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British international track

At IFS, all pupils begin their bilingual education journey in preschool, with days split between English and French from their first day at school.

This continues in primary school, with 50/50 English and French learning. From grades 6-10, pupils can opt for the British international track with increased time spent learning in English. The international section caters to students who are fluent in, or aiming to excel in, a foreign language alongside the standard national curriculum. 

Pupils in the international section follow an enhanced curriculum that includes in-depth language, literature, and cultural studies of the foreign language, as well as certain subjects taught in that language (e.g. history or geography). 

  • Language and Literature of the Section (all IS) 4 hours weekly in addition to the normal teaching schedule.
  • Non-Linguistic Discipline (DNL): History-Geography In middle school, half of the teaching time is taught in the language of the section.

The goal is to develop linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding while meeting the academic standards of both the host country's educational system and international benchmarks. We also teach English literature in accordance with the British national curriculum, and we have refresher courses in English and French.
 

International French baccaleaureate (BFI)

Following on from this, pupils can study for the international version of the French baccalaureate (BFI) in grades 11 and 12. The French International Baccalaureate (BFI) is an advanced diploma tailored for students who have previously completed the international section in middle school. It builds on the traditional French baccalaureate by incorporating bilingual and multicultural elements. Like the traditional French baccalaureate, the BFI covers a broad range of subjects, including maths, sciences, literature, philosophy, and history. The curriculum is demanding, with extra coursework in international subjects.

BFI candidates are assessed through written and oral examinations in English and French, along with specific coursework emphasizing bilingual competencies. It is highly regarded worldwide and equips students with the skills to thrive in global academic and professional environments.

Who is the BFI For?

The BFI is a challenging programme, designed for:

  • Bilingual and multilingual pupils looking for a rigorous international education
  • Pupils aiming to study abroad after high school
  • Those who want a deeper cultural and linguistic understanding in English

Watch the video to find out more about the British international pathway