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Middle School (Collège)
Taught by UK-qualified teachers, British Section lessons place a strong emphasis on curiosity, critical thinking and precise communication.
Pupils are encouraged to question texts, examine evidence, consider different perspectives and express their ideas clearly, helping them develop the academic independence and voice they need for the next stage of their education.
At collège level (UK Years 7–10), pupils have four 50-minute periods of English Language and Literature and two 50-minute periods of History-Geography each week. Our programmes broadly follow the expectations of the British National Curriculum alongside the requirements of the French curriculum.
English Language and Literature
Our collège English Language and Literature programme develops confident, independent readers, writers and communicators, while encouraging a genuine appreciation of literature.
- A rich literary programme: novels, Shakespeare, poetry, drama, stories from different genres and cultures, alongside language and media studies.
- Reading for pleasure: regular library sessions encourage pupils to read widely and make increasingly adventurous and thoughtful choices.
- Writing: pupils develop the ability to communicate ideas clearly, creatively and effectively through a range of writing tasks.
- Speaking and listening: discussion, debate, drama and presentation build confidence, active listening and the ability to engage constructively with different viewpoints.
- By UK Year 9: pupils are increasingly able to respond independently to challenging texts, develop and support their own interpretations, and engage thoughtfully with social, moral and contemporary issues, preparing them for the IGCSE course.
History and Geography
Our History and Geography programme develops curiosity about the past and the world around us, while building the skills needed to research, analyse evidence and form independent judgements.
- A broad historical programme: pupils explore ancient civilisations, ancient Greece and Rome, Islamic civilisation, Medieval and early modern Europe, and the development of the modern world.
- Key themes: power, change and continuity, significance, revolution and the ways in which societies and cultures develop.
- Historical enquiry: pupils learn to question sources, evaluate different perspectives, make connections between events and construct well-supported arguments.
- Geography and the wider world: pupils develop their understanding of societies, cultures and the forces that have shaped the world in which we live.
- By UK Year 9: pupils are increasingly able to challenge assumptions, evaluate competing interpretations and develop nuanced, evidence-based understandings of the past and the wider world.
Qualifications
- IGCSE English Language: preparation begins in Troisième (UK Year 10), with pupils taking the examination in Seconde (Year 11).
- Diplôme national du brevet – option internationale (DNBI): all pupils take the international version of the French state diploma at the end of Troisième (UK Year 10).
The Library
Our school libraries are welcoming spaces designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading and help every child discover the pleasure of getting lost in a good book. Our dedicated librarians play a central role in this, offering personalised recommendations, thoughtful guidance and individual support to help students discover books that match their interests while also encouraging them to explore beyond the familiar. Through their expertise and knowledge of children’s literature, our librarians help students broaden their reading, discover new genres and authors, and choose books that stretch their imagination, challenge their thinking and build their confidence as readers. Whether a child is an enthusiastic reader or still discovering the books they love, our libraries provide the time, space and support to help every student develop as a curious, independent and engaged reader.
Pastoral Care & Personal Development
Pastoral care is at the heart of our approach to education. We believe that children thrive when they feel known, valued, supported and confident, and that their emotional and personal development is inseparable from their academic progress. Our staff take the time to understand each child as an individual, remaining attentive to their wellbeing, personal development and academic needs throughout their time in the British Section. Close collaboration with our French teaching colleagues enables us to maintain a broad understanding of each child’s experience and to respond appropriately when additional support is needed. Through this partnership, we work to create a caring and inclusive environment in which every child can develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
Enrichment
Enrichment is an important part of life in the British Section, giving students opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom, develop new interests and build confidence and independence. Our programme of educational visits is particularly ambitious, with trips throughout the secondary years to destinations including London and Guédelon, alongside visits to museums, theatres and other sites of interest. These experiences bring learning to life, allowing students to engage directly with history, culture and the wider world. Alongside residential and international trips, students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including theatre performances, visiting authors, Shakespeare workshops and museum visits. The programme continues to grow each year as staff and students embrace new opportunities, reflecting our commitment to providing a rich, engaging and memorable education that extends well beyond the classroom.