Bi-lingualism English-French

Bics is a bi-lingual school. No one can doubt that the possession of several languages is a great advantage, giving a head start for the future. Based in the capital of Europe, our school has opted for English and French. All of our teachers are qualified native English and French speakers.

In the primary department the approach is the following: firstly a choice is made regarding the language in which a child will learn to read and write. Normally this will be French, given that this language is phonetic, and its interior logic helps to structure the child’s mind. During the first year of primary school, the child will therefore continue to learn English orally.

A child who has followed our primary school curriculum will be fully fluent by the end of his sixth year. In the secondary school, this enables us to consolidate this achievement by offering a slightly different approach. This department is more French based, as this language corresponds more to the ancient languages (Latin and Greek) that will now be offered. While the secondary school is not fully bi-lingual in the same way as the pre-primary and primary departments, English literature will form an important part of the curriculum. History and Geography may also be taken in English. Public examinations are taken in French. Over the past five years we have had a 100% pass rate.

We are often asked how this works out in practice. In the pre-primary department the week is divided between two teachers, one English-speaking and the other French-speaking. At this level, communication and learning are mainly oral, and the children naturally come to associate the teacher with the language spoken. The week is divided into two parts, English on Mondays and Tuesdays, French on Thursdays and Fridays, with Wednesdays divided into both. In this way, the child benefits from a full immersion into both languages. In the primary department, students are taught in English and French on alternate days. This enables a 50-50% immersion in both languages.

The curriculum followed in the primary department is based upon a Belgian programme for the French speaking part and the British National Curriculum for the English speaking part. At the end of their six years of primary school, pupils take the Belgian ‘Examen Cantonal’, which is exterior to the school and obtains a diploma giving access to all Belgian and European secondary schools (CEB - certificat d’étude de base). Children who follow our curriculum have no difficulty integrating into other English-speaking, French and international schools. We understand the importance of this, as parents may, for professional reasons, need to move after three or four years.

FAQ :

Can my child adapt to your programme as he/ she speaks neither English or French?

In the Pre-primary and first year Primary department this poses no difficulty. After that we are willing to consider individual cases but the older the child, the more difficult it becomes.

When will my child be fluent in both languages?

Our experience shows that after one year a normally gifted child will be able to work in the language that is new to him or her. Total fluency can be expected at the end of the primary school.

Do the children mix up the two languages?

We take extreme care in our teaching methods. Children have a great capacity to assimilate several languages at a very early age. In our school we insist upon teachers using one language even if they may themselves know several. In this way pupils naturally associate the person and the language. Equally it is important to begin reading and writing in just one language (in the first year of primary school). This avoids confusion. Obviously in the following years the second language will also be read and written.

Are other subjects taught in different languages?

At BICS we have decided that in the primary school mathematics and science are taught in English. History and geography are taught in French.

Are your exams officially recognised?

Children in the Primary school take the official Belgian exams ‘ Examen Cantonal’ in their sixth year (age 12). We had a 100% pass rate. In the Secondary school our children take the officially recognised exams of the Communauté Française at the age of 14, 16, and 18. These give an equivalence of diplomas awarded in all European and American schools. Last year saw a 100% pass rate with our pupils in obtaining the first and second place out of 80 passes.