Bilingual programme curriculum

Objectives for the 6ème year include consolidating and expanding language skills while ensuring a smooth transition to studying English Language and Literature, History, Biology, Art, and Music through engaging, interdisciplinary learning.

English Language and Literature

In 6ème, students enjoy regular library lessons that foster a love for reading and encourage diverse book choices. Writing focuses on narration, persuasion, description, instruction, and explanation. Students participate in the American Library’s Young Authors Fictional Festival by submitting original stories. Speaking and listening skills develop through discussions, debates, and role-play, enhancing clear expression and critical thinking. The Anglophone Literature curriculum explores classic and contemporary English-speaking texts, improving reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing. Emphasis on discussion and interpretation builds confidence and deepens appreciation for literature’s cultural significance.

Introduction to Historical Thinking
In 6ème Building Foundations for Historical Thinking, students explore historical periods through reading comprehension and text analysis. They develop skills in understanding context, evaluating sources, and making connections. This approach nurtures critical thinking and prepares students for further historical study by building a strong foundation in understanding and interpreting history.

Biology
Our 6ème English-taught Biology programme immerses students in the study of the natural world while developing key scientific skills. Using anglophone methods, students explore ecosystems, cell structure, human anatomy, and environmental science. The course fosters critical thinking, inquiry, and effective communication of biological concepts. Through hands-on lab work and real-world application, students build confidence in both science and in the use of the English language.

Art
Our 6ème Art class fosters creativity, self-expression, and technical skills through a variety of mediums and techniques. Students will explore drawing and painting, gaining hands-on experience with both traditional and modern materials. The programme encourages imagination, while also teaching the fundamentals of composition, color theory, and design. The aim is to help students develop their individual artistic style, improve fine motor skills, and enhance problem-solving abilities, all while having fun and expressing their creativity in English.

Music
Our 6ème Liturgical Music class in English connects faith with music. Students learn hymns, sacred songs, and choral techniques, enhancing vocal skills and spiritual awareness. The programme fosters musical growth and a community spirit with monthly performances during school Mass. It promotes confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for sacred music traditions, enriching both musical abilities and spiritual development.

The objective of our 5ème programme is to ensure a smooth transition into a more advanced bilingual programme and supporting both linguistic and intellectual growth.

English Language and Literature
Our 5ème English Language and Literature programme develops reading, writing, and oral skills while deepening students’ appreciation of literature. Covering prose, poetry, and modern drama, it includes regular library sessions to encourage broad reading. Writing tasks emphasize creativity, structure, and purpose. Students participate in the American Library’s Young Authors Fictional Festival. Focus on listening, discussion, and collaboration builds confidence and critical thinking, helping students engage meaningfully with language and literature in academic and creative contexts.

Building Foundations for Historical Thinking
Our 5ème History programme builds essential skills in historical thinking and critical inquiry. It begins with What is History?, introducing chronology and evaluating evidence. Students develop research, inference, and argumentation skills through diverse sources and artefacts, while engaging in discussions, group work, and presentations. The course focuses on key Medieval topics such as the Norman Conquest, the Battle of Hastings, the feudal system, and King John’s reign. By the end of the year, students have a solid understanding of Medieval history and are well-prepared for further study in Quatrième.

Biology
Our 5ème Biology programme covers ecosystems, cells, human anatomy, and environmental science using engaging English-based methods. Students develop scientific skills like lab work, inquiry, and critical thinking. The course emphasizes clear communication of biology concepts and applying knowledge to real-world issues, fostering both scientific understanding and academic English proficiency through hands-on learning.

Art
Our 5ème Art class fosters creativity and self-expression through drawing and painting using traditional and modern materials. Students learn composition, color theory, and design, developing their artistic style while enhancing fine motor skills and problem-solving. The programme encourages fun and creativity in English, boosting confidence and supporting both artistic and language growth.

Music
Our 5ème Liturgical Music class in English connects faith with music. Students learn hymns, sacred songs, and choral techniques, enhancing vocal skills and spiritual awareness. The programme fosters musical growth and a community spirit with monthly performances during school Mass. It promotes confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for sacred music traditions, enriching both musical abilities and spiritual development.

In 4ème we aim to consolidate and build on the skills acquired in 6ème and 5ème, Students will continue developing fluency in English enhancing their ability to engage with diverse academic content. The programme fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and global perspectives, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to move into the Troisième Cambridge IGCSE foundation year.

English Language and Literature
Our 4ème bilingual English Language and Literature curriculum builds strong literacy and communication skills. Students develop literary skills such as characterisation, social context analysis, and language impact. Writing tasks encourage creativity and structure through narration, argument, and persuasion. Oral skills improve via debates, drama, and discussions. Participation in the American Library’s Young Authors Fictional Festival further enhances their writing, critical thinking, and speaking abilities.

Discovering the Power of Revolutions
The 4ème History programme explores key political, religious, and social revolutions shaping the modern world. Starting with the Reformation (1558-1901), students study its challenge to the Catholic Church and impact on Christianity. They examine the Tudor and Stuart periods, including Henry VIII’s break with Rome and the English Civil War. Through critical analysis, discussion, and source evaluation, students develop historical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to connect past revolutions to contemporary global challenges with rigour and imagination.

