Private English lessons in primary school
From first words to first sentences, an English coach who makes your child want to speak, at home anywhere in Belgium or online.
Your child is learning English at school: how can you help?
Since the common core reform, French-speaking schools teach a modern language from year 3 of primary school. In Wallonia, the school chooses between Dutch, English and German. In Brussels, the first language is Dutch: English comes later.
Many children hear English every day, in songs, cartoons and games. They recognise words, but do not yet dare to build a sentence, and their writing lags behind.
The coach starts from what the child sees in class: the vocabulary of the topic, the instructions, the sentences used to introduce oneself or describe something. They work with pictures, games and short dialogues, so the child dares to answer.
In English immersion, the work also covers the subjects taught in English. If dyslexia has been diagnosed, we choose a coach used to that profile.
See also our private English lessons at every level and all our private lessons in primary school.
What your child works on in English, year by year
Expectations change quickly between year 3 and year 6. The coach follows the class curriculum and the child’s actual level.
Years 3 and 4
First words and set phrases: introducing oneself, colours, numbers, family, animals. Everything goes through the ear: understanding a simple instruction and daring to answer.
Years 5 and 6
Longer sentences, the first tenses (present simple and present continuous), reading short texts and writing a few lines. This is the age when gaps between pupils widen.
Towards secondary school
Starting secondary school with basic vocabulary and the habit of speaking. If English is the first modern language, it is assessed in the CE1D at the end of year 2 of secondary.
How does it work?
Analysis of the situation and goals
A My Sherpa educational advisor gets in touch and analyses the pupil's needs.
Designing the coaching programme
Your educational advisor proposes a suitable programme.
Coach selection
Your educational advisor selects the coach who suits your needs and your schedule.
Coaching follow-up
Throughout the programme of lessons, your educational advisor follows up and remains available.
Other subjects in primary school
English at other levels
Need specific support?
My Sherpa, your support service dedicated to your children's success
12k
Pupils supported
Since 2003, from primary school to higher education.
97%
satisfaction
Families satisfied with the quality of their support.
87%
Success rate
Students who reach the goals set with their educational advisor.
A private English tutor, chosen for your child
Private tutor, home English teacher, coach: at My Sherpa, your educational advisor makes that choice with you. They assess your child’s level and what they cover in class, then select a coach who is at ease with young children and with the language.
Lessons take place at home anywhere in Belgium, or online, on weekdays and at weekends. At this level, a session usually lasts 1h30.
Does your child mainly want to learn to speak English, outside the school curriculum? Discover our English lessons, one to one or in a small group.
English lessons in primary school: your questions
No. The CEB, at the end of year 6, covers French, mathematics and general knowledge (science, history, geography). English is assessed by the school, in its own tests. The first external language exam is the CE1D, at the end of year 2 of secondary school.
As soon as the language is on the curriculum, often from year 3. The right moment is when the child starts to fall behind: they no longer understand instructions, stop daring to answer, or their marks drop. Caught early, the gap covers little material.
Because understanding and producing are two different skills. The child recognises words by ear, but school also asks them to write, spell and build a sentence. The coach starts from that ease and turns it into correct sentences.
Lessons start at €35/h in primary school, usually for 1h30 sessions. For a young child, one session every week matters more than long, widely spaced sessions. The first three sessions are a trial period: if things do not click with the coach, you continue with another one, at no extra cost.
You do not need to speak the language. The coach tells you what has been covered and what is still fragile, and your educational advisor reviews progress with you throughout.
