Language learning at ICS Paris
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A multilingual foundation for global citizens
At ICS Paris we are proud of our international identity, welcoming over 70 nationalities in the school every day. We believe that language is the key to understanding the world, and we aim to empower all of our students to succeed in a global society by becoming multilingual.
Our IB curriculum is taught in English at all stages. We offer a comprehensive programme of English learning support for those students who need extra help to develop their English language skills.
Alongside English, French is taught as a second language at ICS Paris, and all students have regular French classes. From Grade 1 onwards, we support mother-tongue Japanese and Korean through dedicated classes with our language teachers after school.
English language support
We aim to ensure that ICS parents feel supported in raising bilingual and multilingual children.
With over 70 nationalities represented in the student body, for many of our learners, English is not their native language. Our BML (Bilingual and Multilingual Learners) programme helps students access the curriculum by using their mother tongue. Simultaneously, students take part in academic English support to further develop their English language skills. The BML department works alongside subject teachers to create adaptations in the classroom in order to support all students in their learning.
BML support by Grade
Personalised BML support is included in the tuition fee at ICS Paris and takes place during the school day. It is available for students in Grades 1-9.
A layered approach to French language learning
All students at ICS Paris have regular French tuition. We use a structured, competency-based approach to teaching French, ensuring that the goals of the language lessons are highly relevant to each student's specific background and future aspirations.For native French students, we provide a rigorous French programme that ensures development of their native language.The curriculum is designed to deepen their command of the language, ensuring they have the necessary advanced linguistic and cultural competence to successfully apply and attend a French university.
For international students who have no prior experience studying French, the program serves as a fantastic opportunity to learn a new language. For this group, the French lessons are essential for language learning and also for enabling a deeper cultural connection, allowing these students to have a truly immersive experience while living in Paris.
For students from French or multilingual families who are moving back to Paris, the language program acts as a crucial support system for maintaining and developing their linguistic identity. In these cases, the goal is specifically tailored to ensure these students fully achieve and sustain a state of bilingualism or multilingualism, integrating their home language skills with their academic development.
This needs-based layering ensures that every student, regardless of their starting point, has a clear pathway toward academic success and linguistic mastery while at ICS Paris.
French language learning by stage
Additional languages and mother-tongue learning
Students at ICS Paris are able to add a third language – Spanish – from Grade 6 onwards as part of the MYP curriculum. For native Japanese and Korean speakers we offer additional classes after school to continue the progression of their mother tongue.
Additional languages and mother-tongue learning by stage
Do you have questions about languages at ICS Paris?
If you have any questions about how we teach languages at the school, please get in touch with us.