Introduction
The teaching programme in secondary continues to emphasise proficiency in English and the intensive learning of other modern languages.
From 6ème, all students have five hours of English and British culture classes. The aim is to enable as many students as possible at the end of 3ème to sit the tests for the French national schools' certificate (Diplôme National du Brevet – DNB), International option.
CFBL also offers teaching completely in English for some non-linguistic subjects, such as the visual arts, music and information technology.
CFBL also attaches great importance to other modern languages. Spanish, German and Mandarin are offered as second modern languages from 6ème. Beginners Mandarin is offered to all students in 4ème and 3ème who have not choose it as second modern language.
At the end of 3ème, our students move on to a French lycée in London (mainly the Lycée International Winston Churchill, but also the Lycée Charles de Gaulle) or another school in France or overseas. Some students continue in the English educational system.
Parents’ Handbooks & rules of procedure
Please download the parents’ handbook – released in July 2022 – and the Code of Conduct for secondary.
Curriculum
Compulsory subjects
Hours per week
* Classes taught in English
** Classes taught in English or French
Optional subjects
* Classes taught in English
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh is an national programme that seeks to develop students’ soft skills and enhance their CVs and university applications. Students learn how to work as a team, be commited and dedicated, how to take on responsibility. They are also given opportunities to grow and mature. This is a paid-for option (£200 per year).
If selected, students will participate within the Bronze Award, which requires them to complete four separate sections:
Volunteering: 3 months*
Volunteer to give time to help people in your community or society, the environment or animals. For volunteer activities you need to choose to give time to do something useful without getting paid (apart from expenses).Physical: 3 months*
Taking part in a physical activity.Skills: 3 months*
Developing a skill helps you get better at something you are really interested in and gives you the confidence and ability to use this skill both now and later in lifeExpedition: 2 days / 1 night (plus a training expedition: 2 days/1 night)
Hiking, map reading, camping overnight and cooking in groups. Two separate locations for these expeditions.
*one of these 3 sections must take place over 6 months
Students will meet with the DofE Leader at CFBL (Mr Canto) every week to help guide them through each section, and ensure all administrational work is completed before final expedition. Training will be given on map reading, using a compass, planning routes, preparing and packing equipment (including packing their rucksacks), assembling of tents, use of stoves, and basic meal planning and preparation. In addition, all students will learn basic first aid training (all students must have their own first aid kit on expeditions).
There will be a practice expedition in Octobre and final expedition in spring, both for 2 days / 1 night each.
Brevet results
Year | Entered | Passed | Quite good | Good | Very good |
2012 | 37 | 35 | 10 | 14 | 11 |
2013 | 72 | 70 | 16 | 28 | 20 |
2014 | 84 | 84 | 21 | 29 | 28 |
2015 | 86 | 85 | 23 | 24 | 22 |
2016 | 72 | 72 | 16 | 31 | 25 |
2017 | 80 | 80 | 6 | 16 | 57 |
2018 | 60 | 60 | 6 | 14 | 38 |
2019 | 70 | 70 | 9 | 10 | 50 |
2020 | 56 | 55 | 4 | 11 | 37 |
2021 | 58 | 58 | 10 | 10 | 38 |
2022 | 62 | 62 | 6 | 23 | 29 |
2023 | 59 | 58 | 7 | 19 | 31 |
School hours
During the term, the school runs Monday through Friday.
Each school day is divided into nine 50-minute sessions:
Students are welcome to arrive from 8:15 onwards.
Breaks
There are two breaks during the school day: 10:15-10:30 and 14:05-14:20.
Students have lunch from 11:25 to 12:15, from 12:20 to 13:10, or from 13:15 to 14:05, depending on their schedule. During the midday break, pupils can have lunch and play on the playground, go to the library or go to lunch-time clubs.
Absences
If your child is absent, please email us (viescolaire@cfbl.org.uk) and mention the student's first name, last name and class, and the reason for their absence.
