Languages offered in secondary

The importance of languages

Given the multilingual nature of life in Luxembourg, language learning is one of Vauban’s key priorities.

Located at the heart of Europe, Vauban welcomes students from nearly 50 nationalities and who speak more than 30 different languages.

Promoting languages and openness to the world and to different cultures is therefore one of the main priorities of our educational approach, as being able to speak several languages is essential.

Language teaching

In secondary, the teaching of modern foreign languages builds on the methods used at primary school.

Seven foreign modern languages are taught at Vauban:

  • German
  • English
  • Chinese
  • Spanish
  • Italian
  • Luxembourgish
  • Russian (proposal under consideration)

From 5e, students can choose a three-language pathway with English plus German or Spanish and a third language of their choice: Chinese, Italian, Luxembourgish, Spanish or Russian (subject to adequate student numbers).

The teaching objectives are defined beyond the official French educational directives and in accordance with the broad guidelines of AEFE.

Our students can also take part in complementary schemes that allow them to gain certifications in English (Cambridge, IELTS), German (DSD) and Spanish (Cervantes).

🗺️ Overview of all language pathways

Enhanced English provision, accredited by the PARLE label

As an AEFE-accredited PARLE institution, Vauban offers a tailored and enhanced foreign-language pathway from CE1 to Seconde, with increased teaching hours in English and the weekly teaching of one subject in English.

The aim is to strengthen all our students’ English language skills, to open up opportunities for entry into the British international section or one of the European sections, and to support them in preparing for the Cambridge and/or IELTS certification.

 

Find out more about AEFE’s PARLE programmes

 

At middle school

Two-language and three-language pathway

  • In 6e

    At the start of 6ème, all students follow the two-language pathway with five hours of English per week and three hours of German per week (except in the international sections).

    Luxembourgish is offered as an optional subject.

    Admission to the international sections (German or British) is subject to an application process and entrance tests.

    At the end of the school year, the level of competence achieved in foreign languages is assessed for each language.

    In addition to the five hours of English, all students benefit from one or more CLIL subjects (content and language integrated learning) taught in English. These lessons cover part of a subject’s curriculum (art, PE, maths, etc.) CLIL subjects may be offered for a set period or throughout the whole school year, in one or more subjects.

  • In 5e

    Students can choose between a two-language pathway (English/German or English/Spanish) or a three-language pathway with English (compulsory), German or Spanish. The third language (L3) could also be Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Luxembourgish or Russian (proposal under consideration).

    Students commit to continuing the chosen language courses throughout cycle 4 (from 5e to 3e).

    In addition to the three hours of English, all students benefit from one or more CLIL subjects (content and language integrated learning) taught in English. These lessons cover part of a subject’s curriculum (art, PE, maths, etc.) CLIL subjects may be offered for a set period or throughout the whole school year, in one or more subjects.

    Admission to the international sections (German or British) is subject to an application process and entrance tests.

  • In 4e

    Students continue the pathway they began in 5e with the same languages, i.e. a two-language pathway (English/German or English/Spanish) or a three-language pathway with English (compulsory), German or Spanish. The third language (L3) could also be Chinese, Spanish, Italian, or Luxembourgish.

    Students commit to continuing the chosen language courses throughout cycle 4 (from 5e to 3e).

    In addition to the three hours of English, all students benefit from one or more CLIL subjects (content and language integrated learning) taught in English. These lessons cover part of a subject’s curriculum (art, PE, maths, etc.) CLIL subjects may be offered for a set period or throughout the whole school year, in one or more subjects.

  • In 3e

    Students continue the pathway they followed in 5e and 4e: a two-language pathway (English/German or English/Spanish) or a three-language pathway including English and German, which are compulsory.

    Students commit to continuing the chosen language courses throughout cycle 4 (from 5e to 3e).

    In addition to the two hours of English, all students benefit from one or more CLIL subjects (content and language integrated learning) taught in English. These lessons cover part of a subject’s curriculum (art, PE, maths, etc.) CLIL subjects may be offered for a set period or throughout the whole school year, in one or more subjects.

    European cultures and languages (LCE)

    This optional one-hour course aims to strengthen students’ linguistic openness and European cultural awareness, with a strong focus on spoken language and interaction.

    Linked to one of the languages studied in 3ème and connected to a CLIL subject such as history & geography (Italian) or science (German), it prepares students for entry into a European section at high school and leads to the award of the ‘European section’ designation on the baccalauréat diploma.

    For more information, please refer to the description of the 3e curriculum (timetables, compatibility of options, recognition within the DNB, etc.)

