The students of EEPLD are the future citizens of Europe and the world. As such, they need a wide range of skills to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world. In 2006, the European Council and the European Parliament adopted a European framework of key competences for lifelong learning.

These competences are embedded and integrated into the European Schools’ curriculum. The eight key competences, which all individuals need to thrive and develop personally, to be active citizens, to achieve social inclusion, and to access employment, are the ones we aim for our students to acquire.

  • Literacy
  • Multilingualism
  • Numerical, scientific and engineering skills
  • Digital and technology-based competences
  • Interpersonal skills, and the ability to adopt new competences
  • Active citizenship
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Cultural awareness and expression
 Key Competences

In the European Schools system, there is a strong focus on language learning. The European School of Paris La Défense has two language sections: English-speaking and French-speaking. The language of the section is called L1 and is the main language of instruction. To be admitted to a language section, the child must be fluent in the section language, and it must be a natural part of their daily life.

Pupils begin learning their first foreign language (L2) in Primary Year 1 (P1). The available L2 options are English, German, or French. Choosing L2 is especially important, as from Secondary Year 3 (S3) onwards, several subjects are taught in this language.

In Secondary Year 1 (S1), pupils choose a second foreign language (L3), and from Secondary Year 4 (S4), they may also choose a third foreign language (L4).

Due to the multilingual nature of teaching in European Schools, pupils graduate with full proficiency in at least two languages and a solid command of one or two additional foreign languages.

If your child is bilingual and speaks both section languages at home, it is possible to apply to either section. However, we recommend considering their dominant language. Which is their stronger language? They should speak it fluently and use it daily at home. We may require a language assessment before confirming their placement in a section.

Teachers from the language section will communicate with the child and their family in the language of the section.

Please note that the European School of Paris La Défense does not offer bilingual education, and the L1 and L2 programmes are distinct.