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27/04/2008, 16:42 apples4ykl Joined on 27/04/2008 Posts 1 Re: International School of Bearn, Pau If anyone has information on this school, I too would be interested in learning more. I am an American teacher married to a French citizen. I am currently teaching in the US Virgin Islands but long term goals is to move the family to France. Therefore, I am currently researching possible schools in France. The International School in Pau has an impressive website but that is the only source of information I have for this school at this point. Thank you in advance for your assistance, Yvonne    Report

28/04/2008, 17:29 Lollie Joined on 23/08/2004 La Baule Posts 268 Re: International School of Bearn, Pau Hi   Below is a list of schools in France offering the Option Internationale Baccalaureate, many of which are state schools with sections in English Spanish etc. A good compromise for those wishing to follow the french Bac and continue studies in their maternal language also. Lollie   http://www.ciep.fr/en/oib/listetab.php    Report

30/04/2008, 12:09 John Martin BRADLEY Joined on 30/04/2008 Cape Town Posts 41 Re: International School of Bearn, Pau Hi, I have visited ISB a couple of times and spoken to parents who send their kids there.  They are very happy.  One family I know who is French and lived in England for a while wouldn't send their kids anywhere else.  Madam Ellias who runs the school is a formidable woman and has done extraordinary things in difficult circumstances.  The French government  doesn't exactly fall over itself to accommodate non-standard schools.  I have also met lots of people who are very happy  with the  French schools they send their kids to and, given so many people move to France from England and then go back within a couple of years, it should come as no surprise to find some of these people putting their kids through French schools in the UK.  I have also spoken to people who wish they had never put their kids anywhere near a french school, so it's horses for courses ... Personally I would have no qualms about putting my five year old daughter into a local school, but my seven year old son wouldn't cope with the stress.  As a child I moved between numerous schools in different coultries.  Each move was stressful enough even without having to contend with learning a new language in order to communicate with my friends. JohnMartin www.dontmovetofrance.co.uk    Report

07/05/2008, 4:29 Jo Joined on 07/05/2008 Posts 1 Re: International School of Bearn, Pau Hi Fi, I've just read all your replies and I can understand your frustration at asking a simple question and getting a lecture in response ! Maybe I can help a little. We're moving back to Pau this summer having spent 2 years away. Our girls are going to start ISB in September. When we lived in Pau 2 years ago they went to Ste Ursule which is a private Catholic school (private in the French system doesn't equate to the same fees as the UK). We found Ste Ursule to be a good school, but we felt the French (perhaps especially private) education system demands a lot from the kids at a young age. At the time, our eldest was 7 and already getting a good hours worth of prep. Our kids are both bilingual having spent 5 years in French schools. Our plan is for them to receive their education in English, then subscribe them to activities after school run by French organizations - like ski clubs (which the eldest did 2 years ago & it was fantastic), gymnastics, swimming, horse-riding etc. That way, they'll be more than competent in spoken French. English is the International language and we feel that the kids need to have a good command of written English. Our eldest had to work hard to bring her English up to a scratch after all the years spent in the French system. Regarding the school itself, I spent a morning there in March and was VERY impressed. The class sizes are small and the standards are high. I also spoke to some parents, all of which had very positive things to say. I hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision !    Report

07/05/2008, 9:03 Fi Joined on 14/08/2006 Posts 13 Re: International School of Bearn, Pau Thank you Jo!!!  That was EXACTLY the sort of response I was looking for - relevant and informed  (and thanks to John as well for his helpful comments).   Good luck with your move also - and perhaps one day we will meet at the ISB!! Thanks again Fi    Report

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France Forum » Living » French Educatio... » International School of Bearn, Pau

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