Nursery School
The primary purpose of Nursery School is to inspire children to go to school to learn, assert themselves, socialise, and develop their personality. It is based on a fundamental principle: all children are equal at school, all capable of learning, evolving, and flourishing. Through programmes tailored to each pupil’s pace and progression, children build their self-confidence and learn through play and reflection. The Franco-Cypriot Nursery School introduces children to multilingualism and openness to two cultures.
- Acquisition of language in all its dimensions.
- Action, expression, and comprehension through physical activity.
- Action, expression, and comprehension through artistic activity.
- Learning the first tools to structure thinking.
‘Cycle 1’ / 4 years:
- ‘TPS’:Toute petite section → Pre-Nursery School (2 years old +)
- ‘PS’: Petite section → Nursery School (3 years old +)
- ‘MS’: Moyenne section → Reception (4 years old +)
- ‘GS’: Grande section → Year 1 (5 years old +)
In Nursery School, your child will be able to:
- Flourish in a culturally rich environment.
- Grow, socialize, and evolve with same age group children.
- Acquire knowledge in a nurturing environment.
- Lay the foundations of multilingualism with games.
- Learn to become a pupil.
L’école maternelle, Nursery School, embodies a specific aspect of the French educational system: early initiation into learning. It is a school focused on support and success. The French-Cypriot school follows the French Ministry of Education’s curriculum and introduces students to multilingualism from the start, teaching three languages: French, Greek, and English.
Language Pathways:
In Pre-Nursery School (‘TPS’), the standard curriculum includes 26 hours of French instruction.
In Reception, Nursery and Year 1 (‘PS’/’MS’/’GS’), there are two different pathways:
- The standard path consists of 22 hours of French, 2 hours of Greek, and 2 hours of English.
- The Reinforced Greek Path, mandatory for Cypriot nationals, consists of 17 hours of French, 7 hours of Greek, and 2 hours of English.
At the French-Cypriot school, Nursery School education revolves around various projects throughout the year: artistic, cultural, linguistic, musical, and sports.
Teachers strive to ensure that each child learns at their own pace, whether collectively or autonomously, in activities with the teacher or individually. Each teacher is supported by a Classroom Assistant (‘ATSEM’) to assist in supervising the children.
Playing holds a central role in the children’s development: both outdoors and indoors, in the classroom, in the motor skills room, and at the library.
At our Nursery School, you can find: a playground; a motor skills room; a library; meal trays; etc.
- Pre- Nursery (‘TPS’): 0.5 class XX pupils
- Nursery School (‘PS’): 0.5 class XX pupils
- Reception (‘MS’): 1 class XX pupils
- Year 1 (‘GS’): 1 class XX pupils
Primary
In primary school, pupils focus on mastering the French language and fundamental elements of mathematics as to acquire core knowledge.
Our school acknowledges the plurality and diversity of each student’s abilities. Alongside reasoning and intellectual reflection, skills such as observation, a taste for experimentation, sensitivity, motor abilities, and creative imagination are developed.
In Year 2 (CP), pupils start learning English.
In Key Stage 1 (Cycle 2), the curriculum includes subjects to explore the world, visual arts, and music education as well as physical education and civics.
In Key Stage 2 (Cycle 3), pupils consolidate their knowledge in these areas and are introduced to science and technology, history and geography, art history, and sports.
Two learning stages – 5 years:
- Key Stage 1 (Cycle 2), from 6 to 9, consists of Year 2,3 and 4 (CP, CE1 et CE2). This is the fundamental learning phase in reading, writing, oral language, and mathematics.
- Key Stage 2 (Cycle 3), from 9 to 12, consists of two levels in Primary, Year 5 and 6 (CM1-CM2) and one level in Secondary, Year 7 (6ème). Year 7 is also the first year in Middle School (Collège).
A Primary pupil at the EFC will learn to:
- Acquire the tools to be autonomous.
- Engage in educational projects.
- Collaborate in an intercultural environment.
- Develop skills for living together.
- Communicate in several languages around a common project (language path).
- Develop critical thinking.
- Prepare for secondary school.
Language learning, French, Greek, and English, has a central role in Primary education at the EFC. We offer each student options tailored to their age level and educational path. A reinforcement path is available for students who meet certain English proficiency criteria, and additional hours are also offered as extracurricular activities.
After School Care is available for primary school students after classes end, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., every day of the week.
- Year 2 (CP): 1 class XX pupils
- Year 3 (CE1): 1 class XX pupils
- Year 4 (CE2): 1 class XX pupils
- Year 5 (CM1): 1,5 classes XX pupils
- Year 6 (CM2): 1,5 classes XX pupils
Secondary
Our Middle School welcomes students in direct instruction from Year 7 to 10. As with Nursery and Primary School, the agreement between the Cypriot Ministry of National Education and the ‘AEFE’ allows our school to offer two pathways: the Hellenic-speaking and the French-speaking pathways.
