Interview: The Value of Bilingual Education in Preschool and Primary

We recently sat down with MumAbroad, a trusted resource for international families across Europe, to discuss the value of bilingual education in the early years and primary school. In this condensed version of the interview, we explore the benefits of a bilingual curriculum, how it supports academic and personal growth, and what makes ICS Côte d’Azur a unique environment for multilingual learning.

👉 Read the full interview on MumAbroad: https://mumabroad.com/value-of-bilingual-education-preschool-and-primary

What makes ICS Côte d’Azur’s approach to bilingual education in Preschool and Primary stand out from other schools in the region?

Let me explain the ICS Côte d’Azur’s French-English immersion model. Our approach stands out for its truly balanced 50:50 bilingual model. Unlike other schools that may offer limited exposure to a second language, our students spend one full day learning in English and the next in French. All subjects — including maths, science, literacy, and the arts — are taught in both languages by native-speaking teachers, ensuring deep understanding and fluency in both.

We follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), enriched by the best of the English and French national curricula. Our diverse community of local French and international families creates a multicultural environment where children develop curiosity, confidence, and global awareness from an early age.

How does your full immersion model work in practice for young learners just starting out with two languages?

Our full immersion model is designed to support young learners from day one, even if they have never been exposed to English or French before. We believe bilingual learning matters early on; up to the age of 7, children can join ICS Côte d’Azur with no prior knowledge of either language and quickly begin to thrive in our bilingual environment. With one full day in English and the next in French, they are immersed in both languages naturally and consistently through meaningful, everyday experiences.

Our trained, experienced teachers use proven strategies such as Total Physical Response (TPR), visual supports, and play-based learning to help children understand and communicate with confidence. Language is learned in context — through stories, songs, games, and hands-on exploration — making it accessible and engaging. This gentle, responsive approach ensures that children feel secure, motivated, and ready to become confident bilingual learners.

For children who join ICS a little later, how do your EAL and FLE programmes support their language development?

For children who join ICS Côte d’Azur later and need additional language support, our EAL (English as an Additional Language) and FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) programmes are carefully designed to help them build confidence step by step. We use a combination of pull-out sessions, where students receive focused, small-group or one-on-one support, and push-in sessions, where language specialists work alongside classroom teachers to support learning within the regular lessons.

Our first priority is helping students gain confidence speaking and using the language in everyday situations. Once they feel more comfortable expressing themselves orally, we gradually develop their comprehension, reading, and writing skills. This personalised, flexible approach ensures that each child progresses at their own pace and becomes fully integrated into our bilingual learning community.

Can you share how bilingualism at ICS Côte d’Azur sets children up for future academic success, whether they stay in France or move abroad?

Bilingualism at ICS Côte d’Azur is more than just learning two languages — it’s about developing cognitive flexibility, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills that set children up for long-term academic success. By learning in both English and French every day, students gain the ability to think, understand, and express themselves confidently in both languages across all subjects.

This foundation opens doors no matter where their future takes them. Whether children continue their education in France or move abroad, their bilingual skills and experience with the IB PYP make them adaptable, open-minded, and well-prepared to transition into a wide range of school systems around the world.

What advice would you give to parents who would like to instil bilingualism at home from a very young age?

We encourage parents to create a language-rich environment by reading regularly in both languages and making stories a fun, daily habit. Engaging children in activities outside of school—like local clubs or cultural events—helps them practise language skills while feeling part of the community. Showing genuine interest in their learning and celebrating their progress also motivates children to enjoy and embrace both languages naturally.

What makes ICS Côte d’Azur such a special place to learn and grow?

What makes ICS Côte d’Azur truly special is the genuine sense of community and care that surrounds every child. Here, language learning is brought to life through engaging, immersive learning experiences, supported by dedicated teachers who know each student as an individual. Combined with our diverse, multicultural environment and a strong focus on wellbeing, creativity, and curiosity, ICS provides a warm and inspiring place where children can thrive academically, socially, and personally.