“The genesis of this project lies in the establishment’s sensitivity to the languages: it is part of our DNA. We have a European section in English and we had a Spanish section, which is now closed,” says Marie Geoffroy, the director of the Notre-Dame de Kerbonne college, which is part of the Javouhey school group. From the next school year, an American section will open from the CM1 class to the third year. “It’s a project that we wrote in collaboration with the principal of the primary school,” says Marie Geoffroy. “The earlier children start practicing English, the better their disposition will be afterwards.”
“Future opportunities in the United States”
“This is a section that we aim to be very demanding in its content,” continues the director. Classes will be taught by three teachers native to the United States or Great Britain: David Williams (CM1, CM2 and sixth), Elaine Harkin (CM2, sixth) and Kelly Stuck (fifth, fourth and third). During the three hours a week (entirely in English) for primary school students and four hours for middle school students, they will be encouraged to explore the history as well as the literature, civilization, arts and sports of the United States. . “We found it important to offer this linguistic offer to our students to open them to American culture and because we know very well that there will be future opportunities, both professional and tourist in the United States for those who will be high school students, students and young professionals of tomorrow,” points out Marie Geoffroy, ensuring that this section does not compete with the international section of Sainte-Anne.
“American English is the most widely spoken in the world”
New teacher in this section, David Williams, native of Saint-Louis (Missouri), has also been offering continuing education in English since 2023 in Brest as a freelancer with his company American English. “American English is the most widely used English throughout the world,” he assures. For younger children, it is easier to understand in terms of pronunciation but also to recognize it. It is this English which is mainly used in songs or series.”
There will also be particular emphasis on American holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. With an American-style graduation ceremony organized at the end of the school year. If the establishment takes part of the operation of this new section, the contribution of families for their child to be registered rises to €700 per year. “Which amounts to €4.80 per hour,” explains Marie Geoffroy.
Practical
Registration and online contact on the Javouhey school group website: www.javouhey-brest.fr