After an absence and before going back to class, the student will have to give the Deputy Headteacher for Secondary School a letter signed by his or her parents (or legal guardian).
In case of a scheduled absence (for example, a doctor’s appointment), please send an email to viescolaire@cfbl.org.uk at least 48 hours before the scheduled absence.
A medical certificate is required for an absence due to illness lasting more than one week.
Supplies for 2023-2024
Below is a list of textbooks and supplies for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please note that the PE kit is mandatory for all students. Students will be given a day planner, so it is not necessary for them to buy one. We kindly ask you to provide a water bottle for your child(ren) as CFBL is trying to reduce the use of plastic.
In order to limit the weight of school bags, we have decided to switch to digital textbooks in secondary school. These textbooks will be available and viewable on Pronote. They are not intended to be used in class; copies will be available to students at CFBL. The cost per student per year will range from £25 to £30.
A fully stocked pencil case – eco-friendly if possible:
4 colored pen or 4 pens (1 blue, 1 red, 1 green, 1 black) or 1 ink erasable pen
1 pencil
1 rubber eraser
1 pen sharpener
1 ruler
1 glue
1 scissors
1 highlighter pen
6 colored pencils (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown)
1 eraser and/or 1 correction pen
1 set of earphones/earbuds/headphones (no Airpods)
History-Geography
One pair of headphones with jack plug (no airpods/bluetooth) to share with other subjects
A4 file (4 rings) and 6 dividers
Single large-square pages
Full pencil case and coloured pencils
A display folder
A4 notebook
DNL Mathematics (English language) and Mathematics (French language): common material
1 notebook 24 X 27 Seyes 96 p. plastic cover or protector - notebook to be shared with Maths in French (common class book).
1 notebook 24 X 27 Seyes 96 p. laminated cover or protector - notebook to be shared with Mathématiques en langue française (common exercise book).
If the workbooks are not completed in 6e , we strongly advise that they be reused in 5e.
1 complete good quality geometry kit: ruler, square, protractor, Maped compass with stop system, see link
#1 Casio Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio New Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio Fx 92 special secondary school calculator (this model only) , see link
1 complete pencil case, shared with other subjects, with pencil, rubber, glue, erasable ink pens or fountain pens, coloured pens, rubber or white-out, pencil sharpener, if possible eco-sustainable.
Please note
1°) The printed textbook for DNL created by the Mathematics department will be provided at the beginning of the year.
2°) The French-language digital textbook will be available on pronote; the printed version will be available in class.
French
A4 (4 rings) ring binder (soft cover, lighter, recommended) and 8 dividers
Single and double squared paper
A small hole punch (optional)
an exercise book
Headphones (wired - not Bluetooth)
Small A6 notebook, 192 pages minimum (to keep for the 4 years of secondary school)
Technology/ S.V.T./ Physics
A large-format binder containing :
15 small-squared pages (single or double)
15 large-square pages (single)
4 dividers
10 blank sheets (perforated)
A pair of headphones (no airpods/bluetooth)
English
1 PURPLE 4 ring binder labelled with students name https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exacompta-covered-Binder-Rings-Purple/dp/B00GAOFEFQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3J6Y2N25ZA4JS&keywords=purple+4+ring+binder&qid=1686931570&s=officeproduct&sprefix=purple+4+ring+binder%2Coffice-products%2C57&sr=1-4
Multi-colour cardboard/recyclable subject dividers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack%E3%80%91File-Dividers-Coloured-Colours-Multipurpose/dp/B08JPF4MFC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=File%2BDivider&qid=1654443107&sr=8-7&th=1
Lined paper - Please purchase a large pad of British paper to keep at school with your binders: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-Refill-Ruled-Margin-Page/dp/B000J6F1OU/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=17E4W8EWJ8Q8C&keywords=pad+of+paper&qid=1686931517&sprefix=pad+of+paper%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 - Revision Guide: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/english/egr32-new-ks3-spelling-punctuation-grammar
