Middle school (Age 12 - 15)

Presentation-college

Teaching cycles

Middle school is the first stage of secondary education. It spans four years, corresponding to the compulsory schooling of cycle 3 (CM1, CM2 and 6e) and cycle 4 (5e to 3e). The main objective of this programme is to prepare students for the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) (French middle school diploma), which certifies that students have mastered the common core of knowledge, skills and culture.

Over these years, students gradually develop effective working methods, gain greater autonomy and broaden their general knowledge, in order to approach high school education in the best possible conditions.

Furthermore, numerous educational projects carried out in middle school play an active role in shaping students’ personal development. They encourage students to be open to the world, take on an active role as citizens and nurture their academic and personal ambitions.

Cycle 3
Consolidation

CM1 - CM2 - 6e

Cycle 4
Further study

5e - 4e - 3e

Preparation for specialisation

1ère - Terminale

Click here for a table comparing various education systems (LU/BE/FR/DE) Download the brochure

Descriptions of the middle school curriculum

The middle and high school curriculum

You’d like to know more about our middle school? Then check out this video.

Subjects

The middle school curriculum is organised into subject areas. All year groups study the following subjects:

  • French
  • Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Physics & chemistry
  • Biology & earth sciences
  • IT & technology
  • History & geography
  • Art
  • Music
  • Physical education (PE)

Key features of Vauban middle school

  • Languages

    • Study of two languages: English & German in groups aimed at meeting institutional standards or advanced proficiency
    • Luxembourgish is offered as an optional subject at middle school and available from 6e
    • From 5e, students can follow a two or three-language programme.
    • Possibility to start learning Luxembourgish, Chinese, Spanish or Italian as a third language as of 5e.
    • Possibility to start learning Latin as of 5e.
    • Possibility to take language certifications according to level as of 3e.

    👉 See the languages offered

  • Science & technology

    Integrated science and technology education (EIST) in 6e and 5e.

  • Personalised support

    Personalised support with French and maths in small groups.

    👉 View our maths brochure

    👉 See the student support

International sections

Vauban offers German and British international sections from 6e to Terminale.

This is a bilingual and bicultural programme. International sections cater for international students who study in French high schools (lycées) as well as French-speaking students with a high level of proficiency in a second language.  These selective programmes are academically demanding and aim to enhance students’ language skills and knowledge of German or British culture.

Objectives of the international sections

1

Develop a deeper understanding of others through a bicultural perspective

2

Broaden horizons through exposure to different ways of seeing and engaging with the world

3

Gain an in-depth literary and historical understanding of the country associated with the section’s language

International section curriculum

Alongside the standard curriculum, students take non-language subjects taught in the section’s language, in addition to the usual timetable. The international section curriculum also includes cultural activities, trips abroad and exchanges. At secondary level, the curriculum comprises two study areas: Foreign language & literature and history & geography.

Discover the languages offered

Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) middle school diploma

At the end of 3e, students take their first obligatory French exam, the Diplôme National du Brevet, which assesses the knowledge and skills acquired at the end of middle school.

It is largely based on continuous assessment and includes one oral and four written examinations at the end of 3e.

DNB results

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brevet-2025
DNB exam, 2025

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