The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
Indirect Support:
Cousteau, The French International School of Vancouver ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Cousteau School: Traditional
Cousteau School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Cousteau School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
The French International School of Vancouver provides the opportunity for the students to benefit from the best of both educative Worlds, French and Canadian. The school endeavours to achieve the following three objectives: 1) To educate the students to become active and responsible citizens 2) To support and expand their personal growth and psychological development 3) Expose these students to an excellent scholastic experience By following these objectives with an expanded curriculum that also encompasses cultural and artistic activities; the School’s Mission is to enhance personal development, creativity and to instill a well established work ethic, capable of co-existing and working with their fellow classmates. The French International School of Vancouver also places great value and respect for itself and others by imposing Code of Conduct based on community spirit and the acceptance of diversity. The students and parents that choose The French International School of Vancouver choose also to engage in a deeper bilingual educational experience.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Cousteau School: Traditional Math
Cousteau School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Cousteau School says:
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.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Cousteau School: Balanced Literacy
Cousteau School has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Cousteau School says:
Grade 1 is the start for Cycle 2 : Fundamental Learnings, which spans Maternelle and Elementary School. Maternelle and Elementary teachers have the same training and, in many cases, have taught both levels. As a result, the transition from Kindergarten to Grade 1 is smooth. During grade 1 students begin to read in French, 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.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Cousteau School says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at Cousteau School: Equal balance
Cousteau School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).
[Show: About Equal balance?]What Cousteau School says:
Grade 1 is the start for Cycle 2 : Fundamental Learnings, which spans Maternelle and Elementary School. Maternelle and Elementary teachers have the same training and, in many cases, have taught both levels. As a result, the transition from Kindergarten to Grade 1 is smooth. During grade 1 students begin to read in French, 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.
-
Science
Science approach at Cousteau School: Inquiry
Cousteau School has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
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. From KG level, we encourage experimenting the world by letting the students be part of the experiments, our Eco School coordinator is providing workshops on all grades and help the teachers to fulfill our ECOSCHOOL commitments.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Cousteau School: Equal Balance
Cousteau School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cousteau School says:
Literature holds a prominent role in children's personal development since the reader becomes emotionally attached with the story and this has positive effects not only on the personal growth but also on the whole learning process. From this point of view, our curriculum for the includes appropriate texts which can be used to these purposes. We cover different types of texts : French poésie, albums, Bande dessinées, etc.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Cousteau School: Core Knowledge
Cousteau School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Cousteau School says:
Pre school Another essential aspect of Cousteau Maternelle program is socialization. The school day is highly structured, incorporating specific periods for free, self-directed play. Children learn to express themselves in a manner appropriate to the time and place, and to distinguish the differences in circumstances. They are taught to respect others, and to understand the consequences of their behaviors. and After The goal of our school in reference to the French moral and civic educational programs is to combine the formation of future citizens with critical thinkers. Thus students acquire a conscience enabling them to understand, value, and share the principles of solidarity, respect, and responsibility
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Cousteau School: Equal Balance
Cousteau School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cousteau School says:
The four years of Middle School are organized into two Cycles. Grade 6 (Sixième or 6e) is the end of the Cycle 3: it initiates students into the workings of Middle School and ensures continuity of learning from Elementary School. Grades 7 and 8 and 9 are the Central Cycle 4 : students deepen their knowledge and know-how; physics- chemistry enters the curriculum; discussions of professional paths and training start. In Grade 7 students add a foreign language (Spanish, German or Mandarin).
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Cousteau School: Equal Balance
Cousteau School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cousteau School says:
Our goal is to prepare our students throughout their schooling to fluently speak a second language and to understand the cultural nuances of another country. Neither the French nor English language will be considered a “foreign language”. ! To succeed in this multilingual plan, we rely on an adapted pedagogy. We teach in a manner that borrows and builds from both the mother tongue and the language of schooling. All subjects are taught in French. English is also taught, not only as a language, but also in subject areas such as art, geography, and history. This plan involves not only learning language for its own sake, but to use language as a tool to learn about the world through a different lens. Through project work, language is put into action
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Cousteau School: Equal Balance
Cousteau School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Cousteau School says:
Our Grade 6 and 7 develop with the help of our litterature/drama teacher a whole year project including the choice of a piece, its adaptation, collaboration with students of other grades to present the piece. We also propose some circus workshops and camps throughout the year for KG and up.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Cousteau School: Medium integration
Cousteau School has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Cousteau School says:
IT tools are involved in all courses.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Cousteau School says:
Physical Education will develop the WHOLE child in EVERY child The physical educators will serve as role models, and demonstrate knowledge of health, physical education and wellness The physical education classes will provide a variety of activities which will motivate the students and increase participation OBJECTIVES Our physical education program will allow the students to participate in developmentally appropriate activities Our physical education program will develop and reinforce cooperative behavior Our physical education program will teach the students to establish lifelong fitness goals
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Cousteau School: Not British Columbia curriculum
Cousteau School has a Not British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Cousteau School has a approach Fairly value-based (as opposed to Mostly value-neutral approach).[Show: About Fairly value-based?]Cousteau School has a approach Progressive (as opposed to Traditional approach).[Show: About Progressive?]What Cousteau School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Cousteau School: Academic
Cousteau School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Cousteau School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Cousteau Maternelle program is characterized by a high esteem for the intelligence and abilities of the pre-school-age child. In a warm, supportive environment adapted to their age, children are challenged and encouraged to think independently and act responsibly, thus fully realizing their potential at each developmental level.
Language
Learn about Cousteau, The French International School of Vancouver's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Cousteau School is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction
| English - 30% | French - 70% | ||||||||
Language of enrolment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Language immersion include: French immersion
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Cousteau School: Standard-enriched
Cousteau School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Cousteau School says about their curriculum pace:
Following both French (from the French Ministry of National Education) and BC curriculum.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Cousteau School says about their flexible pacing:
Our classes are pluri lingual then the pedagogical differentiation is required in all the class rooms for all the teachers.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Cousteau School: Rigorous
Cousteau School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Cousteau School says about their academic culture:
Excellence and rigor of the French Education Certified French teachers from France
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Cousteau School says about their developmental priorities:
Our goal is to prepare our students throughout their schooling to fluently speak a second language and to understand the cultural nuances of another country. Our bilingual education provides a creative and stimulating environment. Our educational projects aim to develop respect for others and themselves, a sense of responsibility and cooperation, a prediction for initiative and openness, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking. ·The goal of our school is to develop future citizens who are critical thinkers enabling them to understand, value, and share the principles of solidarity, respect, and responsibility for everyone and for the environment.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
-
Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
-
DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
-
Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
-
PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Cousteau School says:
Cousteau School has a specialist teacher for children who have some difficulties. The teacher propose learning strategy in order to provide help to the children in need.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Cousteau School says about their gifted learner support:
Our bilingual classes offer a challenging environment for gifted students. They can develop their full potential in both languages.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Cousteau School students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cousteau School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Site Average | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Cousteau School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Academic achievement reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | K to Gr. 8 |
