Institut Notre-Dame · Anglophone Section
A bilingual and bicultural education
From Preschool to Year 13
Ensemble scolairedepuis 1795
The Anglophone Section at Institut Notre Dame offers a distinctive bilingual and bicultural education within a French Catholic school. Our students follow the French national curriculum and graduate with the French Baccalauréat Général, while also earning internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE qualifications in English Language, English Literature, and History.
Designed for bilingual English-French students, the Anglophone Section provides an immersive educational experience in which English is not taught as a foreign language but serves as the language of instruction. Lessons are delivered at the academic level expected of students in English-speaking countries, enabling learners to develop advanced literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills in English alongside their French studies.
Our teaching team is made up of native qualified English-speaking educators from across the Anglophone world, bringing a rich diversity of perspectives and cultural experiences into the classroom. As a result, our students benefit from an education that is not only bilingual but truly bicultural, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected and international world.
“What makes the Anglophone Section so special is the rich cultural and linguistic diversity our students bring with them. Coming from myriad backgrounds, they create a truly international learning community where that diversity can thrive. Just as important to our students are our smaller class sizes, which foster close, personal relationships with their teachers and create a safe environment in which they can question ideas and think critically. Our role is to offer English-speaking students an authentic Anglophone educational environment in which they can grow in confidence, develop their analytical skills, and feel supported as they explore new perspectives, while following a complementary pedagogical approach alongside the French national curriculum. Ultimately, we want to prepare our students not only for academic success, but to become curious and thoughtful young adults who are ready and willing to engage with the world around them.”
Donnamarie O’Reilly
Primary
The Anglophone Section in Primary nurtures confident, curious, and articulate bilingual learners through an engaging English-language curriculum taught by native English-speaking teachers.
We offer two pathways to meet the needs of our diverse student community.
The Anglophone track is designed for native English-speaking children from Petite Section (Nursery) through CM2 (Year 6), providing a rich program that develops literacy, critical thinking, and cultural understanding in English.
The Passport to Bilingual track is intended for advanced English-language learners from CP (Year 2) to CM2 (Year 6), enabling students with a strong foundation in English to continue developing their language skills in an immersive, academically challenging environment.
All Preschool and Primary students in the Anglophone Section receive four hours of English instruction each week with a native English-speaking teacher. Through literature, creative writing, and cultural activities, students strengthen their language skills while developing a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation of the diverse cultures of the English-speaking world.
Middle School
The Anglophone Section in Middle School, spanning 6ème (Year 7) through 3ème (Year 10), challenges students to deepen their language skills, broaden their cultural understanding, and develop the critical thinking needed for academic success in both English and French.
We offer two pathways to support students at different stages of bilingual proficiency. The Anglophone track is designed for native English speakers, while the Bilingual track provides an academically rigorous program for near-native English speakers capable of following a native-level program.
All Middle School students receive six hours of instruction each week in the Anglophone Section: four hours of English Language and Literature and two hours of History. English is the language of instruction, with lessons delivered at the target level expected in English-speaking educational systems. Through the study of literature, writing, historical inquiry, and discussion, students develop advanced communication skills, analytical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
In Middle School, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Field trips and residential stays linked to the History curriculum provide students with opportunities to engage directly with the people, places, and events they study, bringing history to life and enriching their understanding of the world.
High School
The Anglophone Section in High School, from Seconde (Year 11) through Terminale (Year 13), provides students with a rigorous academic program that complements the French Baccalauréat Général while leading to internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Our school is an officially recognized and certified Cambridge International Education school and exam center.
In Seconde (Year 11), students follow one of two pathways. The Anglophone track is designed for native English speakers and prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE First Language English examination, which they sit in May of their Seconde year. The Bilingual track is intended for near-native English speakers, who prepare for and sit the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language examination at the end of Seconde.
Students in the Anglophone Section receive seven hours of instruction each week: in Seconde, two hours of Language English, building on the IGCSE preparation begun in 3ème (Year 10); two hours of Literature, laying the foundation for the Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English examination; and three hours of History, preparing students for the Cambridge IGCSE History examination. Both the Literature and History IGCSE examinations are taken at the end of Première (Year 12).
From Première (Year 12) onward, all Anglophone Section students follow a single program and are no longer tracked. Students receive six hours of instruction each week: three hours of English Literature and three hours of History, providing focused preparation for their Cambridge IGCSE examinations at the end of the year.
In Terminale (Year 13), students concentrate on the French Baccalauréat Général while continuing to enrich their English studies. They receive four hours of instruction each week, including three hours of English Literature and one hour of Anglophone Culture, ensuring they graduate with exceptional levels of linguistic proficiency, literary understanding, and intercultural awareness.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The extra-curricular programs offered by the Anglophone Section at Institut Notre Dame provide students with authentic opportunities to use English while developing confidence, creativity, leadership, and collaboration. Whether on stage, in debate, or tackling real-world challenges, these activities encourage students to discover new talents, build lasting friendships, and become engaged global citizens.
Happy Players
Open to Primary Anglophone Section students, Happy Players introduces children to the world of drama through fun, interactive activities in English. In a supportive and playful environment, students develop their oral communication skills, creativity, and self-confidence while discovering the joy of performance.
Future Problem Solvers Program International (FPSPI)
Offered in English by the Anglophone Section and open to all Institut Notre Dame Middle School students, FPSPI challenges students to think critically and creatively about complex global issues. Through the Global Issues curriculum, students learn to analyze future challenges, generate innovative solutions, and strengthen their research, teamwork, and presentation skills while developing the habits of informed and responsible global citizens.
Model United Nations (MUN)
Our Anglophone Section student-run Model United Nations (MUN) club, conducted entirely in English, is open to all High School students across Institut Notre Dame. Participants take on the role of United Nations delegates, researching international issues, writing resolutions, negotiating with fellow delegates, and debating global challenges while developing leadership, diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.
Throughout the year, students proudly represent Institut Notre Dame at local and international MUN conferences, while also organizing and hosting INDMUN, our own conference held on campus. This unique experience gives students the opportunity to lead, collaborate, and engage with peers from other schools and other cultures in an authentic international setting.
Students in 3ème (Year 10) can also enroll in the MUN Admin Training Program, which serves as an introduction to the world of Model United Nations. As members of the conference administration team, they work alongside our experienced delegates and committee chairs during INDMUN, gaining first-hand insight into how a conference is organized while developing communication and organizational skills.
