French Bilingual Pathway
A BILINGUAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRACK FOR YOUR CHILD
French Bilingual Pathway
Mougins British International School is delighted to introduce its French Bilingual Pathway (FBP), a new bilingual track offered within our Secondary School. This pathway is designed for families who wish to continue their child’s academic French while fully preserving access to international academic pathways.
What is the French Bilingual Pathway?
The FBP in Years 7, 8 and 9 offers an increased number of hours in French Language & Literature, complemented by the study of Humanities (History–Geography) taught in French.
This represents approximately 30% of total learning time (12 hours over two weeks). The objectives are to:
- Consolidate and enrich students’ academic level in French;
- Maintain a high level of English;
- Preserve access to all international academic pathways (IGCSE, A Levels, universities worldwide).
This model draws on the strengths of the French national curriculum while fully embracing the caring ethos and British teaching methods that define Mougins School.
"Through our French Bilingual Pathway, students continue to build strong academic foundations in French while developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of language and culture, taught through a British educational approach."
Alexia Devienne - Head of French
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Academic Progression & Future Opportunities
The French Bilingual Pathway has been designed not only to provide strong academic progression, but also to broaden students’ future opportunities — in France and internationally.
Key milestones of the pathway:
-
IGCSE French from age 14, two years ahead of the standard timeline.
-
IGCSE First Language French in Year 11, a highly regarded and academically demanding examination, significantly more rigorous than the French Brevet in both language level and written expectations.
- Subjects taught in French: French Language & Literature, Humanities (History and Geography), and Digital Literacy.
- All other IGCSE subjects continue to be taught in English.
- Optional: From Year 9, students may choose to follow a 2-hour weekly preparation for the Brevet des Collèges. This allows motivated students to sit the exam as independent candidates in 2028. This option is entirely optional and is not required for university entry, either in France or internationally.
The Humanities curriculum taught in French mirrors the skills, concepts, and international perspectives of the English programme. Students may also choose to sit the IGCSE examinations for these subjects in English. Finally, the French curriculum aligns with the French national programme and includes the development of digital competencies.
Entry Requirements & Admissions Process
The FBP is a selective pathway to ensure that every student is able to thrive academically.
Entry requirements include:
- Full review of the application by our teaching teams;
- Confidential references (for external applicants);
- Review of school reports and attendance records;
- Minimum French level: B1;
- Individual motivation interview.
Students may transfer from the French Bilingual Pathway to the British International Pathway at any point during the year, subject to its own admission criteria. Families apply through the standard admissions process and indicate their interest in the FBP. A meeting with the Secondary School leadership team helps determine the most appropriate pathway.
Full Integration into School Life
Students enrolled in the French Bilingual Pathway remain fully integrated in all other subjects, alongside their peers:
- Mathematics
- English
- Sciences
- Physical Education
- Positive Education
- Spanish
- Art
- Music
French and Humanities lessons within the FBP are taught in a dedicated group.
Which Pathway Is Right for My Child?
To help you identify the pathway that best matches your child’s profile and ambitions, here is a clear comparison between our two learning pathways: the British International Pathway and the French Bilingual Pathway.
| British International Pathway | French Bilingual Pathway |
|---|---|
| Have a good level of English; | Already have a strong command of French (minimum B1 level); |
| Learn French as an additional language; | Wish to strengthen their bilingual skills; |
| Wish to study primarily in an English-speaking environment; | Want enriched teaching in French while retaining all the advantages of the British system; |
| Plan future studies in English (A Levels, IBDP, international universities). | Wish to maintain future opportunities both in France and internationally. |
Whichever pathway is chosen, every student benefits from the same high-quality teaching, a caring international environment, and the academic excellence that defines Mougins School. These two options offer different routes, but share the same goal: enabling every child to flourish and succeed.
This new pathway allows families to choose the option that best suits their child’s linguistic and academic needs, while remaining fully integrated into the international MBIS community.
FAQ : French Bilingual Pathway
- What is the French Bilingual Pathway?
- At what level can my child join the FBP?
- What level of French is required?
- Is the pathway compatible with international universities?
- Which subjects are taught in French?
- Is the Brevet des Collèges compulsory?
- How do I apply for the FBP?
- My child does not yet speak perfect French. Can they succeed?
- How is the FBP different from the British International Pathway?
- What are the long-term benefits for my child?
- Is the FBP required to access universities ?