Claire Simon has always been fascinated by the inner workings of schools. Over the years, she’s quietly observed students through moments both big and small, as they learn as much about lessons as they do about life itself. Her latest film, Elementary, takes us inside a Paris public school, where another day of discovery awaits both children and viewers alike.
Through Simon’s gentle lens, we watch students at the Ivry-sur-Seine elementary school greet each other at the gate with laughter and hugs. There is Mamadou, timid yet curious, on his first day of big school. A boy finds focus through solo scooter rides. Teachers offer support tailored to each child’s needs. Scenes unfold not as a linear story but as a patchwork revealing the school’s spirit—one rooted in empathy, care, and community.
Simon invites us to see familiar school dynamics with fresh eyes. Her subtle, unobtrusive approach fosters wonder at the little victories woven into her daily routine. As moments form a vivid whole, Elementary celebrates how this communal effort shapes young minds and souls. What mysteries might we find within the classroom’s doors? Let the school day begin.
Inside the Classroom
Claire Simon has perfected a fly-on-the-wall style, observing through a subtle, unobtrusive lens. In elementary school, she resists focusing on any one character, instead celebrating the school’s spirit as a whole. Short scenes unfold like pieces in a mosaic, together revealing daily life’s richness.
Simon shows a researcher’s curiosity, uncovering nuances even in familiar topics. Though she’s filmed schools before, each project feels fresh—like rereading a favorite book and finding new depths. Her past work explored playtime or high school life, but Elementary invites fresh insights.
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Through brief captured moments, a vivid picture forms. A child pumps their fist at the right answer before mirroring a footballer’s disappointment at mistakes. To unwind, another finds focus riding solo around the playground. Scenes flow freely as in life—not a structured story, but a textured portrayal of this educational world.
Subtle techniques allow intimate access. We see a teacher identify a learning difficulty, supporting a student’s struggle with care. Laughter echoes from within the “theater” of the school, where children and educators collectively strive to help young minds develop. Simon welcomes us into spaces rarely visible to appreciate the journeys within.
Discovering Daily School Lives
Elementary takes us inside a lively space of learning—the Makarenko Public Elementary School in Ivry-sur-Seine. A culturally diverse community bustles through its halls.
We meet some young students, like the boy who finds solace through solo scooter rides when classroom pressures build. On his first day of “big school,” tiny Mamadou clings nervously to his teacher’s hand. Yet even as individuals, each plays a role in the school’s spirit as a whole.
Simon cares less about profiling certain characters than revealing the school’s fabric through many woven threads. But some strands still shine through. One girl scolds Mamadou for ruining a game, while others greet their teacher each morning with hugs.
Teachers too make brief appearances, tailored supports showing how they identify those needing extra guidance. Rather than pick favorites, the film celebrates this place where so many volunteers give their skills and souls each day to help youth find their own.
Between these walls, the daily discoveries of education happen both inside and outside classrooms. Elementary invites exploring each life that makes this microcosm their shared home.
Everyday Moments and Lessons
Elementary peeks inside the Makarenko school as students and staff engage in daily life. Teachers foster diverse minds through caring guidance, like aiding a child with spelling or calming another through scooter time.
Small dramas and victories emerge in glimpses too, whether a boy pumps his fist at a correct answer or winces at mistakes. A new student, Mamadou, earns a scolding in play, yet hugs greet the head teacher each morning. Interactions shape young personalities but also reveal the school’s compassionate spirit.
This mosaic approach reflects how education happens through a web of classroom and casual moments. A caterpillar sparks playground panic one moment, and laughter echoes within the “theater” of school halls the next. Scenes flow freely as experiences do—not a structured tale but a textured portrayal.
Yet contrasts also emerge. When a Paris high school music class visits, their virtuosity silences the Ivry students. Faces show admiration, but also the humiliations hierarchies can bring. Throughout, the Makarenko community strives for inclusion, where all find respect and place.
Elementary invites discovering what matters most: the steady work of shaping future citizens through both lessons and allowing each spirit room to develop. Within these walls, the foundations for lives of sharing and care take root.
Nurturing Youth and Community
Elementary school glimpses important themes about education’s role. The Makarenko School cultivates nurturing support and care for diverse students. Teachers identify needs compassionately while respecting each child’s journey.
By focusing collectively rather than individually, the film celebrates how learning emerges from shared effort. Classrooms hold moments of victory and defeat, yet together, these contribute to vibrant education as a cooperative act.
Though Mikarenko faces no extraordinary challenges, Claire Simon suggests everyday “little miracles” profoundly shape young lives. Through teachers’ steady work and allowing space for unique spirits, foundations are built for sharing society’s responsibilities.
Beyond academics, the school fosters socializing and togetherness. Yet the Paris class’ visit also highlights hierarchies sometimes found, with their virtuosity silencing local students. Makarenko strives for a balanced approach where all find value.
With her discreet lens, Simon portrays these themes subtly amid her daily routines. But the film’s deeper significance emerges in showing education as a nurturing, diverse, yet equitable foundation for developing citizens and civil communities. It presents school not just as a place of learning but also as a means also as a means of cultivating respect among individuals.
Everyday Moments that Resonate
Claire Simon’s Elementary proves a gem through subtle yet resonant strengths. Her discreet lens invites discovering the Makarenko school’s nurturing spirit as daily lessons and interactions unfold naturally.
Without comment or demand, the film affectionately portraits teachers patiently cultivating citizens through both education and allowing each student’s voice. Charming glimpses of challenges and victories hint at profound impacts, as does respect for diversity and each individual’s place.
Simon celebrates the collective effort and “little miracles” that steadily shape young lives. Her mosaic approach reflects how learning emerges through a community’s many woven threads. This school strives to foster equitable foundations where all can develop freely yet with shared responsibility.
Elementary leaves a lasting impression by affording a glimpse of sanctuary, often closed to outside eyes. It presents thoughtful themes that resonate with education’s civic role through a film as clear and powerful as its poised title. In doing so, this small documentary proves a valuable tribute to those who guide society’s future.
The Review
Elementary
Elementary offers a touching glimpse into the subtle yet profound work of educating youth through nurturing guidance and respect for diversity. Claire Simon's discreet yet resonant documentary is a moving tribute to teachers and an inspirational portrait of a school community.
PROS
- Intimate and authentic portrayal of daily school life
- Subtle handling of thoughtful themes around education's social impact
- Appreciation for the challenges of teaching and shaping young minds
- Captures the spirit of inclusion and care at the Makarenko school.
CONS
- Lacks context for filmmakers or school for newcomers
- Minimal character profiles may limit audience engagement
- Prefers showing over telling may leave some themes undersupported
