Marseille, an innovative middle school on a human scale with active teaching methods

‍

In Marseille, the Esclaibes International Schools network offers a unique approach to secondary education, far removed from traditional models. This innovative secondary school in Marseille uses an active, differentiated approach to teaching. With a small class size of around 20 students, the school favors individualized attention, interdisciplinary learning and a balance between fundamentals and personal development.

Pupils from ^6e to^3e are taught in a single multi-age class. They follow a program adapted to their pace and specific needs. Each student progresses at his or her own pace in an environment where autonomy, responsibility and cooperation are encouraged. This model is particularly well-suited to teenagers looking for a stimulating, caring school environment that respects their needs.

An innovative middle school with a unique approach

Multi-grade classes

One of the pillars of the innovative Marseille middle school is its single-class organization. Unlike traditional collèges, where levels are strictly compartmentalized, this establishment mixes students from ^6e to^3e within the same group. This system enables:
‍

• natural mutual support and enrichment, as students can consolidate their knowledge by explaining it to others;
• a differentiated approach that respects each individual's pace and needs;
• individualized follow-up, thanks to the small number of employees and the tools in place. 

Are you dubious about the principle of the multi-age middle school class? Are you wondering, for example, how to teach geography simultaneously to 6ᵉ and 4ᵉ pupils?

First and foremost, the aim is for every pupil to achieve the Common Base of Knowledge, Skills and Culture. How this is achieved is a matter of pedagogical freedom. In geography, we note that the topics indicated in the middle school programs can be grouped within 6 major themes:
‍

• living: understanding living spaces ;
• population and development dynamics ;
• human mobility and its consequences ;
• the environment and sustainable development issues ;
• world organization and globalization ;
• regional planning: from the local to the global scale.

Here's how Marilyn Mesguich, in charge of college coordination and literary subjects, history-geography and science, proceeds:

"Students tackle the same theme simultaneously, regardless of their class level. The approach is just different, and above all the complexity of the work required is increasing. The lessons, like the assessments, are adapted to the student's level. The following year, the same theme is tackled, either from a different angle or in greater depth."

‍

‍

A timetable structured into 2 periods

The organization of the day is designed to optimize learning while leaving room for curiosity and creativity.

"We want teenagers to find a balance between fundamentals and passions," confirms Amanda Ceselia, Director of Education at Esclaibes International School.

• Mornings, from 8am to 12pm, are devoted to learning the fundamentals. They are dedicated to essential academic subjects:
  
  • French ;
  • mathematics ;
  • sciences ;
  • history-geography.

These institutional disciplines are taught in a structured way that is adapted to each student, with interactive methods and personalized support.

Oral expression is particularly valued thanks to the small class size, which enables each student to express himself or herself on a regular basis. Creativity is stimulated by interdisciplinary projects and daily writing practice.
‍

• Afternoons are reserved for personal development projects and activities. It is at these times that students become involved in their learning paths:
  
  • linguistics : in-depth study of English through practical projects and introduction to Spanish from sixth grade;
  • sports: adapted physical and sports activities, awareness of the values of sport ;
  • artistic: music, theater, visual arts.

"These foreign-language activities, sports activities and art projects all contribute to the well-being of each individual. These courses respond to the diversity of intelligences," notes Amanda Ceselia.

Numerous cultural outings are organized. These are followed up with in-class presentations and analysis. In addition, one hour of philosophy and workshops on managing emotions complete this support. These activities contribute to the development ofcritical thinking and interpersonal skills.

This unique structure and approach enables students to combine academic demands with personal development. This alternative pedagogy fosters motivation and involvement in learning.

"Our interdisciplinary and individualized approach enables each student to develop curiosity, autonomy and critical thinking, while evolving in a calm and dynamic school environment," adds Amanda Ceselia. We prepare our students for the challenges of the 21stᵉ century by integrating appropriate digital tools and fostering links with the outside world through guest speakers, hands-on projects and cultural openness."

‍

Active teaching inspired by neuroscience

The pedagogical principles of this innovative college

In the schools of the Esclaibes International Schools network, Montessori pedagogy may have pride of place in nursery classes, but it evolves in the elementary grades. But its fundamental principles endure. The same is true of the middle school, where the pedagogical vision is still based on active teaching and the same principles:
‍

• L'autonomy and the empowermentthanks in particular to :
  
  • individualized work plans that allow students to take charge of their own learning and manage their own time;
  • interdisciplinary projects that encourage initiative.
    
    
• A suitable environment the needs of teenagers with :
  
  • a team that maintains a caring environment and takes care of their needs for socialization, commitment and meaning ;
  • an organization that favors cooperation and the management of collective responsibilities.
    
    
• Concrete, interdisciplinary learning thanks to a strong link between academic knowledge and practical applications, to give meaning to learning:
  "We favor a concrete, immersive approach to learning. Students work on the basis of real-life situations, experiments, debates, free written productions and the creation of maps. Each discipline follows the curriculum rigorously, while incorporating active and participative teaching methods," explains Marylin Mesguich.
  
  
• Individualized follow-up and adapted tools such as the personalized work plan and activity files, which enable students (and teachers) to know where they stand, where they're going, and to progress at their own pace. So everyone can see how far they've come and how far they've come.
  
  
• An alternation between intellectual work and practical activities.

"The transition to elementary school is smooth, retaining work plans and progressive activity books, but with an opening towards greater autonomy and ever more concrete learning. The aim is to help the teenager prepare for the real world by developing academic, social and practical skills," explains Amanda Ceselia.

The methods used and the role of the spoken word

In addition to the use of a work surface, other methods include :

• Project-based learning: real-life situations, mini-companies, artistic productions, podcasts, scientific experiments.
   
