Proud of our bilingualism!
Students in the French Secondary come to us from Primary already having studied three languages: French, English and Mandarin! Not to mention the languages spoken at home. It is a reflection of the international environment that surrounds them.
Catherine McCathy, a former SIA/BFI history teacher and FIS guidance counsellor for the past 10 years, has just joined our management team, with responsibility for English-language teaching:
This article focuses on the bilingual pathway, which culminates in the BFI, Bac Français International, at the end of Terminale.
Initially called the OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat), the new BFI will have its first intake in summer 2024.
The American section of the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) is a bilingual, bicultural program developed by the French Ministry of Education in partnership with the College Board. It is a highly demanding version of the bac, with equal academic and linguistic requirements in English and French. The American BFI brings together the best of two distinct perspectives on education.
It combines the rigour, breadth and coherence of the French national curriculum – rooted in liberal arts, culture and critical thinking – with the American tradition of experiential learning, initiative and inquiry-based creativity.
BFI students follow a 2-year programme in English language and literature. The general Bac history and geography curriculum (which all Bac students must study) is modified to reflect a different cultural bias and combined with an element of national history and geography from “back home”. This represents an additional 8 hours of classes in the language of their section: Language and Literature (ACL), History and Geography (DNL) and a component called “Connaissance du Monde” leading to a comprehensive research project on a contemporary issue of global importance. . . worldwide. The World Knowledge component encourages critical thinking, research skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources, as well as effective communication and presentation skills.
Overall, the World Knowledge component of the BFI aims to develop students’ global awareness, cultural sensitivity and ability to engage with the complexities of our interconnected world. It equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to become informed and active global citizens.
All 3 BFI subjects are taught and examined in English at university entrance level. Students who opt for this dual curriculum develop the ability to manage unusually heavy workloads and multiple commitments; they develop cultural mobility and exceptional academic flexibility, and gain admission to the world’s top universities. We’re proud of the 18 Terminale students who are pioneering the programme, and grateful to our teachers who mentor and support them along the way!
