strategy at ICS Côte d'Azur. These planned bilingual moments allow students from the same year group — whether in French or English classes — to come together and connect their learning across languages.

Instead of repeating the same content, students share key vocabulary and concepts, building a unified understanding that is then reinforced in both languages. For example, while one class may study beehives in English and another the lifecycle of a ladybird in French, vocabulary is purposefully bridged so students can articulate ideas confidently in both languages.

This method deepens comprehension and supports balanced bilingualism from a young age.

4. Daily Reading and Literacy in French and English

Literacy is at the heart of our bilingual mission. From preschool onwards, students at ICS Côte d'Azur are immersed in daily reading activities in both French and English.

Our classrooms and library offer a rich selection of bilingual books, while interactive storytelling, bilingual book fairs, author visits, and themed literacy events inspire a genuine love of reading. These literacy practices not only build vocabulary and comprehension but also strengthen cultural understanding and fluency in both languages.

5. Personalised FLE and EAL Support for Students Joining After Age 7

For children joining ICS Côte d’Azur at age 7 or older, we provide specialised language support through our FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes.

Delivered by expert language teachers, these programmes combine small-group sessions and in-class support to accelerate progress and ease integration into our bilingual environment. This ensures that every child — regardless of their starting point — can thrive academically and socially.

Bilingualism That Opens Doors

Our bilingual preschool and primary programmes are designed to develop far more than language skills. They build confidence, cultural agility, and a lifelong love of learning.

By combining innovative bilingual methods with a caring, international community and a globally respected curriculum, ICS Côte d'Azur prepares students to succeed not just in secondary school — but in life.