As children thrive in a happy family environment, pupils are made to feel welcome,
secure and successful. The class size is small, not exceeding 20 per class. The program
is designed to stimulate the talents, character and personality of each pupil. Much is expected of the children in the traditional areas of reading, writing and mathematics. Investigative work in the sciences as well as hand-on activities in arts, crafts, and
woodwork are emphasized.

KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED

Good communication between the class teacher and the home is maintained to maximize
the child's progress. Each child maintains a "Journal de Classe" which serves as a daily
and immediate means of contact between parent and teacher.

There are regular written reports on a child's progress in the school year. Open days and evening meetings are organized and every effort is made by the school to keep parents aware of their child's progress in every aspect of school life. Although a warm, friendly atmosphere exists within the school, discipline is firm and rules are obeyed. Good social behavior, concern for others, reliability, care for possessions, honesty, and responsibility are encouraged and rewarded.

The Core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science, and the Foundation subjects
are History, Geography, Arts & Crafts, Music, and Physical Education. It is essential that
a thorough grounding in the use of language, that is, reading, writing, and speaking, as
well as in mathematical and scientific skills should be acquired during the primary years. Subjects are taught using a cross-curricular approach involving topic and project work. Topics are carefully planned by teachers and their coordinators.

The Head of School and staff are continually assessing and updating the schools' curri-
culum to meet the needs of multi-national schools.

FRENCH IS TAUGHT AT ALL CLASS LEVELS

A gradual introduction to the French language and culture from the age of four years
(class 1) enables a child leaving the school to be well prepared for transfer to a French-speaking school if desired. The most up-to-date methods and equipment for French as a second language are used. Some pupils join the school with a reasonably good level of French. This is maintained and improved.

From class 4, children are divided into beginning and advanced groups to enable children
to develop their grammar and writing skills at the level which best suits their ability.

• Speaking and Listening, Reading, and Writing - which includes spelling handwriting and presentation.
• In speaking and listening, children are encouraged to develop confidence, to discuss, reason, and to express their feelings.
• A combination of phonics and 'look and say' methods are used when teaching a child to read. Children are encouraged to use a number of strategies in their reading, including the use of contextual and phonetic clues. They are encouraged to predict and read with meaning.

Writing is used to encourage children to present their work in different ways and reflect their use of the language. Although handwriting and spelling are considered important, the emphasis is placed on encouraging creativity and breadth of expression.

COMPUTERS ARE ALL-PERVASIVE
   
All children are encouraged to become proficient in the use of computers, and computers are in regular use throughout the school. Each school has a dedicated computer center. Pupils from class 1 and up receive weekly computer skills training.

MATHEMATICS THROUGH INVESTIGATION

There is daily practice in oral, written and practical mathematics (Text-books, work-books and work sheets are used at each appropriate stage). Children are encouraged to carry out mathematical investigations.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY ARE ESSENTIAL IN AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Longer-term project work based on these subjects, and topics related to the children's interests, are regularly assigned. Projects on the child's own country and culture are encouraged. Other examples include Belgium, European Union, Prehistory, Fossils, Conservation and the Environment.

CHILDREN KEEP HEALTHY THOUGH AN ACTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM

For all children there is weekly swimming with qualified instructors and the opportunity of earning badges and certificates. Some form of physical education is organized daily. Football, netball, rounders, basketball and tennis are amongst some of the sports played in the upper school. The annual sport day is a major events for the children, and their parents.

ARTS AND CRAFTS ARE ALWAYS ON DISPLAY

The school takes great pride in the seasonal displays of children's work throughout the school. Each day children in classes 1 - 3 do some form of Arts and Craft work using a variety of materials and media. Visitors to the school always have a chance to see the children's work.

SCIENCE IS DOING

Science is a core subject and is taught throughout the school. The younger children start learning science through topics about themselves and their immediate environment. The emphasis is placed on investigations and experimental work.

MUSIC AND THEATER ARE ALSO GIVEN PROMINENCE

Singing, recorder and percussion are some of the activities organized by our specialist music teacher.

Children are encouraged to perform in assemblies and in school and class concerts. As well as class lessons, there are recorder groups and a choir. Private lessons in piano, violin, and guitar are arranged after class times.

THE LIBRARY IS ENJOYED BY ALL

One primary aim of the school is to encourage a love of reading and a love of books. The library is kept well-stocked with books for reading, for project and topic work, and of particular interest to the children, such as Usborne Detective Guides and How to Draw. The children are timetabled to use the school library at least once a week. They are encouraged to take out books regularly to enhance their love of reading. The class teachers and librarian help children develop basic library skills. The older children may use some of their library time for research and project work. The class teachers may also check out a number of books for topic work which they can use in the classroom for several weeks.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE CURRICULUM

Educational day visits to a wide variety of places are undertaken. Some of these are situated close to the school whilst others may involve a bus trip; e.g. the caves of Han-sur-Lesse, the Antwerp Zoo, or a sugar beet farm in Flanders. Week-long residential visits for classes 4 to 7 are made to the Belgian coast, to the Ardennes, or to pony camp.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE THE CONCERN OF EVERYONE

Good standards of hygiene and safety are maintained with careful supervision at playtimes.
Regular fire drills are conducted, as well as periodic inspections of electrical, heating, and fire equipment.