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.
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 internationally oriented schools the opportunity to create an “OIB International Section”. This is an enhanced version of the French program, defined by the French Ministry of Education for each of the seventeen international sections. Of these, ICE, DBFI chose to follow the American international section,
The American option of the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) 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, DBFI 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 International Option of the French Baccalaureate (OIB – American section) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).
Students pursuing the French track may prepare for the French Baccalaureate with or without its International Option (OIB), taken by approximately 1% of French Baccalaureate candidates worldwide. The OIB is not only bilingual, but also expects candidates to be bicultural. Two educational cultures come into contact, two ways of teaching and assessing students, two ways of approaching subjects, and no doubt, two perspectives on education and representations of the world.
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
Develop autonomy
Encourage creativity, curiosity and a taste for culture
Our methods
Learning to read in both languages follows the methodology of Jeannine Manuel schools
Special attention is given to writing 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” https://www.fondation-lamap.org/
The use of technological tools to support 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 second class, students will have the choice to continue towards the international option of the French baccalaureate or to prepare for the IB diploma
And after bachelor’s degree
The school’s curriculum will, thanks to its bilingualism and the content taught, allow students to pursue university studies both in France and in English-speaking countries.