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 - Workbook: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/english/egw32-new-ks3-spelling-punctuation-grammar
Spanish
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
Notebook protector or plastic cover
German
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
"Hab Spaß 1" activity book
Mandarin
One large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic sleeve
A writing book
An activity book
Art
A4 Sketchbook min 140 gsm cartridge paper (no ring bind or tear away pads)
2x HB, 1x 2B and 1x 6B pencils
0.5 mm black fineliner
Coloured pencils
Set of watercolors (for home use)
Music
1 manuscript book (A5)
A fully stocked pencil case – eco-friendly if possible:
4 colored pen or 4 pens (1 blue, 1 red, 1 green, 1 black) or 1 ink erasable pen
1 pencil
1 rubber eraser
1 pen sharpener
1 ruler
1 glue
1 scissors
1 highlighter pen
6 colored pencils (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown)
1 eraser and/or 1 correction pen
1 set of earphones/earbuds/headphones (no Airpods)
History-Geography whole class/international option
One pair of headphones with jack plug (no airpods/bluetooth) to share with other subjects
A4 file (4 rings) and 6 dividers
Single large-square pages
Full pencil case and coloured pencils
History-Geography - curriculum
A display folder
A4 notebook
DNL Mathematics (English language) and Mathematics (French language): common material
1 notebook 24 X 27 Seyes 96 p. plastic cover or protector - notebook to be shared with Maths in French (common class book).
1 notebook 24 X 27 Seyes 96 p. laminated cover or protector - notebook to be shared with Mathématiques en langue française (common exercise book).
If the workbooks are not completed in 6e , we strongly advise that they be reused in 5e.
1 complete good quality geometry kit: ruler, square, protractor, Maped compass with stop system, see link
#1 Casio Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio New Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio Fx 92 special secondary school calculator (this model only) , see link
1 complete pencil case, shared with other subjects, with pencil, rubber, glue, erasable ink pens or fountain pens, coloured pens, rubber or white-out, pencil sharpener, if possible eco-sustainable.
Please note
1°) The printed textbook for DNL created by the Mathematics department will be provided at the beginning of the year.
2°) The French-language digital textbook will be available on pronote; the printed version will be available in class.
French
A4 (4 rings) ring binder (soft cover, lighter, recommended) and 8 dividers
Single and double squared paper
A small hole punch (optional)
an exercise book
Headphones (wired - not Bluetooth)
Technology
Binder (not thick)
4 dividers
15 sheets of small-square paper
15 sheets of large-square paper
30 cm non-flexible ruler
Pencil + sharpener
Rubber
S.V.T.
A 160-page display folder, minimum 80 pockets
50 single pages - large or small squares or lined
5 white A4 pages
A pair of headphones (no airpods/bluetooth)
Physics-Chemistry
A large 24x32cm notebook (at least 96 pages)
Highlighters (at least two)
Glue
English
4 Separate Pens - blue, red, green and black (NOT a 4-colour pen)
4 Highlighters of Different Colours - red, yellow, green and blue
1 RED 4 BIG ring binder labelled with the student’s name: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exacompta-covered-Binder-Rings-Spine/dp/B001AO1P5Y/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=4+ring+light+binder&qid=1591302266&s=officeproduct&sr=1-4
1 RED cardboard folder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Span-Folders-Colourspan-Cardboard/dp/B081QPGGK7/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=oDkcRi3SCrsQzGvAhurRwA&hsa_cr_id=1526539570302&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_2
Lined paper - Please purchase a large pad of British paper to keep at school with your binders: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-Refill-Ruled-Margin-Page/dp/B000J6F1OU/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=17E4W8EWJ8Q8C&keywords=pad+of+paper&qid=1686931517&sprefix=pad+of+paper%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Multi-colour cardboard/recyclable subject dividers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack%E3%80%91File-Dividers-Coloured-Colours-Multipurpose/dp/B08JPF4MFC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=File%2BDivider&qid=1654443107&sr=8-7&th=1
