F.A.Q
(NB 3ème= Year/Grade 10 ; 2de Year/ Grade 11 ; 1ère Year/ Grade 12 ; Tle Year/ Grade13)
Application : Recruitment procedures for OIB
Is OIB limited to a school sector ?
Certainly not ! Whatever your catchment area, once you have been accepted in the OIB section after passing your oral tests and you have confirmed, Lycée St-Charles is your official school. Pupils from all areas of Marseille and even from further afield are to be found in our section. Diversity is a good thing. Some of our pupils hop on a bus for one hour, others even catch a train every morning
Are you automatically a pupil of lycée Saint Charles once you have applied to the OIB Section ?Does studying a the OIB Section automatically overrule normal prerequisites ?
The OIB has its own derogation procedure. It does not require a special procedure. There is no need for a “derogation application ’. So you may apply, and once you have been admitted to OIB via the matriculation procedures of our lycée, you will be automatically matriculated..
Is the OIB Section free ?
The Lycée Saint-Charles is a state school and the OIB section is free of any charge.
Is it possible for my child to apply if he/she has studied in the private sector ?
Of course, any pupil in 3ème or or 2de may apply, whatever his/her school of origin, state or private.
Can everybody take both the written and oral exams ?
Every pupil may take the written tests. As soon as the registration has been filled out and sent off, your child will receive his/her official notification to attend the written exams. As for the oral exams, only those pupils who have taken and passed the written exams may take the oral tests. In that event, all pupils concerned will receive their notifications for the OIB orals.
When, and how do the entrance tests take place ?
In order to enter at 3ème level, the selection is done in two steps – the written tests, then the oral interviews.
If possible, depending on the health conditions at the time, the written test for the 2021 selection will take place on 13th March 2021 at 8:30AM. The written test is a multiple choice quiz (grammar) and an essay on a topical question in which the applicant is expected to show his/her ability to argue clearly in a well structured manner, and that he/she is capable of expressing his/her personal opinion.
At the end of this process, 60 pupils will be invited to an oral interview.
For the 2021 selection, the oral interviews will take place in the week from 19th to 23rd April 2021 (the date and hour will be specified by email). The test lasts 15 minutes, during which the pupil is expected to present him/herself, speak of his/her motivation for joining the OIB ; he/she will briefly analyse a newspaper article – the whole interview will obviously be held in English
http://www.lyc-stcharles.ac-aix-marseille.fr/spip/spip.php?article1710
The sanitary conditions and restrictions may oblige us to make certain modifications. If this is the case, we will let you know on our site, and would inform both you and your schools.
Is there a specific protocol for applications from abroad ?
If necessary, it is possible to take the tests at a distance – partially or in toto – under the supervision of your school. In order to set this up the candidates concerned are asked to contact oibstcharles@gmail.com
Are those pupils with specific and international profiles treated differently ?
The written and oral tests are the same for all applicants. The pupils from abroad, or from international schools, are not treated differently.
Is is possible to apply during 2de or even 1ère ?
The selection to OIB is done in 3ème. You may apply in 2de, but ONLY in case of vacancies.
What difference is there between being a candidate for a place in 2de and one in 1ère ?
As our course lasts three years, we recommend you apply for a place in 2de when possible. Indeed, the level needed for selection for a place in 1ère is much higher, because the candidates must be able to throw themselves directly into the demanding programme, the quick pace, and the heavy workload required in 1ère OIB, and to pick up quickly the techniques and know-how specific to the OIB, without having benefitted from our teaching in 2de. So if you get in, you have to count on needing some time to adapt.
If you wish to apply, you simply need to download the application form. You will see that it concerns entry in 2de, but for an application for entry in 1ère, you just need to replace 2de with 1ère.
An application for 1ère follows a different calendar, and has specific examinations different from those in 2de, which you can find on our website.
First of all, to confirm your application, we ask you to send back before March, to the school address given, your completed application dossier, as well as the extra documents which are available to you at that point. The application dossier must reflect the last 2 years of your child’s schooling in their totality. We will ask you for any missing documents on the day of the tests.
