1. How long have you been teaching history, geography and citizenship in the British International Section at College Jacques Monod?

 

"I started in September 2010, at which time there were only 6e and 5e classes."

 

2. Why is it important to teach these subjects in English?

 

"Alongside literature, history and geography are the subjects that allow us to really take hold of a culture. Therefore, it is logical that teaching them in another language allows students to be confronted with this other culture."

 

3. What programme of study do you follow?

 

"It is the French syllabus because the pupils will have to pass the brevet and go to a lycée like any other secondary student. However, it is possible – and desirable! – to give a more international flavour to the syllabus by choosing examples from English-speaking countries and by developing subjects that are not strictly part of the French programme, like the Roman Conquest of the British Isles, or the American War of Independence."

 

4. The Diplôme National du Brevet Option Internationale qualification is awarded at the end of the last year of college in 3eme. What is involved in this Diplôme National du brevet for the pupils of the British International Section?

 

"They take three written exams in French, mathematics and history-geography. These exams are in the French language, which explains why half of the teaching in 3e is given in French. They also have two oral exams in English; in literature and in history-geography. 10/20 is the pass mark for these oral exams to be awarded the Option Internationale for the Brevet."

 

5. How do you integrate preparation for the History of Arts exam into your teaching programme?

 

"I cannot conceive of teaching history without teaching the history of arts. A new oral exam on the history of arts at college level has not changed my methods. However, it has helped pupils take studying artistic sources throughout their school life more seriously."

 

6. What advice would you give pupils to get a good start in the Section?

 

"Make the most of this opportunity and don’t just think of it as extra work. Don’t let yourself get down if your marks are not as high as you hoped and make sure you ask questions."

 

7. After their studies at the Collège, are your pupils really prepared to follow the OIB at the lycée?

 

"I hope so and am doing my utmost to make sure."