3 hours of Mandarin per week + 2 hours of history-geography classes on the Chinese World taught partly in Mandarin.
The Oriental Section (SO) programme offers students an exceptional opportunity to dive into the captivating world of history, geography, current affairs, and to understand the depth of the millennia-old Chinese civilisation as well as the challenges of modern China. Developed in collaboration with the French Ministry of Education, the SO section provides a comprehensive learning experience that combines the academic excellence of the French education system with specialised Mandarin courses, promoting bilingualism and knowledge of China both past and present.
Students in the SO section have the privilege of exploring various aspects of social sciences through the study of a Non-Linguistic Discipline (DNL) consisting of history and geography. They learn critical analysis and engage with authentic texts and other iconographic or videographic documents in Mandarin. These complex documents must be analysed step-by-step and presented by the students in organised, precise, and clear oral summaries.
Over the three years of high school, students gain confidence in their understanding of difficult authentic texts and also in their ability to express themselves orally in Chinese. SO section students explore current affairs, history, and geography. They acquire a Chinese perspective on contemporary issues, examining the political, social, and cultural events that shape the Chinese World both yesterday and today.
By completing the SO programme, students earn a diploma (Baccalaureate Mention Oriental Section) recognised nationally and internationally, thus opening doors to various academic and professional opportunities. This diploma is indeed a unique asset increasingly valued by prestigious higher education institutions that are interested in candidates with a good command of Mandarin and that offer partnerships with China.
Join us in exploring the Chinese World around us and prepare for a future rich in cultural discoveries and international mobility.