A member of
Learning Languages at IFS
At IFS, we genuinely believe that a multilingual education serves and prepares our students in the best possible way for their futures. The cognitive benefits of a multilingual education are numerous and essential for student development. Superior abilities to concentrate, solve problems and focus, better mental flexibility and multitasking skills are just some of the tangible advantages IFS students have over their monolingual peers. In addition, at IFS, we use languages as a lens to help students understand other cultures, think with a global perspective, and navigate the broader world around them.
We have developed several language streams for students at different proficiency, competencies and interests. These streams are designed to be flexible. Students can change and move across streams depending on their educational development and focus.
French, English, Spanish, German, Mandarin, and Latin
- English as a Second Language: Main Stream, (Classique). Taking advantage of the benefits of a multilingual education throughout IFS. A programe of education also for non-French speaking students who wish to gradually integrate into a full French curriculum. From Toute Petite Section, (Nursery, age 2) to Terminale (grade 12, age 17).
- Fluent in French and English: Anglais+. For students already well on the way to being bilingual. From Moyenne Section (KG1, age 4) to CM2 (grade 5, age 10).
- Proficient and comfortable learning and expressing in both French and English: International Section. An international French education with a focus on language and the humanities. From Sixieme (grade 6, age 11) to Terminale, (grade 12, age 17). Prepares students for the French Baccalaureate International Option (IOB)
- An aptitude for languages: European [English] Section. Offers motivated students the opportunity to develop their skills in modern languages and their knowledge of different cultures. From Seconde (grade 10, age 15) to Terminale (grade 12, age 17). Prepares students for the French Baccalaureate (Bac).
- New to the French language: FLSco – Français Langue de Scolarisation (French Language Schooling). Designed to gradually integrate students into the French curriculum. From Grande Section (KG2, age 5) to CM2 (grade 5, age 10)
- New to the English language: ESL, supporting English as a Second Language. From CP (grade 1, age 6) to CM2 (grade 5, age 10)
- Immersive French language support programme: French Passerelle, (meaning bridge or gateway). Designed to gradually integrate no-French speakers into the French curriculum. For Sixieme and Cinquieme, (grade 6 and 7, age 11 to 12).
To learn more about FLSco and French Passerelle, email us at:
[email protected] (Kindergarten and Elementary)
[email protected] (Secondary)
Language Pathways
Major Exams – 
- APTIS
- DNB
- DNBI
- IGCSE
- IELTS
- BAC
- OIB
2nd – 3rd Language options (LV)
- English
- German
- Spanish
- Mandarin
- Latin
European option:
- In 2nde, 1ère and Terminale: either history/geography or physics/chemistry
DNB in 3ème (grade 9)
- Diplôme National du Brevet (Secondary Junior School certificate)
- DNBI in IS: International option in English (language and literature) and history-geography
IGCSE in 2nde (grade 10) in International Section
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (equivalent O-level)
- English Language, English Literature and History-Geography
- A 2-year programme taught in 3ème and 2nde IS
- Minimum level of education to gain access to higher education in the United Kingdom or to qualify for a job
IELTS in 1ère (grade 11)
- International English Language Testing System (substitute for TOEFL)
- International English language test jointly administered by the University of Cambridge, the British Council and the Australian IDP Education Organisation
- Accepted by the majority of universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, by educational institutions offering international qualifications in English (Europe, Asia) and by various professional organisations.
French Baccalaureate (certificate of secondary education A-level) in Terminale (grade 12) Classic Stream and European Option
- French diploma attesting completion of general secondary education and opening up access to higher education (first university grade)
- Mention “section européenne britannique” (British European section) for students in the European Section
OIB in Terminale (grade 12) International Section
- French Baccalaureate International Option (not to be confused with the IB – International Baccalaureate).
- Written tests of LVA and history-geography are replaced by written and oral tests in literature and history-geography in English.
- Bilingual and bicultural baccalauréat, where English is at the same level as French
- The workload of OIB students tends to be much more demanding.
Mandarin
- Mandarin is offered to all students starting from TPS. In 6ème (grade 6) of the Classic Stream, students must attend mandarin classes which is one of the languages of the host country.
Spanish, German
- LVB and LVC: optional German, Spanish or Mandarin.
- From 5ème (grade 7), mandatory 3h of LVB.
- From 4ème (grade 8), optional 3h of LVC.
Please note that options will be opened only if we have a minimum of 8 students.
Language certifications
- Students can obtain certifications that attest to their level of proficiency in the languages studied. These certifications are validated by internationally recognised organisations (Cervantes Institute for Spanish, Goethe Institute for German, YCT and HSK for Mandarin)
EMILE / CLIL for some hours taught in English in Primary school
- Enseignement de Matières par l’Intégration d’une Langue Etrangère Content and Language Integrated Learning
Teaching of a subject of the programme in a foreign language (mathematics, history, music, Physical education, etc.).
As parents, we mean to commit to this path till the end, to ensure psychological continuity and stability for our precocious child.
