Fuelling curiosity, shaping futures – your journey begins here!

Committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative environment, we inspire the intellectual and personal growth of every student. As a pioneer in bilingual education, we proudly align with the standards of the French Ministry of Education and the BC Ministry of Education, providing a rich and diverse learning experience for our students.

Fundamental learnings

Elementary school includes five levels, from Grade 1 to Grade 5, enabling students to progressively develop their mastery of the fundamental tools which are French, English and Mathematics. The students structure and deepen their knowledge of the world through subjects such as history, geography and science, and they develop their artistic and physical knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to situate themselves within a group.

Cycle 2: Grades 1 to 3

During grade 1 students  begin to read in French and English. They are taught to write in cursive (only in French in Grade 1) and to read all written forms. Language skills and oral expression are high priorities. A significant part of every school day is devoted to poetry,  writing, oral language, reading, spelling.  Mastering the  language is one of the two main priorities of Cycle 2. In this Cycle, art, music, science, civics and physical education classes begin, and math, which is the Cycle’s second main priority, is taught formally.

Grades 4-6 : Cycle 3

In Cycle 3: Development, which covers Grades 4, 5, and 6, core academic disciplines become more refined as children study literature, history-geography, experimental science, and technology. Students hone skills in critical thinking and observation, develop a taste for experimentation, enhance their emotional intelligence, and rev up their motor skills and creative imagination in classes ranging from visual art to math.

The teaching of mathematics is another point of pride and renown for the French educational system. It is a global approach in which students are exposed early to a wide range of mathematical concepts: geometry, addition, subtraction and multiplication, algebra, fractions, the decimal system, etc. In each year of the school, these mathematical concepts are expanded and students’ comprehension deepens. Logic and expression are always prioritized. Calculating the correct answer is not sufficient; a student must explain how the answer was obtained, and why. Logic and the ability to articulate one’s reasoning are emphasized in every grade and field.

Starting in Grade 4, students add a foreign language (Spanish).

Throughout elementary school, our students learn and refine their cursive handwriting, which we consider an essential learning tool for several reasons:

  • Cursive handwriting helps develop fine motor skills by activating different parts of the brain.
  • Connecting letters reduces letter reversals during the writing learning process.
  • Cursive writing supports reading development by emphasizing whole words rather than individual letters, while also improving spelling and syntax skills.

Language instruction at Cousteau School aims to provide our students with a strong multilingual education. In elementary school, more than 20% of classroom time is dedicated to instruction in English.

  • Grades 1-3: 6 hours per week
  • Grades 4-5: 7 hours per week

English instruction includes language studies, social sciences, music, and bilingual projects in various subjects such as science and mathematics.

In Grade 4, students begin learning a third language, Spanish, for 1 hour per week. Spanish-speaking students also benefit from an enriched program.

Our students benefit from group learning experiences outside of school through day trips related to cultural, scientific, sports, or ecological projects.

Starting in Grade 2, students have the opportunity to go on a three-day school trip in the Vancouver area, including destinations such as Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, or the Sea to Sky region.

These experiences help children become more independent and responsible while strengthening group cohesion, fostering a supportive environment for learning and social interactions focused on nature, physical activity, and local environmental awareness.

At Cousteau School we promote overall development of our students.

Cultivating essential skills is a primary focus at Cousteau School. Our students acquire vital abilities that not only contribute to academic success but also empower them to navigate real-world challenges.

Critical Thinking

We introduces critical thinking skills, encouraging students to question, analyze, and evaluate information, fostering a mindset that is essential for problem-solving and decision-making throughout life.

Social Development

Our students learn to collaborate and interact, developing respect, empathy, and interpersonal skills, while fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation in an inclusive and supportive school environment.

Engaged Students

Students actively engage in school life by taking on responsibilities such as class representatives starting in Grade 1, while developing a sense of initiative and collaboration, which are essential for their academic success and future role as citizens.

Open-mindedness

Our students are exposed to a variety of ideas, cultures, and histories, promoting openness to others and awareness of cultural diversity. They are encouraged to think critically, consider different perspectives, and question, analyze, and evaluate information. Learning is focused on curiosity, tolerance, and an appreciation of the world.

Physical Education

At Cousteau School, physical education fosters the growth of each student by providing spaces for socialization and solidarity. Sports at school promote an active lifestyle, contributing to the well-being and development of both physical and mental health. Sports practice instills core values essential for thriving in society.

STEAM

Elementary students develop fundamental technological skills in computing, robotics, and coding. Our progressive program allows exploration across various environments, starting without screens for the younger students—Blue-Bot, Matatalab, and then Thymio. This approach fosters creativity, problem-solving, and design skills.

Experience Cousteau’s academic excellence and bilingual education

Cousteau offers a unique academic experience through the teaching of rigorous bilingual education from Pre-K to Grade 9

Our students nurture a sense of curiosity and become lifelong learners while developing their personality, an international and multicultural mindset, and a willingness to protect our planet and to respect differences.

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