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Advanced Programme

The Advanced Programme is a bespoke route for a small number of high-ability, Cinquième-level French-speaking pupils who study in both the English system and the Section Française Bilingue at the same time. Applicants must exhibit a high level of academic ability and motivation, possess strong independent learning skills, and respond well to challenge.

 

What the Advanced Programme is

The Advanced Programme is for Cinquième-level pupils. They register for the English Year 8 class and follow a personalised timetable across both systems: the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum, the CNED French curriculum, and Cambridge FCE, at the same time.

The Common Entrance is a two-year course. Advanced Programme pupils join half-way through, in Year 8, and study material that other pupils covered the previous year in Year 7. This requires a pupil who is comfortable working independently and managing an increased workload.  

 

Who it is for

Pupils must:

1

Demonstrate the required level of cognitive ability and English through the school's MidYIS assessment.
2

Already be working towards the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE).
3

Be working at a high level in French, as shown in recent school reports.
4

Be able to manage a genuinely increased workload, completing class work and homework for both systems.
5

Be able to work independently for at least one lesson per week.

Admission is at the Headmaster's discretion, following discussion with staff and consideration of school reports, the MidYIS assessment, and the pupil's plans for senior school. Once admitted, progress is monitored, and the school reserves the right to withdraw a pupil who is not managing the demands of working across both systems.

What pupils study

Common Entrance. English, Science, History, Geography, Theology, Philosophy & Religion, and Spanish. Mock examinations in February, final examinations in the summer of Year 8.

CNED. Maths and French, taught with the 5e class, with independent learning time each week. An exam cycle runs throughout the year, with final examinations in the summer of Year 8.

Cambridge FCE. Taught throughout the year, with mock oral examinations in March and final examinations in the summer.

Some pupils also work towards the Lycée Français entrance examinations, decided on a case-by-case basis with the Director of Studies.

 

Applying

Advanced Programme admission follows a separate process from standard international admissions, starting with a school report and a meeting with the Headmaster.

 Advanced Programme admissions process

Download the Advanced Programme booklet — full detail on curriculum, criteria and admissions.

Considering the Advanced Programme?

To discuss whether the Advanced Programme is right for your child, contact us directly.

  +44 (0)1304 611215
  admissions@northbournepark.com

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