At the end of primary school, middle school marks students’ entry into secondary education. It is divided into four years, Year 7 to Year 10 (6ème, 5ème, 4ème, 3ème), and structured into 2 educational stages (end of Cycle 3 and Cycle 4).
Year 7 (6ème), the final year of Key Stage 2 (Cycle 3), represents the transition between primary and secondary school. It aims to help students adapt to middle school organisation and environment, while ensuring continuity in the learning initiated in the first two years of KS2, in Year 5 (CM1) and Year 6 (CM2). Special attention is given to welcoming students and supporting them in their first steps in secondary education, providing them with the keys to success.
The diplôme national du brevet (DNB), is the French national examination that assesses the knowledge and skills acquired in middle school taken at end of Year 10 (3ème).
Obtaining the diploma is based on cumulative points obtained from core assessment (continuous assessment) and four final exams. Students sit for French, mathematics, history-geography, and science exams.
The compulsory middle school curricula prepare students for the demands of high school.
The EFC’s choir and orchestra
The school’s choir and orchestra provide a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their musical skills, enrich their culture, and share memorable moments in a non-scholar setting. Under the guidance of experienced teachers, exciting choir and orchestra projects take place every year.
The Orchestra of French Schools Worldwide (L’Orchestre des Lycées Français du Monde), a major musical event organized by the ‘AEFE’ (Agency for French Education Abroad), allows selected students to travel to Brussels and participate in real concerts alongside other students from the ‘AEFE’ network. In 2023, 25 choir students had the opportunity to sing in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This enriching experience paved the way for future similar events.
A primary school choir also exists at the EFC and the students had the opportunity to sing in front of the Cypriot parliament in 2023.
High school consists of 3 levels: Year 11 (seconde), Year 12 (première) and Year 13 (terminale).
Year 12 and Year 13 are part of a 2-year general pathway (la voie générale) which prepares high school students for the general baccalaureate and further studies in higher education. It is preceded by a common core class, Year 11 (seconde) preparing to both the general and technological baccalaureates.
The general pathway in high school leads to further studies primarily at universities, preparatory classes for French major schools (grandes écoles), or specialised schools.
- Year 11 (seconde) is a common core year for all high school students who wish to continue their studies in either the general or technological pathways. At the beginning of Year 11, students take a placement test to assess their proficiency in the French language and mathematics. Students take classes in languages, mathematics, French, history-geography, science, and physical education.
- The final cycle includes Year 12 (première) and Year 13 (terminale). The general path prepares high school students for the general baccalaureate and further studies in higher education over two years. It comprises core subjects common to all students, compulsory specialty subjects, and elective subjects. These specialty and elective subjects enable students to gradually acquire skills and knowledge geared towards their future higher education choices.
ieures.
The culmination of a successful educational journey, the baccalauréat is the major diploma of the French school system. Thanks to its rich history, the ‘bac’ is an outstanding diploma recognized worldwide that can open doors to prestigious universities and schools for its holders.
The baccalauréat includes final written and oral exams, as well as continuous assessment, accounting for 40% of the overall result.
Candidates for the baccalauréat take five final exams.
- French, written and spoken, in Year 12 (première).
- Philosophy, the two specialty classes and the ‘grand oral’ (oral presentation) in Year 13 (terminale).
Honours in the baccalauréat reward the most deserving students and strengthen their applications for higher education:
- With honours (Mention assez bien – AB): for a point average between 12 and 14 out of 20
- With high honours (Mention bien – B): for a point average between 14 to 16 out of 20
- With highest Honour (Mention très bien – TB): for a point average between 16 and 18 out of 20
In 2023, 100% of our students received honours in the baccalauréat.
The general baccalauréat aims for further studies, primarily at universities, preparatory classes, or specialized schools (engineering, business, computer science, etc.) in France and abroad.
Students at the Franco-Cypriot School consistently achieve excellent results in the baccalauréat each year (100% with honours) and pursue further studies in a wide variety of prestigious fields: political science, engineering schools, ‘Cours Florent’ (a highly reputed drama school), and more.
Starting in Year 11 (seconde), students can develop their higher education project with the help and support of an Educational Counsellor (PRIO – resource person for information and orientation) and in collaboration with ‘Campus France’, a public institution in charge of promoting French higher education abroad and welcoming foreign students to France.
Education within the ‘AEFE’ network is the royal road to pursuing studies in France.
The EFC is committed to promoting multilingualism:
- Students receive instruction in French.
