1. What are your hopes /aspirations for this International section?

 

"I hope that we can continue to provide high quality education in English in a safe learning environment where pupils have the opportunity to improve their skills in English, not only in academic terms, but also through learning together to be world citizens. I'd like to see each group take on projects that they are passionate about that will enable them to develop as people. I hope that we will be a key part of a coherent international education system in our region."

 

2. How long have you worked in this section?

 

"I've been working here since 2011. Before that, I was teaching English as a foreign language in schools in the Marseille area."

 

3. What kind of education does this section provide?

 

"We offer 8 hours per week of tuition in English for pupils in secondary school (11-15 year olds) to help students grapple with literature, language and culture, as well as history, geography and citizenship. We have small groups of up to 12 pupils per level, which allows us as teachers to provide differentiated learning more easily and creates a close-knit group of pupils who can share their learning experiences. The teaching style used is based on the British system, with creativity, imagination and independent thinking at the forefront."

 

4. Who is the target audience/ learner profile for the section?

 

"International sections were created to provide a high level of education in English to pupils who want to remain in the French system. This means that we have both native English-speakers and non-native English speakers who may or may not have spent time abroad. The common factor is motivation to improve speaking and writing skills, to learn about the literature and culture of the English-speaking world. We often work in groups and on projects, so pupils need to be willing to get involved, contribute and be active in class."

 

5. How does this programme fit into that of the Education Nationale?

 

"Students in the international section study both English literature and language, history and geography in English alongside their other core subjects, which are all studied in French. The history and geography syllabus is that of the French Education Nationale, adapted to be studied in English. The English syllabus is based on the British National Curriculum, with freedom for the teachers to tailor their teaching and text choices to each group. At secondary school (collège) level, a national exam is taken: Diplôme National du Brevet Option Internationale. This consists of two oral examinations based on the work done in the international section over the course of the final year, troisième. As a result of studying in the international section, most pupils choose to go on to do the same at sixth form level (lycée), where they can take the Option Internationale au baccalauréat. This is the natural progression from our section and can open doors into further education in the English-speaking world."