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The French International School in Colombo: An authentic French school education here in Sri Lanka

23 Oct 2022

By Apsara Kapukotuwa For those interested in following the French national curriculum right here in Sri Lanka, The French International School of Colombo, École Française Internationale de Colombo (EFIC), is the best solution.  Established in 1979, the school is currently located in a central, yet peaceful and residential nook of Colombo 5, at 120, Park Road.   The Sunday Morning Education sat down with Principal Joaquin Del Jesus to get to know more about this hidden treasure.  Following are excerpts of the interview: Why was the EFIC established in Sri Lanka?  The school’s main aim is to enable children of French and foreign citizens temporarily or permanently living in Sri Lanka to access an education that conforms to the requirements of the French Ministry of Education. This enables our students to join any other French school in France or anywhere in the world if they need to.  How is the school organised?  At present we have 43 students and eight members in the teaching staff. We offer a bilingual education (French/English) to children from 2-16 years old that conforms with the official French curriculum.  The school is part of the French Schools Abroad network (AEFE), fully endorsed by the Ministry of Education in France.  The school is managed by the children’s parents, organised in the manner of a non-profit-making association. A school board is appointed annually.  From Nursery School/Kindergarten (from 2-5 years) we follow teaching methods in accordance with official French programmes, developing students’ languages and socialising skills.  Children are admitted to school at the age of two following discussions with the parents according to the level of maturity and autonomy of the children.  The school has four classes with various levels in them. The size of the classes allows the students to be organised in different level groups within the same class. The Infant class covers Small Section (pupils aged 2 to 3), Middle Section (3-4) and Big Section (4-5). The Primary is divided between two cycles; the first one covers CP, CE1 (6-8 years) and the second covers CE2, CM1 and CM2 (9 to 11 years). The Secondary covers every level up to the Baccalaureate. For the Secondary School, teaching is through the National Centre for Distance Learning (CNED). The students are assisted by tutors who help with work organisation and understanding of the lessons. The size of the class entitles each pupil to receive personalised assistance. We help prepare students for the French National Examinations through CNED. The French Government helps French nationals to pay the school fees based on their incomes and children of non-French staff members pay a subsidised school fee. Why choose the EFIC?  The quality of French education is undisputed. French educational institutions are at the forefront and recognised by the European Report on Science and Technologies published by the European Commission, the Shanghai Ranking, Financial Times, and Times Higher Education, to name a few. The French International School in Colombo is an inclusive school and welcomes all students, including those with special needs. As stated before, our school is a member of the AEFE which has 566 educational institutions. It is present in 138 countries, with around 390,000 students from 80 different nationalities out of which 40% are French. It is the largest international education network of its kind. Among the illustrious past pupils of AEFE schools are Mika, Danielle Steel, and Jodie Foster. EFIC is a good place to immerse children in languages and cultures. We celebrate the cultural festivals of Sri Lanka too, so that children get the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka fully.  What if you don’t speak French?  It is not a problem. The courses are adapted to an international audience. We have a specific monitoring system in each class. Two-thirds of the class instructions are in French and one-third in English.  The teaching is done in small groups, giving priority to improving oral skills and allowing students to approach the French language with confidence. We have a programme called the French as a Foreign Language/French as a Language of Education (FLE/FLSco) to accommodate children with little to no French-speaking ability at the EFIC.  A team of dedicated teachers work together with the class tutors to help children follow the curriculum while improving their language skills.  What else does the school offer?  We have yoga, African dance, jiu-jitsu, drama, mini tennis, pottery, jewellery making, hip-hop dance, and arts and crafts. The families register if they want their children to participate. Every semester, the extracurricular activities on offer changes. Also, EFIC provides lunch for the pupils – a balanced menu approved by the parents.  At present, how many nationalities study at EFIC?  The school has pupils from various countries such as France, Sri Lanka, Great Britain, Australia, the United States, Colombia, Maldives, and Turkey.  French and English being the languages of instruction at school encourages children of all languages and backgrounds, especially those from the school’s host country, Sri Lanka, to join a unique learning experience with special attention provided to develop each child’s skills. Future plans for the school? I am in discussions with leading international schools in Colombo to allow our CNED students the opportunity to associate with more students of their age and get more immersed in Sri Lankan life. The AEFE is involved in a sustainability programme, and the EFIC wishes to develop this consciousness. In terms of sustainability, the school is solar powered and encourages students to dispose of their food waste in compost bins in the school compound. We are exploring the idea of getting a few chickens too! Further, the school will participate in beach cleaning and fund-raising sports events. We’ve also begun a project of discovering other cultures and languages of the world and meeting foreign representatives to introduce their country to us.  


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