German international section (SIA) or British international section (SIB) in middle school

  • Presentation

    The international sections aim to offer a pathway of excellence in the learning of the language and culture of our partner countries (Germany or the United Kingdom).
    They provide students with the opportunity to follow a demanding bilingual and bicultural programme that is open to the world.
    In the international sections, students follow specific courses: The teaching of language & literature is based on the curricula and pedagogical approaches of the partner countries.
    History & geography meet the requirements of both the French curriculum and the German (SIA) or British (SIB) curricula. History & geography are taught in the section language (2 hours) and in French (2 hours).
    These sections are intended for students who have proven skills in the language studied and show a strong interest in the literature and culture of the partner countries.
    In addition to developing students’ linguistic and multicultural skills, the international sections also strengthen their sense of civic engagement and commitment to their studies.

    At the end of 3e, as part of the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB), two specific oral examinations enable students to obtain the ‘DNBI – Diplôme National du Brevet with International Option’.

  • Comparison of teaching hours

    2025_comparatif horaires SI college_6eme

     

    2025_comparatif horaires SI college-5e-4e-3e

  • Admissions

    Enrolment in the section represents a commitment by both the student and their family for the entire cycle.

    Before applying for a place in the international section, you are strongly advised to consult your child’s German or English teacher and form teacher to assess their ability to follow courses taught in the section language in addition to the core subjects.

    Admission to the international section is granted following a review of the application file and an entrance test. Students generally join at the start of 6ème or 5ème.

    It is also possible to join a section during the course of the cycle, subject to review of the application file. If the outcome of this review is positive, the student will be required to sit an entrance test.

    Students who have previously followed an international section programme at another school are admitted during the cycle without sitting an entrance test.

    Entrance tests

    Minimum level required:

    - B1 for entry in 6ème and 5ème

    - B2 for entry in Seconde

    External applications: written and oral tests (by invitation)

    Internal applications: written and/or oral tests (by invitation, between March and May) 

At high school

Two-language and three-language pathway

  • In Seconde

    Students who followed a two-language pathway in cycle 4 (5e-4e-3e) can join the three-language pathway by choosing a third modern language (LVC) from the following options: German, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Luxembourgish, Russian (proposal under consideration). They commit to continuing this language course throughout high school, until the end of Terminale.

    In addition to the three hours of English, all students benefit from one or more CLIL subjects (content and language integrated learning) taught in English. These lessons cover part of a subject’s curriculum (art, PE, maths, etc.) CLIL subjects may be offered for a set period or throughout the whole school year, in one or more subjects.

    Students also have the option of joining a European section or an international section (German or British). These sections are subject to an application process and entrance tests.

  • In Première

    In Première, the choice of language pathway requires particular attention, as changes are no longer possible once registration for the baccalauréat has been confirmed during the first term.

    For the exam, students must specify their choice of LVA, LVB and possibly LVC.

    They also have the possibility to:

    - choose the ‘English, contemporary world’ specialist subject.

    - join a European section (see description below).

    - join the Baccalauréat Français International section (see description below).

  • In Terminale

    Choices are determined according to the pathway chosen by students in Première.

About the German or British Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) at high school

  • In Seconde

    The international sections aim to offer a pathway of excellence in the learning of the language and culture of our partner countries (Germany or the United Kingdom).

    They provide students with the opportunity to follow a demanding bilingual and bicultural programme that is open to the world.

    In the international sections, students follow specific courses: The teaching of language & literature is based on the curricula and pedagogical approaches of the partner countries.

    History & geography meet the requirements of both the French curriculum and the German (SIA) or British (SIB) curricula. In the German section, history and geography are taught entirely in German (4 hours). In the British section, they are taught in both English (2 hours) and French (2 hours).

    In Seconde, when a language exchange and/or a themed stay is organised in a country where the section language is spoken, participation in this trip is compulsory in view of its educational purpose. Participation in other trips during the school year is authorised only when such mobility cannot be offered to all students in the section.

    These sections are intended for students who have proven skills in the language studied and show a strong interest in the literature and culture of the partner countries.

    In addition to developing students’ linguistic and multicultural skills, the international sections also strengthen their sense of civic engagement, adaptation and commitment to their studies.

     

    2025_2nde_comparatif enseignements-langues-section-internationale

     

  • In 1ère and Terminale

    The Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) is a natural extension of the international sections.

    This programme of linguistic excellence enables future baccalauréat candidates to follow innovative, internationally oriented courses.

    Choosing the BFI

    Students can choose between a bilingual German or English BFI.

