French Section - Secondary - Specificity of English language teaching

The main mission of the English department in the French stream is to follow the French programmes and prepare students for the French 'Brevet' and 'Baccalauréat' but every effort is made to adapt teaching to the local context so that all students benefit from English teaching, whether they are beginners, proficient English speakers already or native speakers of English.

Reinforced English teaching timetable starting 2011-2012 school year

Groups

At FIS, English is taught in groups known as standard, intermediate, and advanced from 6ème to 2nde and B2, C1 and C2 in 1ère and Tle (corresponding to the Common European Framework for Languages or CEF criteria).

In order to constitute these groups, the school organises a diagnostic evaluation at the beginning of the school year for all students from sixième to Terminale. All written skills are evaluated and an oral mark is awarded to returning students, reflecting the level reached at the end of the previous school year, and to new students based on a short interview.

The aim of this evaluation is to ensure that each student is placed in the group corresponding to his/her language level. It is marked by one teacher per year group for consistency. The results are used to make up the groups; they do not count as part of the termly average and are communicated neither to students nor parents.

FAQs concerning English groups

Is the programme different in each group?

Yes, each group follows a specific programme.

Can a student change group during the year? Who takes the decision?

Yes, the groups are not static. At the end of each term, some students may be considered to move up or, in rare cases, down. The decision is taken by the English teachers at a specific meeting, with the aim of ensuring minimum disruption to both the students and teachers concerned.

Is the diagnostic evaluation compulsory if a student has already started a specific programme, e.g. IGCSE or "section européenne "?

Yes, the diagnostic evaluation is compulsory for all students. Following a specific programme is not an entitlement but depends on the group a student has been placed in. Indeed, a student may start or stop a specific programme in the course of the year if a decision is made that he/she should change group.

Are marks comparable from one group to another?

It is difficult to compare marks from one group to another because the objectives and expectations are different. However, for all groups, teachers take into consideration the CEFL level corresponding to the official French programmes when marking. 

Co-teaching

All groups, with the exception of "Terminale", are co-taught by a French native speaker or French-trained teacher and an English native speaker or English-trained teacher. Each teacher brings to the classroom the characteristics of his/her culture, initial training and experience.

Exception: "Terminale" B2 group has a single, French-trained teacher in order to prepare students for the French baccalaureate examinations in the best possible conditions.

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) at the Hong Kong FIS

Indicative levels for the composition of groups after placement tests (average per group with potential considerable differences between students or discrepancy between oral and written skills):

In Première and Terminale, teachers indicate on reports:

• the CEFL level reached by students if this is higher than the level required to pass the French baccalaureate (see the link on the CEFL website).
• if the student is a native speaker of English.

Leaving Certificate

On request, a departing student can obtain a leaving certificate indicating his/her CEFL level and if the student is a native speaker.

Teaching Material

Textbooks and set texts from a variety of French and Anglo-Saxon publishers (Heinemann, Oxford, Cambridge etc.) and a range of classic and contemporary literature may be lent to students depending on the class and group they are in.

Students are also required to buy supplementary resources (a grammar guide, a vocabulary guide and a dictionary). References for these resources are included with the annual list of books to be purchased.

At the beginning or during the course of the school year, some students may also be asked to purchase set texts to study in class. It is not possible to order these until we have organised the groups following the beginning of year tests.

European section in English 

Since the start of the 2009-2010 school year, a history unit (1 lesson per week out of the 4 English lessons taught) has been offered to students in 4 ^ème advanced. The European section leading to a "mention au baccaluréat" starts for the C1 and C2 groups in "Première" at the start of the 2010-2011 school year.

The French baccalaureate will indicate "mention européenne" if the student achieves a grade of at least 12/20 in the chosen language (English) and 10/20 in the specific exam related to the subject taught in another language (history/geography).

This programme is specifically intended for students from the abovementioned groups. There is no specific procedure required to register a student for the European section, this will be automatic. Some students may follow the courses taught in both the Oriental and European sections but is important to point out that they are required to choose between "mention orientale" or "mention européenne" when registering for the French baccalaureate. It is not currently possible to have two "mentions".

Please click on this link for more detailed information (in French).

Specific teaching programmes and examinations

IGCSE: The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is the International equivalent of GCSE, taken by British students in Form 5 (Seconde) as part of the British National Curriculum. The IGCSE programmes are interesting and motivating for intermediate and advanced students and provide proof of English language proficiency for admittance to British and many other universities in the English-speaking world.
The school has set up a two-year programme to enable advanced students in 3ème and 2nde advanced to prepare for "IGCSE English Language" and/or "IGCSE English Literature". Since the start of the 2009-2010 school year, an "IGCSE English as a second language" programme has also been offered to 2nde intermediate students.
The FIS is an IGCSE examination centre (University of Cambridge International Examinations Board) for the International Stream so French stream students can take these exams here at the school.
Information about these exams, which are of course optional, is regularly provided to students and parents concerned, including dates and inscription fees.

IELTS : International English Language Testing System is a test of English language proficiency that can be taken at the British Council. It enables or helps students to be admitted to English-speaking universities. You will find information about this examination on the school website: http://www.fis.edu.hk/web/Default.aspx?r=1&e=1438&h=2;3;2&lang=en-gb
Training for this test may be offered by English teachers to specific groups of students depending on their profile and future study options.

English courses and camps

Some parents my wish to register their child(ren) for a language course during the holidays. The British Council website in Paris gives detailed information and provides a list of accredited institutions throughout the UK: http://www.britishcouncil.org/france-educationuk-apprendre-anglais-information.htm

You can also obtain information about studying and work placements in the UK: http://www.britishcouncil.org/france-educationuk.htm

Suggested Reading Lists

FIS Victor Segalen Hong Kong list: see http://www.fis.edu.hk/web/Default.aspx?r=4&lang=en-gb&e=1786&h=3;2;-1

For standard and intermediate students, "Penguin Readers" offer a large range of titles in seven European Framework benchmarked language levels, enabling you to complement or further your child's English programme. Don't hesitate to ask the English teachers for advice.

All books in English can be purchased at competitive prices and without delivery charges at Book Depository UK

Suggested magazine for intermediate and advanced level students : http://www.regentmedia.sg/publications_bbc.shtml

• Form 1 = 6^ème
• Form 2 = 5^ème
• Form 3 = 4^ème
• Form 4 = 3^ème
• Form 5 = 2^nde
• Lower 6^th = 1^ère
• Upper 6^th = T^le

Suggested reading lists of the French International School of S^t Germain en Laye:

• British Section: http://www.lycee-international.net/SecondaryProgrammes.html
• American Section: http://www.americansection.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=131&Itemid=278

Useful links

New website funded by the French Ministry of Education and the British Council.

Very useful for new arrivals of 6ème and 5ème level to make quick progress on their own: http://www.englishbyyourself.fr/index.html