Nurturing global communicators: French-English Bilingual Programme at CIS

Give your child a competitive edge with Singapore's premier French–English bilingual pathway from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Why choose the CIS  French–English Bilingual programme?

Canadian International School (CIS) offers a unique French–English Bilingual (FEB) programme for students aged 3 to 12 (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6). We are the only school in Singapore to offer a bilingual French pathway fully aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

Our programme is designed for families who want their children to become truly bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. Research shows that learning in a bilingual environment helps students become:

• Sophisticated Thinkers: Enhanced problem-solving and cognitive flexibility.
• Effective Communicators: Increased listening skills and memory retention.
• Linguistic Experts: A deeper understanding of their first language through comparative learning.

Our core beliefs and dual-language approach

We prioritize high-level literacy in both languages, utilizing evidence-based frameworks to ensure every student  succeeds.

1. Dual-Language Value: We treat both English and French with equal importance.
2. Celebrating the Francophonie: We promote French cultures from across the globe, not just France.
3. Research-Based Practice: We use proven methods to build bicultural identities.
4. Conceptual Thinking: Students develop deep academic understanding in both languages.
5. Differentiated Support: We tailor instruction to meet each child’s unique linguistic needs.

Academic excellence across two languages

Students in the FEB programme follow the same rigorous Program of Inquiry as the English programme, ensuring they meet the same high academic standards.

Mathematics (Ontario Standards)

Using platforms like MathUp and Matific (available in both languages), students learn 50% of the curriculum in each language, ensuring they master mathematical vocabulary in both English and French.

English Literacy (Common Core)

Focusing on narrative, informational, and opinion writing, our English curriculum is integrated into the units of inquiry to build strong reading and writing foundations.

French Literacy (British Columbia Standards)

Students are taught French grammar, conjugation, and oral expression. They are assessed on three key areas:

• Reading & Comprehension
• Writing Genres & Structure
• Speaking & Listening

Language Acquisition (LAQ)

In addition to academic French, students receive functional language instruction focused on daily interactions. This ensures they can navigate real-world French environments with confidence.

Integration and portability

While students spend half their time in French, they remain fully integrated into the wider school community. They share recess, excursions, and the Grade 6 PYP Exhibition with the entire grade level, building friendships across all programmes.

Will my child be able to transfer back to a local system?

While we do not follow the national French syllabus, our curriculum meets high international benchmarks. The IB PYP is the global "gold standard" for education, ensuring that the skills your child acquires at CIS are highly portable and recognised by schools worldwide.

Admission & Entry Requirements

• Junior Kindergarten to Grade 1: Entry is based on language readiness.
• Grade 2 to Grade 6: Students undergo a placement assessment to ensure they can comfortably thrive in a bilingual environment.
• Note: Classes are subject to demand and sufficient enrollment.