The written and oral selection for entry in 1ère takes place at the very end of the school year (generally at the end of June or beginning of July), because it is only at that moment that we can determine exactly and definitively how many places are available in 1ère for the following September.
Joining the OIB is not possible in the 13th grade because preparing for the final baccalauréat exam starts from the 1ère.
http://www.lyc-stcharles.ac-aix-marseille.fr/spip/spip.php?article1710
Where is the application file to be found ?
You can find it on the site of lycée Saint-Charles. Look for the heading “section internationale britannique” then the sub-heading “informations inscriptions OIB”.
http://www.lyc-stcharles.ac-aix-marseille.fr/spip/spip.php?article1628
What about the deadline ?
As is clearly stipulated on the application file, the deadline for sending back the file is 2nd February 2021
Is an incomplete file acceptable ?
Be careful, an incomplete file will not be accepted ! Given the number of applicants every year (200+ every year), our selection team cannot afford to waste any time with incomplete files. They will be sidelined.
What can I do about the requested school reports if my child’s school works on semester, not trimester periods ?
In case you have not received your child’s school report, just send us your child’s grades so that his/her file is not considered as incomplete, and send off the official school report ASAP
Is the file to be delivered personally ?
You are only requested to send the paper application file by mail within the time allotted. To ensure that it has indeed reached Lycée St Charles ; some applicants indeed choose to deliver their file personally at the Lycée, or decide to send it off by registered mail with or without recorded delivery. Others choose to send it off both by paper mail and by email. All these additional practices are initiated by the families.
For your information, some schools help the process by taking charge of the applications of their pupils ; they collect the application files and deliver them directly to Lycée St Charles.
The applicants who live abroad may send off their application files by email only if they so wish.
When shall we know whether we are eligible for the orals ?
The applicants are informed as soon as possible. Please be patient, but if you have not heard from us one week before the oral exams, you should definitely contact the Lycée.
When shall we know whether we are accepted ?
For the 3ème grade application :
Towards the end of May, the Lycée will send off an email to the families whose child has been accepted, or is on the waiting list. If he/she is on the waiting list, you will have to wait a little longer (a few hours/days) to find out whether he/she is accepted.
For the 2de application :
Everything takes place in the same day : written, then oral exams, then deliberations of the jury. The results will then be communicated.
What are the chances of his/her joining the Section Internationale ?
Whatever the admission rate is, if you are motivated, you must take your chance ! You must also give yourself the means to do so by preparing for it, and working on your English regularly – for instance by reading, and watching films, in English (with English subtitles) for example.
Is there a waiting list ?
There is indeed a waiting list after the oral tests .
What are one’s chances when on the additional list ?
Being on the list still leaves you with some chances, since some pupils take the tests of many sections and may go somewhere else. And because the OIB section requires being motivated, some candidates eventually give up, and thus other pupils can get in ! At any rate, even if you are not accepted, your level of English is very good since only 60 are invited to take oral examinations out of 200 having taken the written exams.
How can my child get to know our Section ? Are there open days ?
It is highly recommended for the applicants and their families to attend the information meeting that is generally held in November or December.
If you have not been able to, you can look up the site of Lycée St Charles, with many pages on our OIB Section, involving presentation, getting to know us, the OIB spirit, the contents of the exams, how to prepare…
You can also look up our Section’s blog. Just google Charlie’s OIB, or click on this link :http://oibstcharles.blogspot.com/http://oibstcharles.blogspot.com/ You can have a look at the articles which our pupils write regularly.
There are no open days for the OIB Section. But you are more than welcome to get to know our lycée through the many events advertised on the site of the Lycée. Unfortunately, the present health conditions make it impossible to organise any for the time being.
Furthermore, to help you have a more concrete idea of our classes, the level of our pupils, and the atmosphere in class, we have organised a programme, “the OIB ambassadors’. It is there for all the schools in the area wishing to take part in it. If invited, our 2de pupils will go to your schools in order to represent our section and talk with interested applicants.
