Our Philosophy
Acknowledging each child’s linguistic background
The main goal of the Sections Internationales de Sèvres is to offer students an education which incorporates French and English or German language and also teaches the cultural values and history of the countries where these languages are spoken.
Thanks to the different viewpoints offered by our bilingual teaching in literature and history/geography, students develop a keen interest in transcultural issues as they progress through the school.
Allowing our children to enrich their individual biculturalism
The SIS thus aspires to provide more than just a high-quality bicultural education. We aim to open children’s minds to the diversity of our world through the dual perspectives of the French public educational system and the non-French systems which form an integral part of their personal history.
The Sections provide a rare example of collaboration between the French state education system and systems in other countries in Europe and beyond.
We wholeheartedly agree with Pierre Joliot, a contemporary French scientist who wrote that “Progress is born from cultural diversity and the affirmation of personality” (from La Recherche passionnément).
“Family” atmosphere
Like our students’ families, SIS teachers come from a variety of English and German-speaking countries. SIS parents, students and staff together form an educational, multicultural and international community which we might even call a family.
Studies are demanding, with a heavy timetable, but we offer support in the form of remedial classes and personalized help. Many say that a “family-like” atmosphere prevails between parents and teachers. Generally speaking, the relationship is friendly and informal.
Committed parents
We also believe firmly in parental involvement in school life. This includes a commitment to supporting their child’s practice of English or German (at home or through spending time abroad, and encouraging them to read in English or German) and also getting involved in the Sections themselves. The Chaville-Sèvres SIS is a French non profit-making association whose members are the parents of the children enrolled in the Sections.
The association is run by a Board whose 13 members are elected volunteer parents. Other volunteer parents run the international library, others are in charge of lunchtime study periods, still others help with the annual play or in the organization of other events.
The alumni association AEPAPSIS has about 800 members. It helps former students keep in touch, and guides them in their higher education choices.
| Enrolling a child in the SIS means that the parents have chosen and believe in France’s state education system, whilst allowing their child to maintain and enrich his or her individual bicultural and bilingual identity. |
Dernière modification le 03-06-10 par
