International Bilingual Middle School and IGCSE
At Sainte Victoire International School, our bilingual middle school welcomes students aged 11 to 16 and guides them through the transition phase between childhood and adolescence. The programme is designed to help learners grow in independence, develop critical thinking, and build strong organisational skills. The curriculum combines elements of the French national education system with the internationally recognised Cambridge standards. Classes are taught in both French and English. This approach prepares students progressively for the IGCSE exams, before moving on to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in high school at SVIS. Boarding is available from the first year of Middle School for families who require it.
Educational continuity from Primary School to Middle School
A shared educational philosophy across school levels
The bilingual middle school program at Sainte Victoire International School follows directly from the primary school program. Up to Year 9 (Grade 8 in the US, 4ème in France), students benefit from a consistent educational environment, with many of the same teachers, educational methods and a shared commitment to student wellbeing and academic growth.
This continuity provides students with a stable and familiar setting in which they can gain confidence, develop greater independence, and build the key skills needed for adolescence and beyond.
A Smooth and Supportive Transition from Primary
Our Middle School preserves a supportive, student-centred atmosphere, following the same educational principles established in Primary :
- A student-centred philosophy focused on wellbeing
- A high-quality academic programme that combines the rigour of the French national curriculum with the internationally recognised Cambridge standards
- Balanced bilingual instruction in French and English, with level-based language groups and the option to add a third language
- Class sizes of maximum 20 children in all classes for individualized support of each student
- A welcoming, multicultural community that fosters collaboration, open-mindedness, and mutual support
- Modern facilities set in a peaceful natural environment just outside Aix-en-Provence
An inclusive Middle School for all Students
SVIS welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Children can enrol in Middle School without prior experience in bilingual or international education, and without fluency in French.
Our structure and teaching methods are designed to ensure smooth integration for all students, including newcomers to the region or the French school system. Ability-based groups in both English and French allow every child to progress at their own pace, in a supportive and caring environment. This makes SVIS an ideal choice for families looking to begin a bilingual education or to ease their child’s integration into a new environment.
A rich and innovative academic programme
A Curriculum built on French and Cambridge Standards
At SVIS, our middle school students seamlessly continue their educational journey, building upon the strong foundation they've established in primary school. Our unique program thoughtfully combines the best of the French National Curriculum with the rigorous standards of the Cambridge National Curriculum for England. This approach ensures a balanced and comprehensive exploration of a wide range of subjects, delivered in both French and English. It also consistently nurtures essential skills such as critical thinking, autonomy, and confident public speaking.
While our core teaching philosophy remains consistent, the curriculum content is specifically enriched to foster intellectual development and spark students' natural curiosity. A prime example is our weekly "News" debate sessions, which are designed to empower students to articulate and defend their ideas within a structured environment. This invaluable practice equips them with highly valued skills for their future academic and professional lives.
Maintaining a strong bilingual focus
SVIS maintains a balanced bilingual approach from Year 7 to Year 9 (Grades 6 to 8 in the US, 6ème to 4ème in France), with classes evenly split between French and English throughout the academic year.
Students learn in both languages across core subjects such as mathematics, science, history, geography, and literature, as well as in interdisciplinary areas.
This consistent exposure to both French and English builds on the foundations laid in Primary and gradually deepens students’ proficiency in each language, both orally and in writing, through a wide range of learning contexts.
Preparing for the IGCSE Programme
In Year 10 (Grade 9 in the US, 3ème in France), students begin the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a globally recognised qualification valued in France and worldwide.
This two-year programme deepens knowledge across a broad range of subjects while fostering curiosity, academic rigour, and an awareness of global perspectives.
All instruction is delivered in English, providing full immersion that strengthens academic language skills and prepares students for the IGCSE examinations. Considered the international equivalent of the French Diplôme National du Brevet, the IGCSE offers a strong foundation for the final years of secondary school and a smooth transition to the IB Diploma Programme.
"These were the best years of my life! The teachers really cared about us and the atmosphere was incredible. The beautiful campus and amazing facilities meant we could try so many different sports. I have nothing but fond memories and I'm really proud to be a SVIS graduate now."
- Former Student
The IGCSE Program (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
What is the Cambridge IGCSE ?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an academic programme designed for students aged 14 to 16. Developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education, it is recognised worldwide for its academic rigour and high standards. The IGCSE is one of the most recognized and prestigious international qualifications worldwide at the secondary level.
It is a two-year programme completed in Years 10 and 11 (equivalent to Grades 9 and 10 in the US, 3ᵉ et 2nde in France). Students follow a balanced curriculum that includes core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, modern languages, humanities, and the arts.
At the end of the program, each student takes several examinations in their chosen subjects. These assessments take various forms: written exams, oral exams, and practical work. Results are graded on an international scale from A to G, resulting in a certificate recognized for its academic rigor and compatibility with other French or international educational systems.
What makes the IGCSE a strong academic foundation?
The IGCSE offers numerous benefits for students who wish to thrive in a rigorous academic environment and open themselves to international opportunities. It represents a decisive step in their educational journey, both academically and linguistically.
An exceptional English proficiency
As the IGCSE is taught entirely in English, students quickly build advanced language skills. They develop a rich, precise vocabulary and solid written and spoken fluency, essential assets for success in international academic programmes and global career paths.
A rigorous academic programme for success
The IGCSE provides a solid academic foundation, helping students build key skills such as rigour, independence, critical thinking and analysis. Its steady pace and varied assessment methods prepare them effectively for the challenges of upper secondary and higher education.
A wide choice of subjects
With subjects ranging from mathematics and science to languages, humanities and the arts, the IGCSE offers students a well-rounded education and the opportunity to develop their strengths across multiple fields.
An internationally respected qualification
The IGCSE is widely recognised by universities and higher education institutions in France and around the world. It is also valued by employers, who regard students with this qualification as having strong academic skills and a high level of English proficiency.
Moving from IGCSE to IB
Students complete their two-year IGCSE journey through comprehensive examinations across their chosen subjects, including written papers, oral assessments, and practical evaluations. Our students have consistently achieved outstanding IGCSE results since 2011, reflecting the exceptional quality of education and support provided at SVIS.
After their successful completion of the IGCSE, students progress to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12 in the US, 1ère et Terminale in France). This demanding qualification is recognised worldwide and enables students to gain admission to prestigious universities around the world.
Why study at SVIS Middle School?
For families, Middle School at SVIS is a reassuring choice: a rigorous yet supportive environment where every child can thrive, make progress, and confidently prepare for the next stage of their education and future higher studies. What families particularly value:
- Our small class sizes for specific support adapted to each student
- An inspiring learning environment located in the heart of Provence
- Our caring and committed international community
- The IGCSE, a recognised and rigorous international qualification
- A secure on-campus boarding facility for both middle and high school students
Shaping tomorrow's global citizens
The middle school experience at Sainte Victoire International School empowers every student with the tools they need to thrive academically, personally, and socially in a nurturing environment designed for success. For families, choosing SVIS means investing in a truly global education that opens doors worldwide.
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