We also offer the possibility for pupils and their teachers to attend our classes. Because of the Covid-19 situation this year we have adapted to the period and offered Zoom embassies, and shared out presentation videos, which will be accessible on the site of our Lycée.
Do you receive families of applicants ?
Unfortunately not, because there are too many applications. But we hope that you will be able to find the information you need in this document. Besides, you have many opportunities to ask our teachers or our pupils directly : there is the information meeting for the applicants and their families, the visits of the ambassadors and those projects with the schools of the area, or during written or oral tests.
You can also email our section : oibstcharles@gmail.com
Is it possible to combine OIB and Abibac, or OIB and Bachibac ?
Unfortunately not, because of the timetables and how our classes run ; our exams are formatted differently. The three are therefore incompatible. You may apply to two sections but will have to choose one of the three, when the results appear.
How can you apply for OIB and the other binational sections of the Lycée (Abibac ou Bachibac) ?
Just download and fill in the application files for the OIB section and the binational section that you are interested in, follow the procedures and bear in mind the deadlines that are specific for each section.
Profiles
What are the applicants’ profiles ?
The applicants who are attracted to our section are all keenly interested in the English language and Anglo-Saxon culture, but they come from a very varied family and school spectrum : their families are French speakers, English speakers, or others, they have studied in French schools, in international schools, or abroad.
Is it reserved to English speakers, bilingual, or bicultural pupils ?
Not at all ! It is possible to have parents who do not speak a word of English, and yet join the OIB, even though it is true that having English-speaking parents does help. Besides, non-bilingual pupils perform just as well as their bilingual school mates, and sometimes even better, because in acquiring the level for the Section they may well have acquired the habit of studying harder.
Are school marks/ grades, teachers’ appreciations and school reports an important element in the selection process ?
Indeed, they help in assessing the applicants, along with the result of the oral and written examinations. Of course, the idea is not to have top grades in every field of study, but it is important to have a good standard on the whole. BEWARE, do not underestimate teachers’ appreciations, they may make the difference. One excellent average in one subject and a bad appreciation on your behaviour is worth less than a good grade with a positive appreciation, stressing the pupil’s efforts and motivation. Do not neglect the other non-literary subjects, for the OIB does not exempt you from any class (including science subjects). Having less good results in one subject than in others is not necessarily bad, because your progression is also taken into account.
Are the pupils looking to join OIB all good at English/in all subjects ?
A good level in English is indeed required for joining OIB, because our classes are entirely held in English. Mind you, this does not mean that your child must be bilingual/have English as his/her mother tongue in order to be allowed in. He/she only has to have the necessary level to understand what is being taught, and be able to communicate orally and in writing.
You must bear in mind that the OIB will take up a large part of his/her timetable, both in school and at home, and so, he/she will have less time for other subjects. It is thus preferable for the applicant to have good enough grades to make it comfortable for him/her to keep studying, because what is expected from him/her in the other subjects will not change. They are the same as with any other pupil ! Of course, it is acceptable to have some problems in one subject, but then the pupil will have to work harder to make up for it.
What is the profile of the pupils in OIB ?
The pupils who are accepted have a very good, or even an excellent level in English (the expected level for joining is B2), and also a very good overall academic level - this will help him/her to take on serenely the demands and challenge of the school and our section. About what is expected from our OIB pupils’ personalities and interests, their profiles are very varied. Some are more science-orientated, others are literary, artistic, or athletic-minded. Most important is being motivated, loving books, being interested in the world, being curious about everything.
What is the profile of our teachers ?
Of various origins and various experiences, our teachers are English speakers and will help their pupils – whatever their own origins and experiences - progressively to become so as well.
The teachers know very well how implicated and hardworking their pupils need to be. They are demanding, but they also make sure that the pupils receive from their teachers in accordance with what they themselves give them. They are close to their pupils, attentive to their needs and creative. The pupils often say that at the end of Tle, having had so many hours together, the members of the Section – both teachers and pupils – are like a second family.
