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Language
Pathways.

MULTILINGUISM

Learning languages at IFS

At IFS, we champion the power of multilingual education to equip students for future success. Multilinguism enhances cognitive skills like problem-solving, focus, and multitasking while fostering cultural understanding and global perspectives

IFS follows the french national curriculum, offering flexible language streams leading to the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and the French Baccalauréat. Students can adapt their stream based on proficiency and interests, with placement subject to pedagogical validation.

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PRIMARY

Language Pathways In IFS Primary School

A Multilingual Education in French, English and Mandarin

At the International French School (IFS), we offer a bilingual education in French and English, with an introduction to Mandarin as part of the French National Education curriculum. This multilingual approach is available to all students in Kindergarten (Maternelle) and Elementary School (Élémentaire).

Two Language Pathways from Grade 2 (CE1)

Starting in Grade 2 (CE1), students can choose between two learning pathways:

1. Classic section:

  • The primary language of instruction is French, with dedicated hours for English and Mandarin.
  • Open to both native and non-native French speakers, with tailored French language support to help non-French-speaking students integrate smoothly into the curriculum.

2. English+ (Anglais+) section:

  • A bilingual learning experience where the French National curriculum is taught equally in French and English.
  • Designed for students who thrive in a balanced French-English immersion environment.

Admissions to both sections are subject to pedagogical validation.

Ifs Elementary Student Learning French
IFS KG Language Pathway
Ifs Elementary Language Pathway Eng

*Different class subjects taught in French, excluding elective subjects, approximate average duration, subject to change

MIDDLE SCHOOL (COLLÈGE)

Language Pathways at IFS Middle School

A Multilingual Education to Foster Success

At the International French School (Singapore), middle school students can choose from three language pathways: Classic, British International Section, and Mandarin Culture and Civilization Section. Admission to each of these pathways is subject to academic approval.

Allophone students, non-French speakers, or students with a weak level of French are directed to the French Passerelle program in Grades 6 and 7 (6ème and 5ème).

1. Classic section:

  • Follows the French National curriculum with an enhanced focus on English.
  • Offers additional language options: German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Latin.
  • Prepares students for the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB).
  • Supports non-French speakers through the French Passerelle programme for a smooth transition into the curriculum.

2. English International section (SI):

  • Follows the French National Education curriculum
  • Includes English literature and history-geography taught in (British) English
  • Prepares students for the International Diplôme National du Brevet (DNBi)
  • The International Section is ideal for students seeking a multilingual and bicultural academic experience.
  • Interested students can combine this pathway, in Grades 9 and 10 (3ème and 2nde), with a two-year preparation for the IGCSE in British Literature and Global Perspectives. The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the international equivalent of the British national GCSE, certifying a very high level of academic English

3. Mandarin Culture and Civilisation Section (MCC):

  • Follows the French National Education curriculum
  • Enhanced exploration of the culture and civilisation of Mandarin-speaking countries
  • One hour of Physical Education (PE) taught in Mandarin (DNL) is offered in Grade 9 (3ème)
  • Designed to strengthen Mandarin proficiency while following the French curriculum
French International Student Making Lantern

HIGH SCHOOL

Language Pathways at IFS High School

Tailored Academic Pathways for International Success

At the International French School (Singapore) High School, students can choose from three academic pathways: the General Baccalaureate, the French International Baccalaureate (BFI), and the General Baccalaureate with SELO (European/Oriental Section). Each pathway prepares students for the French Baccalaureate while offering unique linguistic and cultural opportunities. Admission is subject to academic approval.

1. General Baccalaureate:

  • Follows the French National Education curriculum
  • Prepares students for the French Baccalaureate, giving them a solid academic foundation recognised worldwide
  • Depending on academic results, students can apply to French-speaking or English-speaking higher education institutions globally

2. British French International Baccalaureate (BFI):

Based on the French National Education curriculum, enriched by a demanding bilingual track:

  • Core curriculum of the General Baccalaureate supplemented by subjects taught in English: Cultural and Linguistic Deepening (ACL), International History-Geography, and Knowledge of the World
  • Key skill development: critical analysis, structured thinking, and oral fluency at an expert level
  • Ideal for building a strong application profile for competitive international higher education programs

3. Baccalaureate with SELO Distinction (European/Oriental Section):

  • Follows the French National Education curriculum
  • Focuses on advanced English or Mandarin alongside the French curriculum, in History-Geography or Science, tailored to student interests and higher education goals
  • Deepens language skills and cultural understanding within a European or Oriental context
  • Prepares students for the Baccalaureate while facilitating international mobility
Ifs High School Student Graduation Holding Flower

Language Certifications and Support

Ielts 2

DNB (Grade 9 / 3ème): Diplôme National du Brevet

DNBi (Grade 9 / 3ème): Diplôme National du Brevet with an international option in British language, literature, and history-geography taught in English

French General Baccalaureate (Grade 12 / Terminale): French national high school diploma

French Baccalaureate with European or Oriental Distinction (Grade 12 / Terminale): French national diploma with European (British) or Oriental (Mandarin) distinction

French International Baccalaureate – BFI (Grade 12 / Terminale): French International Baccalaureate featuring advanced courses in English literature and history-geography, providing a bilingual and bicultural education

IGCSE (Grade 10 / 2nde): International General Certificate of Secondary Education (equivalent to O-Level). A two-year program covering English language, literature, and history-geography, recognised for higher education admissions in the UK

French International Student Listening In Class

Students can earn certifications validating their proficiency levels in the languages studied. These certifications are recognised internationally by accredited organisations (Instituto Cervantes for Spanish, Goethe-Institut for German, HSK for Mandarin).

IELTS (Grade 11 / 1ère): Internationally recognised English language test, ideal for university admissions in English-speaking countries and international institutions

Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK): Grade 10 / 2nde: Standardised Mandarin proficiency test recognised worldwide and certified by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Designed for non-native speakers, offered at IFS primarily to Grade 10 students

Goethe-Zertifikat – Grade 10 / 2nde: Internationally recognised German exam assessing reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

DELE (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) – Grade 10 / 2nde: Organised by Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish Ministry of Education, certifying Spanish language skills based on CEFR standards. Highly regarded worldwide by Spanish-speaking educational institutions and businesses

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française): Issued by the French Ministry of Education to certify French proficiency internationally. DELF Junior (ages 13–17) and Prim (ages 8–12) are run in partnership with Alliance Française. All French Passerelle students are prepared for the DELF A2 level

Euroclassica: For middle and high school Latin students

 

Ifs Student Chinese Lesson

Mandarin: Offered to all students starting in K1 (Petite Section). From Grade 6 (6ème) onward, Mandarin becomes an optional subject

Spanish & German:

  • LVB and LVC choices: German, Spanish, or Mandarin
  • Compulsory 3 hours/week of LVB starting in Grade 7 (5ème)
  • Optional 3 hours/week of LVC starting in Grade 10 (2nde)

Please note that optional courses will only open with a minimum of 8 enrolled students.

 

Ifs Students Teacher Spanish Support

FLSco (French as a Schooling Language): Designed for students who do not speak French or have limited proficiency, to gradually integrate them into the French curriculum. Available from K3 / 5 years old (Grande Section) to Grade 5 / 10 years old (CM2)

French Passerelle: Immersive French language support program at middle school level (Grades 6 & 7 / 6ème & 5ème – ages 11/12), designed to progressively integrate non-French-speaking students into the French curriculum

Contact Information:

English Support: For students new to English or with very limited proficiency, ESL (English as a Second Language) support is provided in both primary and secondary schools.