What we teach
A continuous bilingual pathway from the early years through to secondary graduation, taught in English and French.
At British & French Academy (BRIF), children begin as early as Pre-Nursery. The younger the child, the faster they absorb vocabulary and grammar. According to Claude Hagège, linguist and professor at the Collège de France, language-learning ability peaks between ages 3 and 4. It is at this age that the capacity for mimicry, on which most language learning depends, is at its strongest.
The primary years at BRIF are an essential stage for building knowledge, ways of working, and each child’s character.
Lower Secondary is made up of the 1st cycle (Collège), then the 2nd cycle (Lycée). Between the two cycles comes the English BECE examination (the equivalent of the French BEPC).
Upper Secondary culminates in the BACCALAUREATE before entry into COLLEGE (University).
As with the Maternelle classes, class sizes are planned for a maximum of 15 children, allowing personalised attention for every student. Each homeroom teacher is English-speaking and stays with their class, delivering the British curriculum. A second teacher, French-speaking, joins for subjects aligned with the French curriculum.
Students are taught the genuine British curriculum, engaging happily with English, Maths, and Science lessons, complemented by French and Mathematics from the authentic French curriculum.
Other core subjects are taught in both languages.
Here too, sports activities bring joy to students, instilling an early love of sport and, for some, a calling.
In CM2 (Year 6), the French curriculum is reinforced for students preparing for Benin's CEP examination. It is worth noting that, since its founding in 2011, British & French Academy has not had a single failed candidate in the CEP and BEPC examinations (French Programme) or in the BECE and Baccalauréat examinations (English/French Programme)!