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 - Revision Guide: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/english/egr32-new-ks3-spelling-punctuation-grammar
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 - Workbook: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/english/egw32-new-ks3-spelling-punctuation-grammar
Spanish
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
Notebook protector or plastic cover
German
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
Activity book 2nd year
revision book 5e
Mandarin
One large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
A writing book
An activity book
Art
A4 Sketchbook min 140 gsm cartridge paper (no ring bind or tear away pads)
2x HB, 1x 2B and 1x 6B pencils
0.5 mm black fineliner
Coloured pencils
Set of watercolors (for home use)
Music
1 manuscript book (A5)
A fully stocked pencil case – eco-friendly if possible:
4 colored pen or 4 pens (1 blue, 1 red, 1 green, 1 black) or 1 ink erasable pen
1 pencil
1 rubber eraser
1 pen sharpener
1 ruler
1 glue
1 scissors
1 highlighter pen
6 colored pencils (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown)
1 eraser and/or 1 correction pen
1 set of earphones/earbuds/headphones (no Airpods)
History-Geography
One pair of headphones with jack plug (no airpods/bluetooth) to share with other subjects
A4 file (4 rings) and 6 dividers
Single and double large-square pages
Full pencil case and coloured pencils
A display folder
A4 notebook
Mathematics
22 large-format notebooks (24x32) with plastic covers or notebook protectors, 96 pages. We strongly advise you to keep these notebooks for 3e and preparation for the DNB.
1 complete good quality geometry kit: ruler, square, protractor, Maped compass with stop system, see link
#1 Casio Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio New Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio Fx 92 special secondary school calculator (this model only) , see link
1 complete pencil case, shared with other subjects, with pencil, rubber, glue, erasable ink pens or fountain pens, coloured pens, rubber or white-out, pencil sharpener, if possible eco-sustainable.
French
A4 (4 rings) ring binder (soft cover, lighter, recommended) and 8 dividers
Single and double squared paper
A small hole punch (optional)
an exercise book
Headphones (wired - not Bluetooth)
Latin
A document folder (or several lighter ones) with plastic pockets to hold around a hundred documents.
Technology
Binder (not thick)
4 dividers
15 sheets of small or large square paper
Highlighters (at least 2)
S.V.T.
A 160-page display folder, minimum 80 pockets
50 single pages - large or small squares or lined
5 white A4 pages
10 double pages
A pair of headphones (no airpods/bluetooth)
Physics-Chemistry
A 160-page display folder, minimum 80 pockets
50 single pages - large or small squares or lined
5 white A4 pages
10 double pages
A pair of headphones (no airpods/bluetooth)
English
1 BLUE 4 ring binder labelled student’s name: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exacompta-covered-Binder-Rings-Spine/dp/B001AO1P5Y/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=4+ring+light+binder&qid=1591302266&s=officeproduct&sr=1-4
1 BLUE cardboard folder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sammelm-Small-Natural-Base-Red/dp/B001JKAW6C/ref=sr_1_30?crid=3CJD4QY1BSESB&keywords=red+cardboard+folder&qid=1686733168&s=officeproduct&sprefix=red+cardboard+folder%2Coffice-products%2C69&sr=1-30
Multi-colour cardboard/recyclable subject dividers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack%E3%80%91File-Dividers-Coloured-Colours-Multipurpose/dp/B08JPF4MFC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=File%2BDivider&qid=1654443107&sr=8-7&th=1
Lined paper - Please purchase a large pad of British paper to keep at school with your binders: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-Refill-Ruled-Margin-Page/dp/B000J6F1OU/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=17E4W8EWJ8Q8C&keywords=pad+of+paper&qid=1686931517&sprefix=pad+of+paper%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 - Revision Guide: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/english/egr32-new-ks3-spelling-punctuation-grammar
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar for KS3 - Workbook: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/english/egw32-new-ks3-spelling-punctuation-grammar
Spanish
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
