The organization stages and cycles
The organization is part of an educational continuum structured into three stages, divided into cycles. These terms refer to an educational device comprising several years of study to enable each child:
Browse through their schooling continuously, at their own pace and without repetition, the entry into kindergarten through the end of the second year of primary school (Step 1), and carry on these critical learning periods in reference to defining basic skills required level of education.
Browse through their schooling continuously, at their own pace and without repetition, the third through sixth grade (Step 2), and to achieve these critical learning periods in reference to defining the basic skills level required studies. This provision becomes mandatory from 1 September 2007.
| Step 1 | First cycle | The entry into kindergarten at age 5 years | in force since 1 September 2000 |
| Second cycle | the age of 5 years from the end of the second primary | ||
| Step 2 | Third cycle | 3rd and 4th year primary | mandatory from 1 September 2007 |
| Fourth cycle | 5th and 6th grade primary | ||
| Step 3 | Fifth cycle | First and second year secondary |
It is important not to confuse the concept of a cycle with the grouping of students.
Cycle, imposed on all schools, ensures continuity of learning and practice of differentiated instruction, student groups are specific to each school within the organizational structure that it is in place to achieve these goals.
Various forms of organization can be observed:
children the same age accompanied by an owner for over a year;
Children at different ages supported by a single teacher or multiple, surrounding the group simultaneously or alternately;
Children the same age supported each year by a different holder, the continuity in this case requires close consultation between the teachers involved;
Functional flexibility is required to accommodate the needs of students in a harmonious combination of different structures: classes, cycles, facility.
