French Binational Program - Frequently Asked Questions

​

What is the French binational program at Caulfield Junior College?

Caulfield Junior College (CJC) is very proud of its culturally rich heritage and community, and its reputation for providing an environment which fosters diversity and multiculturalism.

 

The French binational program features dual certification from the Victorian and French governments (via the Agency for French Education Abroad - AEFE). As a partner of the AEFE network, CJC is part of a unique international network of more than 500 schools around the world..

 

What accreditation does the school have?

Caulfield Junior College has accreditations from the Department of Education and Training Victoria, the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

​

The Principal and French Director are working with the French Pedagogical Inspector to ensure the FBP meets the standards and practices to maintain accreditation from the French Ministry of National Education. Such accreditation certifies that the teaching provided by the School complies with the demands, curriculum, teaching objectives and organizational rules of the French education system.

As a member of CIS (Council of International Schools) as well, CJC demonstrates the commitment to high quality international education for the students.

The school is continually improving and keeping up with the best international education standards.

 

How do the children learn?

Students enrolled in the French Binational Program receive their primary education through an integrated French-Australian curriculum that meets the standards of both programs from Prep to Year 6. Each binôme class is allocated a French-graduated teacher (teaching the French program in French) and an English-speaking teacher (teaching the Victorian curriculum in English).

Students in the FBP are assessed according to both French Ministry of National Education criteria and Victorian standards. Students also participate in the National Assessment Program of Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

 

Delivery of the curriculum is based on an “alternative day” model, which means that each day, both English and French teachers swap classrooms. This ensures that students are exposed as often as possible to both languages. All subjects are taught in both languages to allow students to develop their linguistic competence bilingually and their interculturality. These practices are considered best practice in the industry.

 

How much does it cost?

The FBP is offered strictly on a ‘user pay’ basis, as it is provided to the participating students over and above the standard Victorian curriculum.

 

School Council is responsible for setting the FBP Parent Levy on an annual basis, in consultation with the French director and the principal. This amount is due in addition to the CJC Education Contribution Payments, which are payable by all families in Victorian state schools. View CJC’s Payment Policy here.

 

How do enrolments work?

All enrolments follow the CJC Enrolment Policy and admission to the French Binational Program is subject to meeting set language criteria in French. (Please refer to our School Policies page.)

 

Prep enrolment

As in all state government schools, enrolments are open one year before your child is eligible to start in prep. For example, if you are interested in the French Binational Program and your child is eligible for Prep in 2020, please contact the school office now to book a school tour (or a telephone appointment if you are overseas).

 

All enrolment enquiries - please contact the Office

Email: Caulfield.jr.co@edumail.vic.gov.au

School office: 186 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North, Victoria, 3161 (office hours 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday, during school term)

Telephone: (03) 9509 6872, from France:  +61 395 096 872