    Students follow specific international courses that are taught in the section language (LVA) and based on the curricula and approaches of the section’s partner countries:

    - LVA / Language, literature & culture (ACL) (level C1 - C2)

    - Contemporary studies (CDM)

    - CLIL history & geography

    These courses are in addition to the standard curriculum of the final cycle.

    In accordance with the guidelines of the French National Education Ministry, once enrolled, students follow the BFI for the whole cycle: Première & Terminale.

    To complement their multilingual education, students also have the chance to choose an additional language (LVC) as an optional subject.

    Students enrolled in the BFI cannot take the ‘LLCER English, contemporary world’ specialist subject.

     

    2025_BFI-horaires-langues-vivantes-1ere-terminale

  • Baccalauréat

    The commitment and effort of students enrolled in the BFI pathway are recognised both on the baccalauréat diploma and through the significant weighting of the BFI-specific examinations, which account for 41% of the final mark.

    Students enrolled in the BFI German bilingual pathway are awarded two qualifications: Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) and Abitur.

    Oral skills are given particular emphasis:

    - Written and oral skills are weighted equally in the specific examinations for Language, literature & culture (ACL) and CLIL history & geography.

    - The Contemporary studies (CDM) examination, based on a project developed by the candidate in connection with an international partner, is conducted entirely as an oral assessment.

    The exams for each of the three specific courses are in addition to those of the general French baccalauréat.

    comparatif-coefficient-BFI-bac

     

    2025_BFI-epreuves-specifiques-coefficients

  • Post-secondary

    Recognised in France and abroad, the bilingual BFI aims to prepare students for further study in higher education, whether in a partner country of the section or in selective and demanding study programmes in France. It attests in particular to an excellent command of several modern foreign languages, a strong capacity for sustained academic work, and highly valued civic and intercultural skills.

  • Admissions

    Admission is granted following a review of the application file and an entrance test.

    Entry in 2nde - international section

    It is possible to join a section in Seconde, subject to review of the application file. If the outcome of this review is positive, the student will be required to sit an entrance test.

    Students who have previously followed an international section programme at another school are automatically admitted.

    Entry in Première BFI

    The BFI is primarily intended for students who have followed an international section pathway in Seconde.

    It is also open to students who demonstrate particularly strong language and literature skills at the end of Seconde.

    In accordance with the guidelines of the French National Education Ministry, once enrolled, students follow the BFI for the whole cycle: Première & Terminale.

    Entrance tests 

    External applications: written and oral tests (by invitation) - minimum level required: B2

    Internal applications: entrance test - written tests in class (Feb./March) - minimum level required: B2

    Before applying for a place in an international or Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) section, you are strongly advised to contact the teacher of the relevant section language and your child’s form teacher to benefit from individualised guidance and advice.

European sections

sections européennes DNL

  • In Seconde

    The European sections are primarily intended for students who wish to explore a subject of their choice from a different perspective, while developing their language skills.

    They are open to students who are highly motivated and demonstrate strong proficiency in the section language (level B1 at the start of Seconde).

    They provide increased exposure to the section language, in addition to the three hours of weekly lessons, and aim to strengthen our students’ European citizenship.

    A non-language subject (CLIL) is taught in the section language for two hours per week. Available options:

    - German – maths

    - German – science

    - English – history & geography

    - English – maths

    - English – maths & science

    - English – science

    - Italian – history & geography

     

    In Seconde, when a language exchange and/or a themed stay is organised in an EU country, participation in this trip is compulsory in view of its educational purpose. The communication language is the section language. Participation in other trips during the school year is authorised only when such mobility cannot be offered to all students in the section.

    Throughout the year, projects (guest speakers, outings, workshops, etc.) are organised within the section.

    In Terminale, students are required to sit an oral examination in their chosen subject and are awarded the ‘European Section’ designation on their baccalauréat diploma.

    The opening of a European section depends on enrolment numbers.

  • In 1ère and Terminale

    The European sections are primarily intended for students who wish to deepen their understanding of Europe, while developing their language skills.

    They are open to students who are highly motivated to learn English or German and demonstrate strong proficiency in the section language (level B1+ at the start of Première).

    They provide increased exposure to the section language, in addition to the three hours of weekly lessons, and aim to strengthen our students’ European citizenship.

    A non-language subject (CLIL) is taught in the section language for two hours per week. Available options:

    - science in German

    - science OR history & geography in English

    Throughout the year, projects (guest speakers, outings, workshops, etc.) are organised within the section.

    Students must follow this pathway in 1ère and Terminale to be awarded the ‘European section’ designation on their baccalauréat diploma.

    In Terminale, students have to sit an oral exam in their chosen subject.