• An interdisciplinary approach: disciplines intersect, respond to each other and challenge each other to give meaning to learning. Each subject is approached from different angles to enhance understanding and integration of knowledge.
   
• Differentiated teaching: each student receives support adapted to his or her level and needs.
   
• A variety of assessments: orals, debates, presentations, not just written tests.

"Oral expression plays a key role in our teaching methods. It enables us to assess progress through presentations, group presentations and collaborative work. Follow-up is both precise and dynamic. It integrates what has been learned in class and at home," explains Marylin Mesguich.

‍

The aim is to ensure that students are not passive in the face of knowledge, but take an active role in their own learning.

‍

"We help them develop critical thinking skills, curiosity and autonomy," adds Amanda Ceselia.

‍

Language learning: a cornerstone of this innovative college

‍

In the bilingual schools of the Esclaibes International Schools network, linguistic and cultural immersion in English- and French-speaking environments takes place on a daily basis. In kindergarten and elementary school, teaching time in French is equivalent to that in English. Language teaching remains a priority at Esclaibes.

Although this alternative college is not strictly bilingual, it offers enhanced language immersion with:
‍

• English lessons given by a native teacher and adapted to the level of the pupils, who may be native English speakers or have become bilingual following their elementary school education: all benefit from daily exposure to a living, authentic English language;
  ‍
• Spanish language teaching from 6ᵉ;
  ‍
• encouraging exchanges with international peers, through correspondence, cultural and linguistic exchanges, online and face-to-face interactions;
  ‍
• trips abroad, organized by the school, to practice a language in immersion and discover new cultures.

The aim is to help students achieve natural fluency, pronunciation and comprehension. They evolve in an environment where modern languages are a real lever for learning and international openness.

‍

"Our ambition is to train citizens of the world, capable of communicating with ease and adapting to an international environment, while developing their open-mindedness and curiosity," explains Amanda Ceselia.

‍

An innovative, forward-looking middle school

‍

The latest addition to the Esclaibes International Schools network, co-founded by Alexandre d'Esclaibes and Marie Robert, the Marseille school is set to grow, find a new campus and expand to the Paris region. The aim is to enable more students to benefit from this unique educational project and approach.

‍

Innovation will also be reflected in the establishment of academic, scientific and cultural partnerships. By strengthening ties with its partners, the school's educational team aims to :

• develop innovative projects;
  ‍
• promote cooperative and creative learning experiences, with, for example, schools of music, drama, drawing, etc.;
  ‍
• offer new opportunities for exchanges and experiences in France and abroad.
  ‍

The team's ambition is to continue building a fulfilling and dynamic environment, so that each student can express his or her full potential.

Why choose Esclaibes middle school in Marseille?

If you're looking for a caring, demanding and innovative learning environment for your middle schooler, chances are the innovative Esclaibes International Schools in Marseille is just what you're looking for.

Far from standardized establishments, our college aims to :

• Visit student well-being first and foremostthanks to :
  
  • small numbers and the individualized support they provide;
  • a multi-age class that encourages mutual aid, cooperation and autonomy;
  • a dynamic, humane environment that respects everyone's pace, without stress or unnecessary competition.
    
    
• L'scholarly excellencethanks to :
  
  • rigorous teaching of the fundamentals with active teaching methods that give meaning to learning;
  • a personalized program that allows each student to develop his or her strengths, while making progress in areas where he or she is having difficulty;
  • individualized support.
    
    
• A innovative teaching approachthrough :
  
  • This half-day organization is tailored to the needs of teenagers, alternating between basic skills and cultural, sports and language projects;
  • learning based on experimentation, manipulation and concrete interdisciplinary projects;
  • Enhanced language learning with native speakers and international exchanges.
    
    
•  Visit development of psychosocial skills essential for the future of children with
  
  • interdisciplinary and creative projects to develop critical thinking, innovation and cooperation;
  • an openness to the world through cultural and scientific trips and partnerships;
  • a framework that encourages autonomy, curiosity and adaptability.

‍

"Our commitment is to a school where every student finds his or her place, flourishes and prepares for the world of tomorrow," concludes Amanda Ceselia.

‍

Although not specialized, Marseille's innovative middle school is organized in such a way as to accommodate neuroatypical students. Flexible teaching methods and individualized support facilitate their progress and well-being. Thanks to a caring environment, these students can learn without pressure or excessive competition. This encourages their academic success.

‍

Students who have already attended school are very open-minded. They facilitate the integration of newcomers and the cohesion of the group.

‍

‍

Would you like to enroll your child at the Esclaibes middle school in Marseille?

‍

College registration is open year-round, subject to space availability.
‍

It takes place in several stages to ensure that our pedagogical project matches your expectations.

1. Get in touch with the management
   If you're interested, contact the management to find out more about the school, how it works and its specific pedagogical features. This first step allows us to discuss your child's progress and answer any questions you may have.
   
   
2. Meet the team and visit the school
   You will then be invited to meet the teaching staff and visit the school. This meeting is an opportunity to discover the premises, discuss teaching methods and explain the school environment. The aim is to give you a clear picture of the educational project and the ways in which students are supported.
   
   
3. Finalize registration
   If you wish to continue with the registration process, a registration form must be completed. Once validated, your child is officially enrolled and supported in his or her integration into the school.

Particular attention is paid to supporting new students, to help them adapt and integrate into the class.

And good news: a middle school section will open at thebilingual international school in Paris in 2026, and at theinternational school in Clichy in 2027.

Contact us to find out more and visit our facilities!

‍