Harmonisation is the merging of French and Australian curricula, pedagogy and professional approaches to achieve the aims of this binational and bicultural school.
The French and Australian curricula are harmonised so that, in the time available, students develop knowledge, skills and values important to both cultures. The program is designed to enable students, if necessary, to enter any Australian or any French school and to qualify for major certification in secondary school. Programs are deliberately designed to achieve French competencies and Australian outcomes.
Harmonisation is borne of, and founded upon, the harmonisation of professional cultures through teachers working in bi-cultural teams to plan and deliver programs. This enables harmonisation of educational approaches so that there is a balance between two educational approaches. Children benefit from both and this is demonstrated in national assessment results, both in Evaluations Nationales (French National Assessments) and National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).
Consequently, the Kindergarten to Year 6 curriculum is developed in such a way that both the Australian, as well as French educational outcomes are achieved. Harmonisation also includes the celebration and observance of traditions and national/special days for both countries and cultures (for example, Bastille Day, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Nations of the World Day, Harmony Day, ACT Children’s Week).
Students undertake a harmonised program that includes:
Handwriting is developed according to a modified French script. This is supported through careful selection of exercise books that enable students to use cursive writing from an early age.