Is OIB reserved to pupils with a literary profile ?
The OIB section is not reserved to literary-minded pupils solely. Not only are history and geography taught, but analysing texts of English literature is accessible to whoever has a good level of English. Of course, you have to have at least a taste for literature in English (Shakespeare, poetry, the classics…)
OIB is definitely a literary section, because you have to write and read a lot on a regular basis. But those pupils with a scientific and economic bent are also very successful in the section.
So, why apply if you are interested in maths and sciences ?
Having a scientific profile is no hindrance to success in the OIB section. On the contrary, joining an OIB section orientated towards literature will enrich your culture, develop your critical faculties, and obviously greatly improve your level in English. An OIB mention on your Baccalauréat is very popular among universities and Grandes Ecoles, because it testifies to a very solid level in English, a rich culture, and an international outlook (because of Geography), as well as an ability to handle a large quantity of work and a typically British work method, which may be very useful to the French speakers who wish to study in English-speaking universities, among whom those in the UK. Mastering English in writing and reading is indispensable in the scientific and business world.
What is the expected level of English ?
A minimum B2 level is expected to join the section, i.e the level in English of a classic Tle pupil.
What is the expected level for non French speaking pupils from abroad ?
For the OIB classes, French is never used, so no level is expected for you to join. Still, our section is associated to a French traditional degree programme.The classes outside the domain of OIB (literature, history and geography) are held in French, and it is recommended for the pupils from abroad to have a level in French equivalent to their level of English, or at least sufficient to attend non OIB year 2de classes. Together with an application for OIB, the pupils from abroad with no experience of the French school system will have to take tests with the Direction académique des Bouches du Rhône to ascertain their school level and make sure that they may join a year 2de class. To do so, they are to be present in France because these tests are only performed in situ.
Direction académique des services de l’éducation nationale des Bouches-du-Rhône/ Service Vie Scolaire/ 28-34 Bd. Charles Nédelec/ 13231 MARSEILLE/ Téléphone : 04.91.99.66.66
What are the differences between an application to an OIB section and a Euro Section application ?
Both have similar subjects and principles. But the expectations of OIB are more demanding and consequently, the OIB selection is stricter. Besides, contrary to OIB, the Euro Section has no derogation procedure.
Concretely for the pupils selected for OIB, they are to expect more class hours, more extra curriculum projects, a tailored exam for the baccalaureate (the geography and history test in the traditional curriculum is replaced by an OIB test) and no English as first foreign language, which has become English literature). The Euro is thus somewhat lighter in class hours and workload, but the OIB is more prestigious.
Advice for preparing for the exams
Should you prepare for the entrance exams ? How to organise yourself ?
It is highly recommended for you to prepare for the entrance exams. Here are some suggestions : in order to widen your vocabulary, you might want to read books or newspaper articles in English, or watch TV series in the original language and subtitled. In order to work on your language level you also might want to do the grammar exercises in the Bac annals (i.e what has been offered to French pupils in the past years), or in multiple choice exam papers to be found on line ; or train yourselves to write well-argued short essays on simple topics. Do not hesitate to write up a list of connection words, to be learnt by heart -they will be the skeleton of your essay, they are essential in introducing nuances and enriching your arguments. For the oral, prepare in advance what you intend to say (who you are, why you are applying..) and train yourself orally to describe various types of documents, (photos, articles).
If you know somebody who speaks English well, do not hesitate to ask him/her to ask you questions (in English, of course) to simulate a practice test !
Are there annals ?
There are no annals specific to joining OIB. But you can find various books about English grammar, and you can use “Annales d’anglais” for Tle exams.
Must we read in English ?
Clearly, if you’ve started reading in English before deciding to apply, it’s better. HOWEVER, it’s not a problem if you’ve started recently or if you’re about to start. Many OIB pupils only started reading properly in English when they started preparing the exam, with relatively simple books (but this is highly recommended while training for the exam and preparing to enter the OIB).
