Lycée Forward: Grade 5 Transition Visit to Ortega Campus

What is Lycée Forward and Why Does It Matter?

The Lycée Forward program supports students through each key transition in their educational journey. At Lycée Français de San Francisco, these transitions, from one campus to the next or from Middle to High School, can naturally raise questions and excitement for both students and their families.

When students build real connections ahead of a transition, they develop a sense of belonging that strengthens their learning, deepens their friendships, and expands their social networks. The Lycée Forward program is designed to provide:

• A structure for children to make meaningful connections with their older peers
• Clear information for both students and parents to support decision-making and inspire them to continue their bilingual journey

First Event was NOV 14

Gr5 students from both Ashbury and Sausalito had a blast spending the day at the Ortega campus for a sneak peek into life as future 6th graders! They rotated through real middle school classes, Science, Math, History-Geography, French, and even got moving with Judo and Climbing. They whipped up their own granola, decorated fresh Lycée T-shirts, joined the Middle School Assembly, and spent time exploring the campus together. It was a day of discovery, creativity, and new friendships : an exciting first step toward middle school!

Highlights of APR 06

🔬MYP Science Project

Our Gr5 students took on the roles of engineers and diplomats in an IB MYP Science project centered on designing "Passive Houses", structures that stay comfortable year-round with minimal energy use. Tackling the physics of heat transfer, teams managed budgets, navigated "Challenge Cards" simulating real-world crises like war and climate change, and negotiated with "governments" and NGOs to keep their projects afloat. By the final thermal showdown, students had demonstrated not just scientific rigor, but critical thinking, communication, and resilience: core IB skills that prove they are ready to become principled global citizens!

🌱 Puberty Education Lesson

As part of the day, students took part in a co-ed puberty education lesson led by Emmanuelle Offner, Coordinator of the Health Pathway (Parcours Santé) and Biology (SVT) teacher. To prepare, a question box had been placed in each Grade 5 classroom, allowing students to shape the conversation. Sensitive topics were reserved for a follow-up lesson on their Primary Campus in a non-co-ed setting.

🎬 Documentary: Et si on levait les yeux?

Gr5 and 6 students watched this documentary together, exploring the impact and dangers of screen time, a timely and thought-provoking topic for this age group.

🍧 Shaved Ice Celebration

To close out the day, students enjoyed a well-earned shaved ice together!