Humanities at Florimont: French and philosophy
At Florimont, humanities refers to French, taught from primary, and philosophy, offered in the Terminale (final) year. It also includes French as Language of Instruction (Français Langue de Scolarisation or FLSco), a programme for non-French speaking students.
French at the Institut
At Florimont, we feel that mastering the French language is vital, expanding vocabulary and studying both classic and modern texts to form and communicate thoughts. As Albert Camus said, “To misname things is to contribute to the world’s miseries”. Discovering the joy of reading from early on helps us express ourselves accurately when we write and speak.
We encourage students from a young age to read and express themselves through writing.
Our partnership with the Société de Lecture, public speaking and creative writing competitions in Cycle, and the short story competition held every year are just some of the events at which our students can perfect their French and demonstrate their love of language and literature.
French as Language of Instruction, or integration through language
French is for the most part learned through immersion, studying different subjects in French and participating in group discussions outside the classroom (break time and after school).
However students with other home languages also need French as Language of Instruction (FLSco) lessons. Students are recommended to use a range of media to practice their French at home and acclimatise to the language (reading, watching TV, playing games, etc.). In most cases, two to four periods per week of additional individual or group FLSco classes will be enough.
Philosophy: helping us understand the world
Studying philosophy develops our ability to analyse, reason thoroughly using precise terminology and equip ourselves with the intellectual tools to be active in society. It encourages free discussion and analysis of any idea, belief, institution or custom through critical reasoning, with awareness of our own limits.
Philosophy helps students grasp the complexity of reality and the different viewpoints of this reality, developing the quality of open-mindedness needed for mutual understanding and tolerance.
Philosophy workshops
We hold philosophy workshops in primary and cycle to familiarise students with their own thoughts and how they compare with those of their peers; the reflective process becomes a collective exercise that involves listening to other people and respectfully considering their ideas.