Which books do you recommend us as preparation ?
There’s a book of English grammar which is perfect for preparing the Multiple Choice questions for the entrance exam : Harrap’s, Grammaire Anglaise, Collège Lycée Fac.
And reading books in English even if you don’t understand every word is a great help in improving your English. You can consult and draw on our reading list for middle school pupils.
Could you recommend any private organisations who could aid the preparation ?
OIB ca
ndidates often ask for help/ private lessons from their middle school teacher when preparing the exam. If their middle school English teacher isn’t available, private lessons outside school are another possible option, if necessary. But it’s up to you to find them. As we are a state school, we do not wish to recommend private organisations.
Organisation of the Section.
How is the International Section organized ?
At the Lycée St Charles, there is one OIB class per level, so three classes in total. There are two literature teachers, Mrs Choffrut and Mr Leah, who follow the same syllabus, and a History-Geography teacher, Mr Lévêque). The three teachers all have all three levels each year.
Which subjects are taught ?
History-Geography, with a geo-political , political and historiographical dimension, and English literature in English.
How many extra hours are there compared to the traditional syllabus ?
In 2de, non-OIB pupils have 3 hours of English LVA (first language) per week, whereas the OIB pupils have 7, with two different teachers, Mrs Choffrut and Mr Leah.
For History-Geography, the 2de OIB pupils again have more hours : 5 per week as opposed to 3 for non-OIB pupils. This difference is also due to the fact that OIB pupils don’t have lessons of « EMC » (Moral and Civic Education), which take place for an hour every fortnight for the non-OIB pupils, with their Sociology and Economics teacher. This hour is dedicated to normal History or Geography lessons for OIB pupils.
Pupils of 2de OIB, therefore, have 6 hours a week more than non-OIB pupils, 2 in History-Geography and 4 in English literature.
How specific is the Section’s teaching ?
What differences are there between an English literature lesson, and a typical English LVA lesson ?
English LVA lessons are drastically different from English literature lessons : in the language lesson, the pupils learn the English language, including conjugation, spelling etc. In Literature, on the other hand, the lessons are wholly dedicated to the study and analysis of prose works, plays and poetry. The English language isn’t the subject being taught ; it is considered as a prerequisite and as a tool for studying the OIB subjects, Literature and History-Geography.
What are the differences are there between a History-Geography lesson in French, and an OIB one ?
The OIB section focusses greatly on everyone’s diversity and participation. So, in OIB History-Geography lessons we often pool our opinions, and the documents we study are more international, giving us a global point of view which is more enriching.
Are other subjects taught in English ? Why not ?
The subjects for the OIB Baccalauréat are Literature and History-Geography. This is why they are taught in English. In 2de, the only subjects taught in English are English Literature and Geography. Then, in 1ère we add History in English, culminating in all lessons in English in Tle.
Sometimes other teachers may include exercises in English in their lessons. The idea of « non-linguistic disciplines » in English, not strictly linked to the OIB Bac, to give a wider range of English teaching, is being studied.
Which exams are offered by the section ?
Apart from the OIB exams for the Baccalauréat, we prepare our 2de pupils (in one year instead of two) the British IGCSE exam in English literature. The exam is optional, because it must be paid for, but the majority of pupils choose to take it.
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/english-literature-0475/
Those pupils who wish to can prepare semi-autonomously for a Cambridge certification, which they can sit for free in Tle.
Are the OIB exams part of the French Baccalauréat ?
Absolutely. The OIB is indeed part of the French Bac. Nevertheless it’s a specific course with an exam organisation and timetable functioning parallel and as a complement to the French Bac.
Extra-Curricular Activities.
Our numerous clubs.
The OIB section runs many clubs in English, which are also open to pupils outside the section. Pupils in 2de must take part in 4 clubs at least, the 1ères in at least two, and the Tles in at least one. This gets the pupils involved in the section but in a more relaxed manner, and to use their English skills on less academic subjects.