Notebook protector or plastic cover
German
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
Activity book 3rd year
revision book 4è
Mandarin
One large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
A writing book
An activity book
Art
A4 Sketchbook min 140 gsm cartridge paper (no ring bind or tear away pads)
2x HB, 1x 2B and 1x 6B pencils
0.5 mm black fineliner
Coloured pencils
Set of watercolors (for home use)
Music
1 manuscript book (A5)
A fully stocked pencil case – eco-friendly if possible:
4 colored pen or 4 pens (1 blue, 1 red, 1 green, 1 black) or 1 ink erasable pen
1 pencil
1 rubber eraser
1 pen sharpener
1 ruler
1 glue
1 scissors
1 highlighter pen
6 colored pencils (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown)
1 eraser and/or 1 correction pen
1 set of earphones/earbuds/headphones (no Airpods)
History-Geography (whole class and curriculum)
One pair of headphones with jack plug (no airpods/bluetooth) to be shared with other subjects
A4 file (4 rings) and 6 dividers
Large-square single and double sheets
Complete pencil case and coloured pencils
History-Geography (International Option)
A portfolio
A4 notebook
Mathematics
2 large-format notebooks 24x32 with plastic cover or notebook protector, 96 pages
If the Year 9 exercise books have not been completed, it is advisable to reuse them.
1 complete good quality geometry kit: ruler, square, protractor, Maped compass with stop system, see link
#1 Casio Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio New Fx 92 secondary school calculator or Casio Fx 92 special secondary school calculator (this model only) , see link
1 complete pencil case, shared with other subjects, with pencil, rubber, glue, erasable ink pens or fountain pens, coloured pens, rubber or white-out, pencil sharpener, if possible eco-sustainable.
French
A4 (4 rings) ring binder and 8 dividers
Single and double squared paper
A small hole punch (optional)
an exercise book
Headphones (wired - not Bluetooth)
Latin
A document folder (or several lighter ones) with plastic pockets to hold around a hundred documents.
Technology
Binder (not thick)
4 dividers
15 sheets of small or large square paper
Highlighters (at least 2)
S.V.T.
A 160-page display folder, minimum 80 pockets
50 single pages - large or small squares or lined
5 white A4 pages
10 double pages
A pair of headphones (no airpods/bluetooth)
Physics-Chemistry
A 160-page display folder, minimum 80 pockets
50 single pages - large or small squares or lined
5 white A4 pages
10 double pages
A pair of headphones (no airpods/bluetooth)
English
1 GREEN 4 ring binder labelled with student’s name: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exacompta-covered-Binder-Rings-Spine/dp/B001AO1P5Y/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=4+ring+light+binder&qid=1591302266&s=officeproduct&sr=1-4
1 GREEN cardboard folder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001JKE2F4/ref=twister_B07Z8FSZBK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Multi-colour cardboard/recyclable subject dividers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pack%E3%80%91File-Dividers-Coloured-Colours-Multipurpose/dp/B08JPF4MFC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=File%2BDivider&qid=1654443107&sr=8-7&th=1
Lined paper - Please purchase a large pad of British paper to keep at school with your binders: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cambridge-Refill-Ruled-Margin-Page/dp/B000J6F1OU/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=17E4W8EWJ8Q8C&keywords=pad+of+paper&qid=1686931517&sprefix=pad+of+paper%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Spanish
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
Notebook protector or plastic cover
German
Large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
Activity book 4th year
revision book 3e
Mandarin
One large format notebook (24*32 cm) 96 pages
A notebook protector or plastic cover
A writing book
An activity book
Art
A4 Sketchbook min 140 gsm cartridge paper (no ring bind or tear away pads)
2x HB, 1x 2B and 1x 6B pencils
0.5 mm black fineliner
Coloured pencils
Set of watercolors (for home use)
Music
1 manuscript book (A5)
Certificate of school attendance
Should you need a certificate of school attendance, please contact info@cfbl.org.uk. Do not forget to add the full name of the child, their date of birth, their class and the date of their first day at CFBL (or arrival and departure dates for former students).