Being happy today and every day
“At school I was asked to write what I wanted to be later on in life, I answered “happy”. They told me that I did not understand the question, I replied that they did not understand life. John Lennon
Enjoying learning
At La Jonchère, students are encouraged, listened to and supported daily. Mistakes are not punished, but considered as learning opportunities, failures are seen as a way to grow (FAIL: First Attempt In Learning).
We prioritize solidarity and collaboration. Our objective is to offer each student an environment where he feels at ease and supported, which in turn promotes learning. We also wish to help our students feel more self-confident because it has been linked to greater happiness.
Our main goal is to build confidence in each student by creating a relationship of trust with their teachers. We want to ensure our students feel empowered and happy at school.
Being inspired by the best pedagogies and innovative approaches
The absence of tests and subsequently a grading system in the first years of schooling has been found to have a positive effect on Finnish pupils as they have been found to be the least stressed when it comes to going to school and learning.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Maria Montessori created a new school of thought based on kindness, autonomy, freedom of learning, and respect for a child’s pace.
Kind and respectful support from staff
Furthermore, “soft communication” is at the heart of our pedagogy.
The entire Lycée La Jonchère team is trained in this method that dates back to the middle of the 20th century, and is modeled by Thomas GORDON. It establishes a climate of trust, open exchange and collaboration to overcome each disagreement with a shared solution moving forward.
Our pedagogy places the teachers on an equal footing with the students, there are no more power struggles, no authoritarian leadership, but instead a relationship of trust and assertiveness.
Personalized learning
In addition, some students arrive in our school with a great thirst for learning, if they are interested in a concept that is not in the curriculum for their grade level, the student will not be held back, on the contrary, the teachers will provide additional resources to best support the student to learn these new concepts.
On the contrary, some students may have some trouble in certain subjects, even if the concept is supposedly already acquired by their grade level, teachers will provide additional resources to review the basics with them so that they do not struggle, and they can build upon the basics.
English and business studies are at the heart of our program
We firmly believe that schools must equip students with the human skills society needs today and tomorrow: adaptability, creativity, innovation, and strong interpersonal skills. Research has shown that socio-behavioral skills play a key role in professional success. Our ambition is therefore to give our students the tools they need to thrive in a constantly evolving world, by placing strong emphasis on connections with the professional world.
For this reason, human skills and real-world relevance are central pillars of our educational project.
In this context, proficiency in English is an essential lever. As the international language par excellence, English has become a key tool for integration, mobility, and openness to the world. Yet traditional teaching methods often fall short: too little real practice, learning that is often artificial, and an insufficient level at the end of schooling—combined with the persistent belief that “the French are bad at English.”
At La Jonchère, all students benefit from reinforced English instruction from Grade 6, through a practical, immersive approach focused on real-life use of the language.
From September 2026 onwards, this ambition will be expressed through two complementary pathways, designed to suit different student profiles and aspirations.
🔹 The Bilingual Section (from Grade 6th)
The bilingual section offers deep immersion, with up to 80% of teaching delivered in English in Grade 6, gradually evolving towards a balanced 50% English / 50% French curriculum from Grade 5 onwards.
Students learn subjects differently—thinking, communicating, and working directly in English—within a supportive and stimulating environment, guided by three native English-speaking teachers.
👉 Find all the information about the bilingual section here.
🔹 The intensive English Programme (outside the bilingual section)
Students who are not enrolled in the bilingual section still benefit from an intensive English programme, going far beyond traditional standards:
Up to 8 hours of English per week
Several subjects taught in English (science, mathematics, physical education), for natural immersion
Fun and cultural workshops: board games, cooking, role-playing, themed events (Thanksgiving, Halloween, special theme days)
Concrete and motivating projects: trips, international exchanges, pen-pal programmes
Three native English-speaking teachers, ensuring authentic and engaging learning
Internationally Recognised Qualifications
Whatever pathway they choose, students can pursue internationally valued certifications:
📌 The IGCSE (Cambridge), an international certification our students take in English, literature, math or science. A motivating challenge and proof of their strong language skills.
📌 The LLCER specialization for high school students preparing for the French baccalauréat, with a deeper focus on English-language literature and culture.
The result? A generation of students who speak, understand, and live English with confidence and enthusiasm. Because English shouldn’t be a barrier—it should be an open door to the world.
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