- They learn Greek from nursery school (either in the Greek-speaking or French-speaking pathway) and English from Year 2 (CP);
- In Year 8 (5ème), they choose a new foreign language (German or Spanish).
European Language and Culture English Course
The ELCE elective, European Language and Culture Education, proposed by the EFC aims to provide cultural and linguistic enrichment. Two hours per week, students work on current events, literature, and British civilization.
This option uses different teaching materials from regular English classes and helps to develop international awareness, curiosity, general knowledge, and the English proficiency of students.
Specialty Courses
Educational Counselling starts in Year 11 (seconde) and is followed by the introduction of specialized subjects in Year 12 (première) and Year 13 (terminale). There are six specialty subjects from which students can select three in Year 12 and two in Year 13, along with optional subjects.
The specialized subjects offered by EFC are:
- HGGSP – History, Geography, Geopolitics, and Political Science (4 hours)
- HLP – Humanities, Literature, and Philosophy (4 hours)
- Mathematics (4 hours)
- Physics and Chemistry (4 hours)
- Biology (4 hours)
- SES – Economic and Social Sciences (4 hours)
As an elective, our school offers reinforced Greek for 3 hours per week.
Parents can actively follow their child’s progress and contact the educational team. Each class has a headteacher who is:
- The main contact for students regarding any issues related to their schooling and studies.
- The main contact for families and the coordinator of the class’s teaching team.
- Parent-teacher conferences are organized several times during the school year.
- A few weeks after the start of the school year, the headteacher organises an information meeting.
- After the first and second term teacher’s conferences, individual appointments with teachers are proposed;
- Throughout the year, parents can make an appointment with a teacher by contacting them directly or the school office.
Collège
- Year 7 (6ème) : 2 classes XX students
- Year 8 (5ème) : 2 classes XX students
- Year 9 (4ème) : 2 classes XX students
- Year 10 (3ème) : 2 classes XX students
Lycée
- Year 11 (2nde) : 2 classes XX students
- Year 12 (1ère) : 1 class XX students
- Year 13 (Terminale) : 1 class XX students
● Mohamed ZAHRI (Proviseur adjoint) : proviseur-adjoint@efchypre.com
Inclusive school
SEN students, particularly those with disabilities, represent a priority for the French educational system. The EFC is especially committed to making the school a place where everyone feels acknowledged, valued, and able to reach their full potential. With dedicated staff for supervising and supporting students with special educational needs, we strive to ensure that all students have the same educational opportunities and can succeed equally.
Educational Counselling
Educational Counselling at the core of High School life
Starting in Year 11 (seconde), the EFC provides high school students with dedicated educational guidance to help them shape a customized study plan for their high school path. Acting as the Educational Counsellor (PRIO – resource person for information and orientation), a teaching staff member oversees this support, coordinating these activities and serving as the main point of contact for students, families, and educational staff. They work closely with headteachers to ensure that students receive the support they need for their future academic and career paths. Additionally, they act as a liaison for AEFE orientation and higher education counselors. Students and families are encouraged to schedule meetings at any time during the year to discuss their educational and career aspirations.
Library
The library (CDI – Documentation and Information Center) is open to all students from nursery school to high school, as well as to teachers and staff. It is a place for exploration, work, reading, learning, teaching, and sharing. A collection of more than 4,000 books is available for consultation and borrowing by all students: from novels to children’s books, including comics, manga, and historical books…
Five press subscriptions, adapted to different age groups, are also available to develop students’ critical thinking and general knowledge.
The library is also the heart of the school’s cultural activities, offering various activities throughout the year:
- External visitors: meeting youth authors, interactions with local or international cultural figures (e.g., presentation by the cultural service of the Japanese Embassy on manga culture), correspondence with an author, press week…
- Literary prizes: Sensei Prize for the best Manga, Prix des Incorruptibles…
- Events, activities, and themed days: Night of Reading, Tolerance Day, Women’s Day, Taste Week, Space Week
- Cultural activities: Visits to museums, historical sites, and other cultural venues.
- Clubs and workshops: High School Newspaper, Theater Club, Bracelet Club
In parallel, the school librarian is first and foremost a full-fledged member of the teaching team, supporting primary school teachers especially. 1-to-1.5-hour weekly class visits are made from nursery through Year 6 to develop students’ appreciation for reading and implement literary projects.
Children are educated in reading and literary works from a very young age through concrete projects: studying tales, then writing and creative an interactive story in Year 6 as part of a European project; working on press-related activities in Year 4 with contributions from journalists and professionals; reading challenge around the theme of the Olympic Games, etc… All these projects are within the framework of the French national curriculum and in connection with a literary material.