International Preschool & Primary School in Paris, France

Forest International School, Mareil-Marly:
Based in Mareil Marly, west of Paris, Forest International School offers an education in an exciting, multicultural environment based on children’s natural curiosity and love of learning. We offer nursery school, preschool and primary school programmes. The language of instruction is English. We are a truly international school, and this is reflected in our students and teaching body. We offer small classes, personalised education and a close partnership with parents. Our school's programmes of study and activities foster the cognitive, aesthetic, physical, social and emotional growth of each child. This helps the child to reach his or her greatest potential, but also to be challenged within an academically rigorous, stimulating but also caring environment. Children are encouraged to develop a strong sense of identity, self-esteem and independence.

The school follows the British National Curriculum combined with the International Primary Curriculum. The teaching language is English with optional Dutch and French language lessons available. The children also have regualr sport with swimming in our own covered pool during the warmer months.

Nursery Class:
In the Nursery Class we recognise that young children are very special people with unique personalities and individual needs. We focus primarily on the development of social skills, encourage curiosity for further learning and give the crucial skills for further educational experiences. Here the children learn to share, express themselves in a group situation, listen to the teachers and the peers and ask questions. This way they become active and independent learners.

Pre-school Class for Ages 3-6:
With small class sizes, a stimulating learning environment and a caring, nurturing and secure atmosphere, Forest International School offers your child an excellent start to their education in the Foundation Class.

At Forest School we recognise that children learn in many different ways. Our curriculum is broad and balanced. Lessons are well planned and resourced. Teaching and learning experiences are varied so all children can access the information in their own way. Children are engaged in their learning through an environment and curriculum that promotes excitement about learning, good behaviour and respect for all members of the school community.

Play and exploration is an essential part of children's learning and general development. Children are provided with opportunities throughout the day to engage in a range of creative and imaginative activities, sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of art, design and technology, music, movement, dance and role play activities.

Maths and language teaching takes place in the mornings when the children are at their most receptive. They take part in activities both as a whole class, in small groups and on an individual basis. Work is very hands on and practically based and children are only introduced to the idea of recording their work once they are ready.

Most importantly, within the Pre-school class children are encouraged to become confident and happy learners, prepared to try out new experiences and activities. All children are valued and children learn to value themselves and each other. All children are encouraged to develop self-confidence, to make choices and to take responsibility.

Primary Class for Ages 6-12:
We understand that the first years of primary school are very important for students to build a solid grounding in language and mathematics. At the same time, we want children to have an exciting experience at our school and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Therefore, we have designed a rich and broad curriculum that provides a strong academic foundation and supports children’s diverse backgrounds and interests. Our programme places strong emphasis not only on core academic subjects but also on the arts, music, and sports.

The primary programme prepares children to continue their education either in the French system or International Schools elsewhere in the world. Classes are conducted in English and the children are also given the opportunity to learn another language or develop their mother tongue. The school is aware that many of the children may be required to master a new language, English. Students whose native language is not English will be given our full support so they can take full advantage of our programme.

Admission is open to all pupils, regardless of their nationality, religion or mother tongue. Although we do not have a formal entry test, we ask parents to bring their child for an informal conversation with us.

Forest International School Holiday Club:
Holiday activities run throughout the year for most of the school vacations, within the school and its beautiful surroundings. We are able to accommodate children aged 2 to 10 years, and can adapt any of our programmes to meet the individual requirements of the children who attend. English and French are both spoken and generally both nationalities attend, so it’s an ideal opportunity for the children to use both French and English whilst socialising with their new friends. Our activities include both large themed projects for our older children and many smaller projects for our younger children.

SEN Programme:
At FIS Educational Services we work with children experiencing learning and behavioural difficulties. Over the past years we have been helping children with a variety of concerns:

* Under achieving in school Disruptive behaviour at home and school
* Lack of confidence
* Poor handwriting, spelling and/or numeracy
* Lack of concentration
* Social or behavioural difficulties

We liaise with a range of specialists to provide the most comprehensive service to children with diverse educational needs.The help offered by FIS Educational Services is on an optional basis and only with the full agreement of the parents or guardians of the child.