FRENCH STREAM

By choosing the French Stream at FIS, you're opting for the rigorous French curriculum accredited by the French Ministry of Education and supported by the AEFE, delivered in a fully immersive multilingual environment and offering a wide range of international opportunities that prepare students for global success.

FS ACADEMIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MIDDLE SCHOOL / FS

Progressing to lower secondary is a significant step. Students need to adjust to a new setup in terms of timing and location, with a timetable, room changes and one teacher per subject, sometimes with differing expectations. The pace of work is also faster than in primary and students need to become increasingly independent.

In middle school, all subjects taught (French, Mathematics, Modern Languages, History, Geography and Citizenship, Sciences, Music, Art and Physical Education) draw on a common foundation of knowledge, skills and culture.

Students complete lower secondary education by taking the French DNB exam (Diplôme National du Brevet).

Students can choose from several English pathways

CLASSIC SECTION

4 hrs of English /week

4 hours of English as a foreign language each week in lower secondary school provide students with consistent exposure to the language, reinforcing essential vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills. This regular practice helps build confidence and fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It lays a strong foundation for effective communication in English, preparing students for academic success and real-world interactions.

LCE SECTION - English Language and Culture

6 hrs of English /week

English- 4hrs
Drama - 1hr
Sciences / Maths - 1hr

Developed in collaboration with the French Ministry of Education, the Sciences Department and Drama professionals, LCE combines the academic excellence of the French education system with specialized English courses in sciences and drama, fostering bilingualism and cultural enrichment.

LCE students can delve into the benefits of studying sciences in English, including mathematics and sciences. These subjects are taught by highly qualified instructors who provide engaging lessons and practical applications, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts and analytical thinking.

In addition to the sciences, LCE also offers an exciting drama course taught in English. Through this creative outlet, students explore the world of theatre, enhancing their communication skills, self-expression, and confidence.

The LCE program is committed to academic excellence, maintaining high standards and challenging students to reach their full potential. With a substantial workload, students dedicate significant time to English instruction, ensuring comprehensive language development and academic progress.

SIA SECTION - American International Section

8 hrs of English /week

Literature - 5.5hrs to 6hrs
History & Geography - 2hrs

The aim of the section is to create an environment for our students that provides the same linguistic and cultural level in both French and English. During their 5 hours of literature, 1 hour of drama and 2 hours of History-geography instruction in English, they will find themselves in another teaching environment with a different approach which will allow them to understand and adapt to the varied ways in which other cultures view the world and approach problem-solving, communication, mediation, persuasion.

However, the true value of the SIA lies in the place it occupies at the heart of the French education system, allowing our students to benefit from the academic rigour and cultural wealth of the French system combined with an international teaching approach.

The American International Section leads to the International French Baccalauréat (BFI). The syllabus and the diplomas (Brevet International option and BFI–International French Baccalaureat) are officially and jointly accredited by the French Education Ministry and the College Board in the USA.

→ This section is only available with approval from our pedagogical team.

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE STUDY

6eme - LV1: English / Mandatory Language at FIS: Mandarin (beginner or non-beginner mandarin)
5eme - LV1: English / LV2: German or Spanish or Mandarin (beginner or non-beginner mandarin) / CNED =LV2 = 2.5 hours per week / Optional Subject: Latin or Mandarin (non-beginner or beginner)
4eme & 3eme - LV1: English / LV2: German or Spanish or Mandarin (non-beginner) / CNED =LV2 = 2.5 hours per week / Optional Subject: Latin (non-beginner) or Mandarin (non-beginner)

DIPLÔME NATIONAL DU BREVET EXAM - ASSESSMENT DETAILS

60% of the final grade: continuous assessment of the common core subjects
40% of the final grade: final tests made up of four written exams (French, Mathematics, History and Geography and Sciences) and one oral test
Our American International Section students, as part of their course, will prepare and sit the Option Internationale of the French National Brevet examinations at the end of 3ème (2 oral exams: English Language and Literature and History & Geography).