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High school at International French School

The lycée is a key stage in the French education system.At this stage of their education, pupils build on the knowledge and skills they acquired at collège, apply new working methods and, from Seconde onwards, begin to think about the subjects they want to study in their final year.

The main aim of the lycée is to prepare pupils for the baccalauréat exam, to enable them to go on to higher education. From 1ère onwards, pupils can choose from a range of specialties according to their interests and aspirations, whether in the scientific, literary or technological fields. Students have the option of pursuing the BFI (Baccalaureate Français International) in English and French or continuing with the traditional baccalaureate.

Alongside academic teaching, the lycée also encourages the development of social and personal skills, such as teamwork, responsibility and critical thinking, preparing pupils to become enlightened and committed citizens.

Our high school welcomes pupils aged 15 - 18 and is divided into three classes:
 

Grade 10
Ages 15 - 16

Grade 11
Ages 16 - 17

Grade 12
Ages 17 - 18


A word from the Dean of Students

At IFS we believe that to learn is not just to accumulate knowledge; it is to build critical thinking skills, nurture creativity, and affirm one’s uniqueness.

Our curriculum meets the rigorous standards of the French educational system while offering a variety of electives and extracurricular activities. These opportunities allow students to explore different social environments and fully develop their potential.

The French Baccalaureate, a true passport to excellence, opens the doors to prestigious and promising opportunities both in the Netherlands and internationally. Beyond academic knowledge, we equip our students with the skills, confidence, and guidance needed to approach their post-secondary journey with ambition.

Our school is shaped by the energy and initiatives of our students. Through their involvement in the Student Life Council, they think, propose, create, and bring their school to life. They organize events that mark the school year: international and local celebrations, themed days, awareness campaigns, musical interludes, and space improvement projects – all moments that foster a strong sense of
community, responsibility, and shared experiences.

Laura Mallevialle, Dean of Students

Changes to the baccalaureate

In 2019, the lycée curriculum underwent a major overhaul organised by the French Ministry of Education in order to create more flexibility for pupils. The reform was designed to better prepare pupils for university and careers, making the curriculum more adaptable with more freedom of choice in which subjects to study in depth. It encourages cross-disciplinary learning and deeper specialization. The new baccalaureate is composed of:

A common core of subjects (tronc commun), which all pupils take:

  • French (until Terminale)
  • Philosophy (in Terminale)
  • History-Geography
  • Two modern languages
  • Scientific education
  • Physical education 
  • Moral and civic education
  • Three "Specialties" chosen in première, which drops down to two in terminale

Continuous Assessment and a New Exam Format

Before the reform, most of the final grade was determined by exams at the end of terminale.
Now, 40% of the final grade comes from continuous assessment (exams and coursework throughout the year). The remaining 60% comes from final exams, including a new oral exam, where pupils present and defend a project linked to one of their specialties. This aims to develop public speaking and critical thinking skills.

High school learning goals

Through coursework and by preparing for the baccalaureate exams, pupils in high school work towards the following competencies:

  • Deepening their understanding of core subjects, in particular French, mathematics, experimental sciences, modern languages and history-geography.
  • Continuing with English and Spanish learning, plus the opportunity to study additional languages via CNED distance learning. 
  • Acquisition of a rich and varied cultural knowledge
  • Development of analytical and critical skills: pupils are encouraged to think critically and analyse complex issues. They learn to formulate arguments, defend their ideas and take account of different points of view.
  • Preparation higher education and career guidance: pupils explore a variety of vocational and academic paths through careers advice and meetings with professionals. They are guided in their choice of specialities, in line with their future ambitions.