International School in Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux International School, Bordeaux:
Bordeaux International School is centrally located in historic Bordeaux in South-Western France on the Atlantic Coast, approximately 495 km / 308 miles south-west of Paris, and provides high-quality, full-time bilingual (French / English) education for international pupils from the age of 2½ to 19. Boarding facilities are available for secondary school students with French families. The Early Learning, Primary and Middle School sections are bilingual. The English-speaking students follow the English National Curriculum, and the French-speaking students the French National program. Secondary education is taught in English and prepares students for IGCSEs, AS and A2 Level examinations. The programs are adapted to meet the needs of American students requiring entry qualifications to colleges in the US.

Established in 1987, Bordeaux International School's bilingual environment is a cornerstone of school life, which pupils find both stimulating and rewarding. All pupils, regardless of age, know each other due to our program of full integration across the school. The whole school comes together at lunchtime and the social education of sharing a meal with friends is of great benefit to all pupils. Parents are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of their child’s education.

Accreditation:
The School was re-accredited by the Council of International Schools in June 2010 and the Primary section is recognized by the French Ministry of Education ('sous contrat d'association')

Our teaching approach focuses on the pupils and structures their learning in order for them to achieve their full academic potential. The Early Learning and Primary schools are bilingual. Emphasis is placed on acquiring competence in the French language both through small classes within the school and involvement in educational, sporting and cultural facilities offered by the city outside the school. The English-speaking students follow the English National Curriculum, and the French speaking students, the French National program, both adapted to serve the needs of an international community.

In the Middle School, lessons are also taught both in English and in French. In the Secondary school, students must have a satisfactory level in English to prepare for the IGCSEs, and AS and A2 Level examinations in a range of subjects.

- Early Learning, Primary and Middle School education programs with a bilingual program (French - English) for pupils aged 2½ to 13.

- Secondary school education (For ages 14 -18 years) is taught in English and prepares students for IGCSE and AS and A2 Level examinations in a range of subjects with the Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.

- The programmes are adapted to meet the needs of American students requiring entry qualifications to colleges in the United States.

Student Diversity:
At Bordeaux International School, the student population is approximately 30% British and 70% French and other nationalities in the Primary Section and 40% British, 20% French, 10% American and 30% other nationalities in the Secondary section.

Our multinational staff include French, English and Spanish native speakers.  (60% British, 40% other nationalities), are highly qualified and experienced. Our teachers are fully qualified in specialist subject areas and have many years of experience teaching in their own country. They are attracted to working at the school by its excellent reputation, and share the same enthusiasm, energy and passion for this unique school. All teachers teach in their mother tongue and are fluent in a second language. 

School Facilities & Location:
Conveniently located close to the centre of historic Bordeaux, the school is purpose-built around a secure, enclosed and partially covered courtyard, which provides a space for pupils across the school to socialise with each other. The Primary and Secondary areas of the school are housed in individual self-contained buildings, adjacent to the school hall. The hall is used regularly for clubs, music lessons and drama lessons, as well as our school shows which take place twice a year.

Our facilities include a science laboratory, private study areas, and an expanding library for all ages with materials in French and English. Students also have access to a nearby olympic-size swimming pool, gymnasium and sports fields. The school’s central location makes it easily accessible: an important consideration given the school’s international make-up. There are excellent train, bus and tram links, as well as the international airport less than 15 kilometres
away.