  • Baccalauréat

    Students in a European section may be awarded the ‘European section’ designation on their baccalauréat diploma.​

    Conditions:​

    • Follow the pathway throughout the final cycle (in 1ère and Terminale)
    • Obtain a mark that is equal to or greater than
      • 10/20 in the specific final-year examination, including
        • an oral assessment (80% of the mark)
        • a continuous assessment mark in the section language in Terminale European section (20%)​ that is equal to or greater than
      • 12/20 (overall average in 1ère and Terminale)

  • Post-secondary

    The European sections aim to prepare students for further study in higher education, both in Europe and in other countries where the section language is spoken.

    They represent a significant asset for entry into internationally oriented programmes, where all or part of the teaching is delivered in the language studied.

    The ‘European section’ designation on the baccalauréat diploma demonstrates very strong linguistic, civic and intercultural skills.

  • Admissions

    You are advised to contact the teacher of the relevant section language and your child’s form teacher to let them know your child’s intention to apply to a European section and benefit from their individualised guidance and advice.

    Admission to a European section depends on the number of places available and is granted following the review of each candidate’s application file and test results. Particular attention is paid to the student’s commitment in language classes.

     

    Entry in 2nde - European section

    Enrolment in the section represents a commitment by both the student and their family for the entire year.

    Entrance tests

    External applications: written and oral tests (by invitation) - minimum level required: B1

    Internal applications: school-based assessment - written examinations in class (February/March) - minimum level required: B1

     

    Entry in 1ère - European section

    Enrolment in the section represents a commitment by both the student and their family for the entire cycle (1ère AND Terminale). Priority is given to Seconde students who are already in a European section.

    Entrance tests

    External applications: written and oral tests (by invitation) - minimum level required: B1+

    Internal applications: school-based assessment - written examinations in class (February/March) - minimum level required: B1+

‘Objective C1’

‘Objective C1’ is a one-hour weekly course, which aims to prepare students for a C1-level language certification in German, English or Spanish in Terminale.

The content, which is primarily language-focused, is separate from the official modern foreign languages curriculum. It introduces students to the requirements of certification examinations and helps to consolidate the language skills needed to meet those requirements.

‘Objective C1’ is compulsory for all Seconde students, except those enrolled in an international section. Students who already have a C1-level certification (DSD II, Cambridge or Cervantes) are also exempt from this course.

In Première, the course becomes optional.

Language partnerships

Every year, Vauban establishes partnerships and collaborations with schools in Luxembourg, Europe and Asia as part of the language programme from kindergarten to the end of high school.

These connections promote authentic communication in the languages studied by the students. They take the form of in-person meetings at schools or other locations, video-conference discussions or exchanges of e-mails and letters on shared projects. These immersive experiences also allow students to discover different ways of life at school and in society, with the aim of fostering their cultural and international awareness.

School partnerships

Germany (Essen)

Gymnasium Borbeck

 

Germany (Gosheim-Wehingen)

Gymnasium Gosheim-Wehingen

 

Germany (Pforzheim)

Kepler Gymnasium

 

Germany (Sarrebrücken)

Herbert-Binkert-Schule

 

Germany (Wittlich)

Cusanus Gymnasium

 

UK (Hebburn)

Toner Avenue Primary School

Spain (Seville)

IES Fernando de Herrera

 

 

Spain (Valladolid)

Lycée français de Castilla y León

Italy (Milan)

Istituto Superiore Carlo Cattaneo

Lithuania (Kaunas)

Kaunas University of Technology Gymnasium​

 

Luxembourg (Grevenmacher)

Maacher Schoul

Malaysia (Malacca)

Pay Fong Middle school

 

Taiwan (Taipei)

Zhonglun High School

Institutional and cultural partnerships

Germany

Kultusminister      Konferenz

 

 

Germany

PASCH

 

Germany

Theater Trier

 

Germany

Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZFA)

Belgium

Instituto Cervantes

 

France

ASIBA

Luxembourg

Institut National des Langues

 

 

UK

Cambridge

UK

Oxford AQA

Language certifications (outside the French National Education system)

Issued by independent certifying bodies, language certifications recognise and value students’ written and oral skills through an external, standardised and internationally recognised assessment. These certifications, recognised both by higher education institutions and in the professional world, are significant assets for students.

English-language certifications

Cambridge level B1 (from 3e), B2 (from 2nde), C1 (1ère and Terminale only)

IELTS Terminale only

German-language certifications

DSD I For levels A2/B1 (for 3e and 2nde)

DSD II For levels B2/C1 (for 1ère and Terminale)

Spanish-language certifications

Cervantes level B1, B2, C1 (from 2nde for all levels)

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