Our program
All DBFI students follow a bilingual (French-English) version of the French national curriculum up to high school. In kindergarten and primary school, this pedagogy is based on the PYP methodology (of IB World).
Our program
All DBFI students follow a bilingual (French-English) version of the French national curriculum until the end of 8th grade. In kindergarten and primary school, this pedagogy is based on the PYP methodology.
Curriculum
At all stages of the program, the school’s approach to teaching and learning focuses on the development of four essential 21st century skills: communication, cooperation, critical thinking and creativity.
The official French program offers seventeen international sections for its International French Baccalaureate. Among these, ICE has chosen to follow the American section.
The American Section of this French International Baccalauréat offers an in-depth English language instruction and a bilingual history-geography program taught by French and American teachers (College Board). It is not a separate degree but a specialization within the French baccalauréat.
In order for ICE to have a strong identity based on ambitious bilingual goals, we have sought the support of the Jeannine Manuel School to share best pedagogical practices, supported by the professional development of our teachers. https://www.ecolejeanninemanuel.org/fr/
Jeannine Manuel School, whose alumni attend the world’s most prestigious universities, has been a pioneer in bilingual education for 65 years, enabling its students to achieve near-native proficiency in both French and English, orally and in writing.
This mastery of both languages allows our students to choose, in Première, between the two tracks that our school plans to offer: the French International Baccalaureate (BFI, American section), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP*). ICE is accredited as an IB World School, and PYP for the Primary.
Students continuing in the French program can prepare for the International French Baccalaureate, pursued by approximately 1% of French baccalaureate candidates worldwide. The BFI is not only bilingual but also expects candidates to be bicultural. Two educational cultures come into play, two ways of teaching and evaluating students, two approaches to subjects, and two perspectives on education and worldviews.
Students who pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) are encouraged to develop their independence in learning, civic engagement in their local and global communities, critical thinking, and their ability to adapt to the changing world.
As an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) accredited school, ICE shares a common philosophy with IB World Schools—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education which ICE believes is essential for students.
* Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
The pedagogical approaches
Our objectives
To master the fundamental academic knowledge
To know how to work in both languages with the same finesse in writing and speaking
Learn to collaborate, respect and understand others’ perspectives
Develop autonomy
Encourage creativity, curiosity and a taste for international culture
Our methods
Learning to read in both languages follows the methodology of Jeannine Manuel schools
Special attention to writing is equally given in both languages
Mathematics is taught using the Singapore Method : https://www.lalibrairiedesecoles.com/methode-singapour/
Science teaching is based on investigation in the spirit of “la main à la pate” (a reference to “hands-on learning”) https://www.fondation-lamap.org/
The integration of technology to enhance learning.
Kindergarten
In kindergarten, the student’s day is divided equally between French and English. Both languages are taught by a native speaking teacher and an assistant who speaks the same language to promote full immersion in each language.
The student thus experiences both languages every day. We also offer an introduction to the Arabic language in small groups starting in Moyenne Section (KG1).
As early as Petite Section (pre KG), students are introduced to phonological awareness in French in order to start learning how to read, with the Borel Maisonny method, in Moyenne Section (KG1), which is continued and deepened in Grande Section (KG2).
The students then learn to read in French. When reading is acquired in French in Grande Section (KG2), the student learns to read in English in CP (Grade 1) through a transfer that is easily implemented.
Mathematics: We use the Singapore Mathematics Method, which is well known for its ability to establish a solid foundation for learning.
An introduction to phonology in the English language is also present in kindergarten but without entering into reading.
The exploration of the world around the students is mostly done in English as well as artistic and physical activities. We also offer our students a weekly yoga session and, starting in the Grande Section (KG2), an introduction to music and coding.
Elementary
Arabic is taught in accordance with local regulations, as are Islamic studies, when applicable. Students studying Arabic as a native language are given extra time in that language as part of the school day. During this time, non-native speakers are offered various workshops, reinforcement or study of their native language. To date, we offer the study of Italian and Mandarin mother tongue.
In all elementary classes, mathematics is taught in French using the Singaporean Mathematics Method of Mathematics, a method known for its ability to firmly ground and establish concepts. Both languages (French and English) are studied in the same way in terms of grammar, vocabulary, spelling, conjugation and writing, taking into account the specificities of each.
For students who do not master one of the two languages, language booster groups are offered daily with a small number of students each for intensive language learning.
Science is studied through the investigative process, as promoted by La Main à La Pâte https://www.fondation-lamap.org/. We place the students in the position of researchers and scientists. They ask questions, formulate hypotheses, and set up experiments, most often in the laboratory available in the school and draw conclusions.
Physical Education is taught in English according to a rigorous program of activities. In addition, students benefit from a weekly yoga session.
Our students also benefit from weekly sessions of Visual Arts, Music, Oral Expression through Drama and Coding taught by teachers specialized in these fields. In order to make learning even more meaningful for our students, it is organized in bilingual or multilingual projects involving the various subjects.
College
ICE College aims to help each student to develop the skills needed to academic success. Students are taught to academic subjects in French, languages (English, Arabic, Spanish), art, music, drama, physical education, civics, history and geography, life and earth sciences, physics and chemistry, technology and mathematics.
The courses are taught by a team of passionate and experienced native speakers. The College aims to give our students the tools to think more deeply, work in teams, solve problems creatively and communicate through different media.
Students gradually learn to think critically and use their judgment.
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We support students in understanding the contemporary technological environment, its relationship to scientific advances and the needs of society.
We train students to use information and communication technologies in a responsible and civic-minded manner..
High School
At the end of the 10th grade, students will have the choice to continue towards the French International Baccalaureate American Pathway (BFI-AM) with Advanced Placements and the possibility of an IB certificate, or, to prepare for the bilingual IB diploma (IBDP).
Exploring Excellence: Bilingual International Baccalaureate Pathways
In the landscape of international education, baccalaureate pathways offer exceptional opportunities for students who aspire to excellence and a diverse range of knowledge. Two of these pathways, the French International Baccalaureate American Option (BFI-AM) in partnership with the College Board, and the Bilingual IB Diploma, stand out as bilingual excellence programs that open doors to the most prestigious universities worldwide.
The French International Baccalaureate American Option, in collaboration with the College Board, combines the core of the French curriculum with specializations. This unique pathway offers students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, leading to the American diploma, while also preparing for an IB certificate. This combination of programs enriches students’ academic experience by providing an international perspective while strengthening their language skills and preparing them for higher education.
The Bilingual IB Diploma, on the other hand, emphasizes an interdisciplinary core with the choice of six other subjects. The bilingual nature of this diploma promotes the development of advanced language skills, as well as a global and interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Both pathways also optionally include preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), an essential component for admission to American universities.
These two bilingual excellence international baccalaureate pathways are unique educational offerings in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), validating students’ bilingualism and opening up horizons to prestigious universities worldwide.
Graduates of these programs are not only equipped with a solid academic foundation but also with an open mind, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, advanced language competencies, and valuable international experience. These assets form a strong foundation for a successful academic and professional career in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.
And after the Baccalaureate Diploma
The curriculum of the school, combining the benefits of the IB and the BFI-AM, will enable students to pursue university studies in both French-speaking and English-speaking countries, thanks to its bilingualism and robust content.
The opportunity for graduates of the French International Baccalaureate to obtain Advanced Placements and an IB certificate through ICE curriculum will be an asset for their access to international higher education, particularly in the United States if they opt for the BFI-AM.
