Welcome to Rochambeau Elementary School!

Our Director of Elementary School

Yvan Tabellion

MEET THE ELEMENTARY TEAM

(2020-21 team coming soon)

We believe that education is about questioning the world and being fluent in many languages. Not just spoken languages, but also mathematical language, scientific language and the languages of art and music. As early as 1st grade, we prepare students for the world by offering a multicultural and multidisciplinary education.

Throughout elementary school and in all subjects, Rochambeau students are taught to explain the thought process and logic that led them to answer questions or resolve problems.

Developing writing skills in all subjects, they learn to present their thought processes succinctly and with precision. These skills are essential to the academic success of our students.

Yvan Tabellion

Cycles of learning

Rochambeau’s elementary school curriculum is divided into Cycles that allow students time to learn at their own pace and to build on the solid skills and knowledge base they acquire each year.

Cycle 2, “Fundamental Learning”:
1st through 3rd grade

The Fundamental Learning Cycle is dedicated to advancing reading skills in both French and English, writing in cursive, understanding and writing numbers, and small number calculations. Students progressively master oral expression skills in all subjects, while enriching vocabulary and improving spelling.

Elementary students are given a global introduction to history, geography and the sciences, as well as art, music and physical education. Third grade students are also encouraged to begin study of a third language.

"My child is starting 1st grade" Info

Cycle 3, “Consolidation”:
4th to 6th grade

From 4th to 6th grade, students not only consolidate their Cycle 2 knowledge base, they study art history, science & technology, history, geography & civics in a more formal learning in greater depth.

6th grade is an important part of the Consolidation cycle. It acts as a bridge to Middle School, introducing students to the new rhythm, teaching structure and new approach to teaching and learning. Beginning in the final year of this cycle, 6th grade, the program is taught exclusively by specialized teachers in specific subject areas.

Overview by grade

1st grade - CP

First grade is an important step in your child’s education. It's the start of “big kids’ school” and the beginning of the "Fundamentals" learning Cycle. It is a very important year for reading and writing skills.

First graders subjects studied are French, English, math, physical education, music, art, science & technology, history & geography, and US history & geography. 80% of instruction is in French and 20% in English.

Students learn to tackle more complex problems and to ask and answer open-ended questions that require a deeper, more constructive thought process.

1st grade Course Description

2nd Grade - CE1

In which each student will acquire knowledge and skills at his or her own pace, mastering some of the fundamentals of the French language and the basics of mathematics are the priorities of Cycle 2. This provides students with a foundation of fundamental learning tools.

The curriculum also includes the visual arts, music, physical education and sports, as well as ethics and civics instruction. Equally important, students learn to question the world around them,

For English instruction, students are grouped according to level and teachers adapt course content to ensure that all students, whether beginners or native English speakers, make good progress, They consolidate English reading and writing skills in parallel with French.

2nd grade Course Description

3rd grade - CE2

4th and 5th Grades - CM1 & CM2

4th and 5th grade is part of Cycle 3 of learning, "Consolidation." During these years, teachers guide students to consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired up to this point, especially the French language and mathematics as these are essential requirements for success in middle school.

Students are introduced to methods of scientific experimentation and enhance their observational skills. They will also expand their literary and artistic sensitivity, and continue to build fine and gross motor skills.. Educational tools and subject-area specialists are available for students who require extra academic support. Teachers often work in pairs to ensure that all students receive the personalized attention and guidance they need to achieve success.

4th & 5th grades Course Description

FOUNDATION
SUBJECTS

FRENCH IMMERSION

SPANISH ELECTIVE

INTERNATIONAL SECTION

Enrichment program

SCHOOL LIBRARY

Assessing Student Progress

The French curriculum sets expectations for the end of each cycle and specifies targeted competencies and knowledge. Using benchmarks, teaching staff must tailor various learning to suit student's ages and acquisition rates. Two standardized tests in mathematics and in French are administered once or twice a year to measure student progress.

From 1st to 5th grade the curriculum is mainly supported by a single multi-skilled teacher who can provide cross-disciplinary teaching and establish links between the various areas of the common foundation. Select subjects, including English, are taught by specialists as outlined in the previous tables.

ENTERING 1ST GRADE	Measuring students capacity to learn how to read and verbal skills + Mathematics skills
END OF 1ST GRADE	Reading fluency and spelling capacities
ENTERING 3RD GRADE	Measuring literacy + Mathematics capacities