- Music Club : a theme is chosen and the pupils share songs connected to it. They are played in the room, and the person justifies their choice. (OIB pupils have very good and varied music tastes !)
- Debate Team : a subject for debate is chosen, the room is divided in two, for and against. Whatever the pupil’s personal opinion may be, he or she must play a role and defend his team’s opinion. It’s an ideal club for improving your eloquence.
- Drama Club : doing some theatre in English.
- MUN : Model United Nations. Studying and debating essential geo-political issues, as at the UN.
- Awareness Club : This socially-conscious club encourages pupils to organise awareness campaigns, action and events to defend causes close to their hearts.
- Book Club : About three times in the year, a book is chosen by the « Reading Committee ». After reading the book, the participants meet to talk about it. It’s great for widening your literary culture and it’s interesting to hear others’ points of view. If you’re interested, you may read the book for the first session (usually in October) during the summer holidays.
- Cinema Club : a film is chosen, and usually everyone meets at the cinema. Unfortunately this year, because of Covid, we’re obliged to watch the film at home and then meet to discuss it. It’s a useful club if you want to expand your film culture and study a film from all angles.
- Yearbook Club : involves the publication each year of a yearbook (including texts and photos) documenting the life of our Section.
- Poetry Club (new this year) : exploring poetry together, thanks to a regular selection and discussion of the members’ favorite poems.
- Cryptic Crosswords Club (also new this year) : learn how to solve cryptic crosswords, notably those of The Guardian. It’s an ideal club for widening your English vocabulary and it’s very satisfying when you find the answer !
Many projects.
Every year we have a great many projects, continued this year and adapted to the Covid situation, like the One Piece of Rubbish a Day International Photo challenge for the environment, the Marsmun (Model United Nations), our charity reading marathon for Room to Read and the Poetry By Heart Competition
http://www.lyc-stcharles.ac-aix-marseille.fr/spip/spip.php?article1676
http://www.lyc-stcharles.ac-aix-marseille.fr/spip/spip.php?article1639
https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poetry-by-heart-2021/
Many events.
Some events punctuate the life of our Section and are renewed every year, as we can’t do without them : our integration afternoon, our Christmas party and our Talent Show. We can also stage occasional events to highlight a project or welcome a visitor. Today’s sanitary conditions make it difficult to organise events, but we’re adapting.
http://www.lyc-stcharles.ac-aix-marseille.fr/spip/spip.php?rubrique187
The blog http://oibstcharles.blogspot.com/
Charlie’s OIB is a window on the Section and on the English-speaking world and is an opportunity for free expression. It’s a private blog allowing OIB pupils to share information and write articles about their passions/ interests, events in their lives or anything they’d like to share with the Section. As long as the subject has a link with the English-speaking world and the writer is respectful of others, the pupils are free to write what they want.
Is extra-curricular involvement obligatory ?
Extra-curricular investment is more than recommended and rewarded by a global mark for OIB involvement, given at the end of each term and linked to club participation, activity on the blog or in out-of-school events. Beyond being part of their average, this mark stresses and honors our pupils’ involvement, and contributes to the progressive construction of the OIB ethos of openness, adventure and solidarity.
Are there school trips and exchanges ?
A two-week trip, for the whole class, is possible in 1ère. For the last two years, though, it has unfortunately been cancelled due to the pandemic. Every other year, the trip is to Ireland or England, and the other year it’s an exchange with Canada, where the pupils go to their host families and welcome their partners in their own homes in Marseille.
An individual exchange lasting two months is also on offer in 1ère, but isn’t available to the whole class. The lucky pupils are selected on the basis of their dossier.
Why have a parents’ association just for the OIB ?
The Apeevim (parents’ association of OIB pupils) is essential because it follows and supports the life of the Section and all our projects and initiatives.
Everyday OIB life.
What is the workload and the timetable of an OIB pupil ?
