AGES 15 TO 18

THE FRENCH BACCALAUREATE

Recognised by universities worldwide, the French Baccalaureate allows students to choose from three options according to their interests, abilities and ambitions. The diploma is studied by students aged 15 to 18-years-old.

ABOUT THE FRENCH BACCALAUREATE

The French Baccalaureate (‘le Baccalaureate en France’ in French) is an extensive national examination taken at the end of high school (or ‘lycée’ in French).

It is the equivalent of A-levels in the English curriculum and is the required qualification for students who wish to attend university or college in France. The diploma allows students to choose from three pathway options according to their interests, abilities and ambitions. Each track covers a demanding syllabus and requires a mastery of written and spoken French.

The French Baccalaureate is studied in 250 French-accredited schools in more than 100 countries worldwide. It is currently offered at three Nord Anglia Education schools: College Alpin Beau Soleil, Collège Champittet, and Collège du Léman.

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FRENCH BACCALAUREATE SUBJECTS

Young people who are studying the French Baccalaureate have three pathway options, which are outlined below.

Literary

Based on Literature, Philosophy and Foreign Languages, this pathway is aimed at students who plan to follow university careers in Law, Literature or Languages. A Modern Language is usually chosen as a specialty.

Economic and Social

This option offers a good balance between the Social Sciences, Languages and Mathematics. It is aimed at those interested in studying Economics and Law at university, and Mathematics is usually added as a specialty.

Science and Maths

This option focuses on the study of Physical Science and Mathematics, and is aimed at future scientists and medics. It is considered the most rigorous of the three options.

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OPTION INTERNATIONALE DU BACCALAURÉAT (OIB)

There is also an optional fourth French Baccalaureate track, which is designed for bilingual students who are looking to continue their studies overseas. This option includes the study of additional subjects taught in English, with exams offered in Literature, History and Geography. Choosing this option also enables students to achieve a higher grade in their French Baccalaureate.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAMME

The French Ministry of National Education has also devised an Advanced Placement programme, The French American Baccalauréat (FAB). This special diploma recognises the mastery of French language and culture, English language, and American culture.

Students who study the FAB take three subjects that correspond to their special track, instead of the three usually associated with the French Baccalaureate.

FRENCH BACCALAUREATE ASSESSMENTS

The French Baccalaureate features a combination of ongoing assessments and final examinations.

Ongoing assessments include exams based on nationally designed exercises, which are focused on History, Geography, Foreign Languages A and B, Science Culture, Physical Education, and the specialist subject chosen by the student. These exams are sat throughout the 11th and 12th grade, and contribute to 30% of the final mark. Over the course of the two years, teachers also set different tests for each mandatory subject. These assessments contribute to 10% of the final grade.

The French Baccalaureate includes exams at the end of grades 11 and 12. In the 11th grade, for example, students take a French Language and Literature exam in June. This tests their written and oral presentation skills. At the end of the 12th grade, students must sit three written exams and one oral exam on Philosophy and their two specialist subjects. These final exams contribute to the remaining 60% of a student’s final grade.

FRENCH BACCALAUREATE GRADING SYSTEM

All French Baccalaureate students achieve an overall score out of 20, which is rounded to two decimal places. Students who pass each stage of their exams the first time are eligible for honour grades, which are awarded based on the average points scored throughout the assessments.

Exceptional marks of 18 or above may receive unofficial ‘félicitations du jury’ (jury’s congratulations). There are no set criteria for this accolade, and it is awarded at the marking panel’s discretion. If a student passes the exam but does not score highly enough for an honours grade, they receive a Sans mention.

FRENCH BACCALAUREATE GRADE CONVERSION

Converting French Baccalaureate grades into UK A-level marks can help students meet the entry requirements for universities around the world. For example:

Mention Tres Bien (16+): equivalent to an ‘A’ grade at A-level.
Mention Bien (14-15.99): equivalent to a ‘B’ grade at A-level.
Mention Assez Bien (12-13.99): equivalent to a ‘C’ grade at A-level.