Languages offered in secondary

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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) 

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.