Biology
Our 4ème Biology programme explores ecosystems, cells, human anatomy, and environmental science, fostering scientific skills through anglophone teaching methods. Students develop lab skills, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking. The course encourages clear communication of biological ideas and their application to real-world issues. It promotes independent research, building confidence and competence in both science and academic English, preparing students for future studies in the subject.

Art
Our 4ème Art class fosters creativity and self-expression through drawing and painting, and sculpture. Using both traditional and modern materials, students learn key concepts such as composition, color theory, and design. The course supports the development of personal artistic style, fine motor skills, and problem-solving. Taught in English, it also enhances language development, helping students gain confidence while expressing their creativity in a supportive and engaging environment.

Music
Our 4ème Liturgical Music class in English connects faith with music. Students learn hymns, sacred songs, and choral techniques, enhancing vocal skills and spiritual awareness. The programme fosters musical growth and a community spirit with monthly performances during school Mass. It promotes confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for sacred music traditions, enriching both musical abilities and spiritual development.

In 3ème we aim to consolidate and build on the skills acquired in the lower secondary years. Students will continue developing fluency in English enhancing their ability to engage with diverse academic content. Students will continue to develop their critical thinking, cultural awareness, and global perspectives whilst developing the foundation skills and knowledge needed for the Cambridge IGCSE exams that they will sit at the end of their ‘Seconde’ year.

English Language
Our 3ème English Language programme prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE English Language exam, tailored to their level. It focuses on reading comprehension, writing various formats, and improving grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Oral communication is enhanced through structured activities, and advanced listening skills are developed for complex audio materials. This comprehensive approach equips students with the language proficiency needed for success in the IGCSE exam and effective real-world English communication.

Literature in English
The IGCSE literature programme develops students’ skills in reading, understanding, and critically analysing texts. Students explore plot, characters, themes, symbols, and historical context through diverse literary works. The course promotes in-depth discussions and essay writing that encourages personal interpretations linked to cultural and historical contexts. Students also analyse the writer’s language use and its effects. This approach fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for literature, preparing students to express well-informed opinions and insights confidently.

History
The Cambridge IGCSE History programme offers a comprehensive understanding of key global and national historical events and movements. Students develop critical thinking skills to analyse, interpret, and evaluate sources and evidence. The course encourages forming well-structured arguments, connecting past and present, and fostering historical inquiry. Exploring diverse periods and cultures deepens students’ appreciation of history, preparing them for further academic study and equipping them with valuable analytical skills for the future.

Biology (optional and subject to numbers)
The Cambridge IGCSE Biology programme develops students’ understanding of key biological concepts, including cell biology, genetics, human physiology, ecology, and the environment. It emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Practical lab work enhances investigative skills through hands-on learning. By completion, students are well-prepared for further studies in biology and related scientific fields.

Our Secondary curriculum offers a rich, balanced bilingual education by combining the academic rigour of the French national curriculum with dynamic Anglophone teaching methods. English is integrated into core subjects such as Biology, Literature, History, Art, and Music, allowing students to learn the language in meaningful, subject-based contexts. This approach strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and overall language fluency while engaging students with diverse academic content.
Beyond language acquisition, this immersive model promotes creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity. Students analyse literary works, explore global historical perspectives, understand scientific principles, and express themselves artistically—all while developing bilingual proficiency.
Our goal is not only academic excellence but also the cultivation of well-rounded, culturally aware individuals. Through this dual-language approach, students gain the tools to navigate and contribute to an increasingly globalised world.
By the end of their secondary education, students are equipped with strong communication skills, cross-cultural understanding, and the confidence to succeed in a variety of international contexts—be it in further studies or future careers. Our bilingual curriculum lays the foundation for lifelong learning and global citizenship, preparing students to meet the challenges of the modern world with agility and insight.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ‘Collège’
In the secondary cycle our Bilingual students have weekly classes in English language, literature, history, biology, art and music. In Troisième (Year 10), the students start the Cambridge IGCSE programme in English Literature, Language, History and Biology which they take at the end of Seconde (Year 11).

Our Upper School is aimed at academically able francophone students with the ambition and motivation to take up the challenge of a bilingual and bicultural education.
In Seconde our Bilingual students have weekly classes in English language and literature, history, ‘Connaissances du Monde’ (Global Perspectives) and there is an optional art class in English. Learners prepare for and sit the Cambridge IGCSE exams at the end of the school year in English Literature, Language and History. Students can also opt to take an IGCSE in Biology.

In the last two years of the Upper School cycle our Bilingual students currently prepare for the Cambridge International Project Qualification (IPQ) and the Cambridge Advanced English (C1).
Sainte-Marie de Neuilly is currently the only school in France to offer the Cambridge IPQ qualification. IPQ is an independent research-based qualification designed to develop students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills. It allows students to explore a topic of personal interest in depth, culminating in a 5000 word written report and presentation. Guided by a Supervisor, students learn to plan, manage, and evaluate their work using academic standards. The IPQ fosters intellectual curiosity, academic independence, and prepares students for the demands of higher education. It is highly regarded by universities for demonstrating initiative, analytical ability, and the capacity to engage with complex issues beyond the classroom.