An OIB pupil generally ends school at the same time as a non-OIB pupil. This is because the normal English lessons have been replaced by English literature lessons (so, 4 extra hours) and History-Geography by History-Geography (2 extra hours). All 4 hours on Wednesday afternoon are dedicated to OIB lessons, so the timetable for the rest of the week isn’t substantially different from other pupils’. The workload, however, is very heavy, and requires a lot of work at home.
How do pupils feel about the Section ?
Although the workload is undeniable, most pupils make the most of the opportunities offered by the Section during and after their time here.
What do pupils do when they live a long way away ?
A certain number of pupils come from a long way away and take public transport on a daily basis (underground, bus, tram, train) but our school is central and has good transport links.
Is it possible to board or are there other possibilities ?
No, unfortunately the school has no boarding facilities but many people join the Section in spite of living far from the school.
Are the pupils all together for all 3 years ?
The pupils of the Section are indeed together for OIB classes for the whole 3-year period. In 2de, the pupils are together for all classes, and then the OIB pupils, while still in the same class, are separated according to the specialities they’ve chosen but come together for OIB subjects and the subjects common to all pupils.
How do pupils experience their year of 2de ?
The year is full of challenges but is very formative and is generally appreciated and looked back on with nostalgia by the pupils.
What are relations like between OIB pupils and the other pupils in their class ?
It depends on the general atmosphere in the class and varies according to the pupils. In general, relations are friendly but friendships with non-OIB pupils are less common and harder to form than with the OIB pupils with whom they spend so much time.
How do pupils organise and manage their timetable and workload ? Is there time for out-of-school activities (sport, music) ?
Yes ! With motivation and organisation, it is indeed possible to find time for out-of-school activities (except for Wednesday afternoons, because of OIB lessons). These activities are even a good way to relax and remain well-balanced.
How much can pupils progress in English / OIB subjects / other subjects ?
The OIB section helps you to improve greatly in oral and written English, but also in other subjects. For written work, this is thanks to the numerous essays we write in English throughout the year, and which help us acquire a method and become more efficient (in OIB and other subjects), and orally, thanks to the participation we ask for in class which helps them be more at ease orally in English and in French.
Is it possible to stop ?
Joining the OIB means making a commitment for the 3 years of high school. It is nevertheless possible to stop in case of great difficulty or major personal problems.
What is the place of the Section in the Lycée St Charles as a whole ?
The Section is an integral part of the school and is behind many projects in the school.
Which languages, options and specialities are on offer in the Lycée St Charles and to OIB pupils in particular ?
On the school’s website you can find the list of possible speciality combinations, as well as options and languages studied. There are no constraints for OIB pupils except that they can’t take LLCE Anglais or Anglais Monde Contemporain. All other languages, specialities and options are open to them. As for options, it does depend on the pupil’s timetable when they learn it in September.
Which path (general or technological) can OIB pupils follow in 1ère ?
It’s impossible to combine OIB and the technological sections. But in the general syllabus, many courses are possible for OIB pupils.
Are there lessons on Saturday morning / Wednesday afternoons ?
There are always OIB lessons on Wednesday afternoons. In 2de, at the Lycée St Charles, there are no lessons on Saturday. 1ère or Tle pupils, however, could have tests organised on Saturday mornings.
After OIB.
What extra value does an OIB course have ?
The OIB Section has a definite value in post-Bac projects.
Does the Section help if you want to apply to foreign universities ?
In 1ère, part of the AP (personalised accompaniment) is dedicated to preparing the post-Bac, particularly for those applying abroad. In Tle, the OIB team accompanies the applications.
What do former pupils do after the OIB Bac ?
The courses followed after the Bac are diverse, both in France and abroad : Physics and Chemistry at the ENS, Material Physics at Imperial College (London), Philosophy and French Literature at Oxford University, Philosophy and Music at Royal Holloway College (London), History and Archaeology at Edinburgh, Sociology and Statistics at Glasgow, Ethnology and International Relations at Aberdeen, Computer Science at Dundee… Many pupils choose double courses of an international nature, notably connected to Sciences-Po.