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B.I.S was re-accredited by the
Council of International Schools in June 2010
(www.cois.org)
and is recognised by the French Ministry of
Education
international
MIDDLE
SCHOOL (10 - 13 years)
Lower Middle School (10 –
11 years) – a bilingual transition phase
Bordeaux International School has created a unique
bilingual programme to provide a measured transition from the primary
interdisciplinary approach to the subject-based education necessary in Secondary
school. It gives both
French and English-speaking pupils a solid foundation for their secondary
education, whether they continue at the school or go to a French 'collège' or a
secondary school abroad. It is the only school
in France to offer
this truly bilingual programme and we constantly receive very positive feedback from pupils and
parents.
The school as a whole has a truly international dimension
with pupils from approximately 15 different nationalities. For most, either
English or French is their first language, but for others, BIS offers a
programme of support in English as a Second Language.
Although the International Lower Middle School programme is usually for 10-11 year-olds, it is
sometimes made available to younger or older pupils who would also benefit
academically, linguistically and socially from this transitional learning phase.
Language focus
Lessons are
delivered in both French and English thus promoting bilingualism. Pupils spend
an equal amount of time in both languages, while following the syllabus relevant
to their future studies. In key subjects, French-speaking pupils follow the French National
Programme while English-speaking pupils follow the English National Curriculum,
so the essential aspects of both syllabuses are covered. Maths is taught both in
French and English, and Science entirely in English.
The
international dimension is also provided through project work, via a
choice of items in the curriculum such as History (taught in
French), Geography( taught in English) and also extra-curricular
activities (such as theatre, dance, cinema, sport, field trips and
visits). Spanish is introduced
as a third language.
Class size and learning approach
Class size is
limited to 12 pupils, which allows a high degree of personal attention from the
teacher. Pupils are encouraged to exchange ideas with each other, thus nurturing
social skills and cooperation within a group, as well as independence and
self-confidence. Pupils are often asked to collaborate in small groups to
prepare class and school presentations.
Lower Middle School hours
08.30 to
16.20 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
08.30 to 12.30 on Wednesday
Upper Middle School (12 – 13
years) - preparing for
Secondary School
The
International Upper
Middle School is the next two-year phase in a student's education at Bordeaux
International School, where they prepare for the examinations in the years
ahead.
The curriculum
is based on a combination of the English and French National Curricula
especially adapted to allow students to experience the benefit of both systems
and of living in France.
In these years
all subjects are taught by subject specialists in either principally English or
French by bilingual teachers. For languages, the class is divided so that
students are taught their first language (either English or French) separately.
Similarly for their second language. In Mathematics, the same system is adopted
as in the Lower Middle School, in that students are taught the subject in both
languages, enabling them to prepare for either French or English exams in the
future. Although the methodology employed in problem solving in the English
and French system is different, the content of the two systems is equivalent and
students will be encouraged to examine problem solving from both points of view.
Upper Middle School hours
10.00 to17.00 on Monday
08.30 to 17.00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
08.30 to 14.30 on Friday
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