Our alternative approach

At our school, we have chosen a deeply human pedagogy, one that respects each child’s pace and is open to the world. Our alternative approach is based on two complementary pillars: practical skillsthrough rigorous and tailored instruction, and interpersonal and social skills, which supports each child in their personal, social, and emotional development.

Practical Skills: A rich, structured, and open-ended education

Our school is following the French curriculum, recognized for the diversity of its content and the excellence of its teaching, as well as the MIE program for Englishto provide students with authentic bilingualism, tailored to the Mauritian context.

The education is designed to be both solid and flexible.
Some concepts are taught in a traditional manner, while others are explored through play, role-playing, hands-on experience, research, or outdoor exploration. We believe that children learn differently depending on the context, atmosphere, and approach offered.

Whether it’s a traditional lesson, a sensory workshop, an investigative project, or learning in nature, teaching is always adapted to the students’ needs and pace. Each child progresses along their own learning path, guided with care, rigor, and respect.

We never put our students in competition with one another.
When numerical assessments are used, it is solely for educational purposes:
– either for students who enjoy challenging themselves,
– or to prepare older students for the expectations and standards of secondary school.
Grades, when given, are never a judgment—only reference points.

Interpersonal Skills: Growing Together, Finding its own place

Learning is not limited to acquiring knowledge: it also means growing, cooperating, understanding others, and understanding oneself.

At our school, the development of psychosocial skills is central.
Our teachers are present with the students on a daily basis, fostering close guidance to support social cohesion, emotional management, mutual aid, listening, communication, and respect.

The adult’s stance is essential:
– respectful and caring,
– firm when necessary,
– reassuring, stable, and consistent,
– always guiding, never intrusive.

The adult does not impose: they guide.
They do not teach knowledge alone: they support the child in building their personality, self-confidence, and ability to interact harmoniously with others.

Our Educational Inspirations

Our approach is inspired by several educational movements, all of which share a respectful, research-based, and deeply human vision of the child.

Freinet Education

It places the child at the heart of their learning, encouraging free expression, hands-on work, cooperation, and learning through experience.

The work of Céline Alvarez

They are based on the “natural laws of the child,” informed by neuroscience: autonomy, intrinsic motivation, a positive environment, active experiences, and respect for natural development.

Montessori education

It emphasizes autonomy, self-confidence, free choice, hands-on activities, a prepared environment, and the adult’s attentive and supportive observation.

Our teachers have, throughout their professional careers, experimented with these approaches with many children. The success experienced with both students and parents has reinforced our conviction:  this kind, active, and respectful approach is suitable for all children.