From the OIB to the BFI

The Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) has been phased out, changing into the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI). From now on, students entering an international section from this time will spend their Première (11th Grade) and Terminale (12th Grade) years working towards this new diploma. The first exam session of the BFI will be in the spring of 2024

Introducing the BFI

Like the OIB, the BFI is a particularly demanding version of the French baccalaureat, which offers multiple pathways to expand their international exposure and linguistic skills. In addition to the full French national curriculum, students at the Lycée International take eight additional hours of classes in the language of their section, taught at native level. The current OIB subjects, English Language and Literature (ACL) and History and Geography (DNL), will now be complemented by a new course called Connaissance du Monde (CdM), or Contemporary US Society.

Subjects taught by the American Section are indicated in blue in the pie chart below:

 

The BFI significantly increases the importance of the international sections in our students’ academic trajectory, with final exam coefficents that comprise 41% of the total, as opposed to the present 26%. Spoken communication skills are emphasized, with students preparing  a “capstone” oral presention for an individual research project in addition to the existing oral examinations in Language/Literature and History/Geography and the Grand Oral.

The introduction of the Contemporary US Society(CdM) module will invite students to conduct in-depth research on a current issue of global importance within a US context. Similar to the IB Extended Essay, this project will allow students to explore a topic of personal interest, demonstrate initiative and develop autonomy. The collaboration with a US-based contact will give students direct insight into a facet of American society and build professional skills. The research project will also provide valuable preparation for their future university studies and careers.

The BFI at the Lycée International

Beyond the Lycée
In recent years, about fifty percent of American Section graduates have matriculated at Anglophone universities or programs abroad, while the other half have continued their studies in France.