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 over ten 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 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 10 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 16.00 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 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.

The school as a whole has a truly international dimension with pupils from over fifteen 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.

The introduction of Modules throughout the year allows students a choice of additional subjects, either academic (e.g. Spanish, or support in key areas, such as Science or Mathematics), or extra-curricula activities such as Drama, Music or project work.

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