The French National Education authority and College Board in the USA administer the B.F.I. This option compliments the French education system, known for its academic rigidity, with the more student-centred and enquiry based Anglo-Saxon method of learning. It is intended for motivated students who are interested in English and want to learn in an adapted school environment in order to attain a level of excellence in English. The question of motivation is very important because the OIB involves lots of supplementary work.
Students choosing the B.F.I. American Section must be passionate about studying English literature and learning about History-Geography in English, taught exclusively by native teachers.
Students learn to critically analyse both American and English works of literature and see History-Geography topics from an American perspective sitting adapted English language exams in these subjects as part of the French Brevet and Baccalaureate. These subjects inclunding a further subject entitled "Connaissance du monde" account for 40% of the Baccalaureate (a coefficient of 60). They are assessed exclusively by the following exams taken in May during the ‘Terminale’ year:
The format of the written exams is a dissertation followed by a commentary.
The table below details the lessons offered in the American International Section at St Denis and the additional Cambridge Assessment International Education and TOEFL qualifications in which we enrol all B.F.I. students, in order to develop their exam technique and improve their self-confidence as they prepare for application to universities and higher education institutes in France and around the world:
French Year Group | UK equivalent | US equivalent | English Literature | History-Geography in English |
6° INT | Year 7 | 6th Grade | Foundations of English Language |
Introduction to History-Geography |
5° INT | Year 8 | 7th Grade | Foundations of English Language and Literature |
Introduction to History-Geography |
4° INT | Year 9 | 8th Grade |
Consolidation of English Language and Literature |
Consolidation of History-Geography |
3° INT | Year 10 | 9th Grade |
OIB Oral Brevet exam and IGCSE English as a Second Language |
Consolidation of History-Geography (50% of classes in English to prepare for OIB oral Brevet exam & 50% of classes in French to prepare for French written brevet exam) |
2° INT | Year 11 | 10th Grade |
IGCSE Literature in English |
Preparation for more advanced History-Geography |
1° B.F.I. | Year 12 | 11th Grade |
Advanced English Literature with Connnaissance du monde : global studies-US perspectives |
Advanced History-Geography |
T° OIB | Year 13 | 12th Grade |
Advanced English Literature culminating OIB 4hr written and 30m oral exams |
Advanced History-Geography culminating in OIB 4hr written and 15 minute oral exams |
ACADEMIA INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DUAL DIPLOMA
We are also proud to offer students the opportunity to follow online courses leading to a dual Franco-American diploma starting in 3°INT or 2°INT.
For more details please contact us or follow the link :https://dualdiploma.org/
Information about the B.F.I from the UK university applications service, UCAS:
https://qips.ucas.com/qip/france-option-internationale-du-baccalaureat-oib-assessed-from-2021
Martin CHATAGNON: Director of International Programmes
Kristia GRANDISON-MOREAU: International Coordinator
Toby Webb Head of OIB Section and Cambridge Exams Coordinateur
Kayla CARPENZANO: English Literature Teacher and Singing Instructor
Andrea CALLEGARO : History and Geography Teacher