Our Pedagogical Project

"The limits of my language are the limits of my world" Ludwig Wittgenstein, Mathematician and Language Philosopher. Language immersion replicates the natural way a baby learns their native language: they listen, absorb, and one day... they speak!

Immersion allows for maximum exposure to language. Teachers and assistants only speak in their native language throughout the day. This immersive introduction of English promotes listening skills and allows the child to "discover" a new language as early as 2 years old. They understand the topics discussed through workshop contexts (language image). Gradually, they acquire practical automatisms that will be useful for communicating with their English-speaking or French-speaking peers.

The international environment of our bilingual immersion school makes language a necessity: "to play with my friend, I have to communicate with them" and thus find a common language. Language practice becomes a necessity in an intercultural environment. The child, who wants to exchange with their friend, quickly understands the importance of learning this new language. Their motivation is naturally reinforced by the joy of discovery.

"A child does better when he/she feels better." Jane Nelsen

Positive Discipline is an educational approach that fosters social skills and mutual respect through caring and respectful teaching. It offers alternative solutions to punishment, creating a healthy learning environment. Developed by Jane Nelsen, Positive Discipline balances firmness and kindness, promoting self-confidence, sociability, autonomy, and empathy in children. Disagreements are addressed through compassionate communication.

Our teachers are trained in Positive Discipline and it is applied in both of our schools.

Learn more by reading "Positive Discipline" by Jane Nelsen, adapted by Béatrice Sabaté, published by Marabout. ISBN-13: 978-2501141314.

The well-being of both children and teachers is at the heart of our educational project. Well-being can be achieved in several ways: Psychologically, it means having a zest for life and emotional harmony. Physically, it is linked to a healthy environment and lifestyle. Intellectually, it is manifested through curiosity and the joy of learning. Socially, it is expressed through fulfilling relationships with peers and teachers.

Thanks to our small class sizes, our teachers are able to support each child in their learning, promoting their well-being and sense of belonging. Small class sizes also contribute to the atmosphere of well-being in the classroom. In addition to student well-being, the school places special emphasis on teachers the well-being. We strive to take all necessary measures to create the caring atmosphere that is close to our hearts and that we want to transmit to our students.

Why learn coding from Grande Section (5 years old) ?

Teaching coding to children is akin to introducing them to Descartes' 'Discourse on the Method' from a young age. This experience nurtures their ability to structure thoughts, distinguish truth from falsehood, break down complex problems into simpler components, progress from simple to complicated concepts, and thoroughly consider all cases and exceptions.

A brief overview of coding: At its core, coding is an activity where logic fuels creativity. It's a language that empowers children to channel their inventiveness. Through coding, children not only learn to use digital technology as a tool for creativity but also gain a captivating introduction to mathematics. Moreover, coding fosters a spirit of collaboration and perseverance in solving problems, contributing significantly to the development of structured thinking.

School History.

1953 - 2023: Serving families for 70 Years

1953 Foundation.

In 1953, Françoise Thézard founded the Petit Cours du Rocher, a pioneering bilingual nursery school in the heart of the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Françoise, who had previously taught young children in London, recognized the importance of English language proficiency in promoting open-mindedness among French children. With this vision, she established a private and secular kindergarden school dedicated to bilingual education. Today, Petit Cours du Rocher remains a leading institution in bilingual education, providing young children with a strong foundation in both French and English.

2002 Positive Discipline

In 2002, Clémence Caux assumed the directorship of Petit Cours du Rocher, following a 20-year career teaching and leading schools in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Drawing on her international experience, Clémence infused the school with a dynamic international perspective and strengthened its immersive bilingual program (50/50). Upon her return to France, she also introduced the innovative principles of Positive Discipline to the school, while preserving its cherished traditions. Today, Petit Cours du Rocher remains at the forefront of Positive Discipline education in France, a testament to Clémence's visionary leadership.

2019 STEM.

In 2019, Stéphane Lebrati took over as the president of our school, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a former school director and a former coder in London, New York, and Milan. Under his leadership, we opened the primary cycle, Le Petit Cours du Rocher - Faubourg Saint-Honoré, at 230 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, to meet the growing demand from parents for continued education within the philosophy of Petit Cours du Rocher. We're proud to be the first school in France to integrate a FabLab at the kindergarten-primary level, making us pioneers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education.

Headteachers

Kristina Gavin

School Principal, Le Petit Cours du Rocher – Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Kristina Gavin is an experienced and dedicated primary educator and head teacher who has worked in bilingual settings in both Canada and France. With a strong academic background - a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University and a Master of Education from McGill University - Kristina combines evidence-based practice with a deep understanding of child development. Kristina is especially passionate about early bilingual literacy and mathematics acquisition - two fields she explored extensively through her academic research.

Paula Buswell

School Principal, Le Petit Cours du Rocher – Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Paula Buswell, a primary school teacher, has taught preschool and served as a school director in international bilingual education. With experience living among three languages and cultures, she brings a unique perspective to the school. Mrs Paula Buswell holds a Master's degree in History and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Passionate about early childhood education, she inspires children to enjoy learning and growing in a bilingual and multicultural environment. She promotes active teaching methods and Positive Discipline.

Join our Teaching Team!

Join our dynamic team of passionate educators at Le Petit Cours du Rocher! Our bilingual school has been providing exceptional education since 1953, catering to pre-K, kindergarten, and primary students. Our unique immersion program in French and English combines the best of both the French National Curriculum and the British Curriculum. With limited class sizes of 20 students, our teachers can provide individualized attention and foster a positive and nurturing learning environment. We value the well-being of both our students and teachers, and strive to create a supportive and familial atmosphere. Come join us and be part of a community that values and recognizes your hard work and dedication!

Join Us

In The

Our FabLab's "Engineering for Kids" program is a one-of-a-kind initiative in France, specifically designed for preschool and primary school students. This innovative approach has captured the interest of the media and has been featured in numerous press articles due to its uniqueness:

Madame Le Figaro

Sciences et Avenir