Cambridge curriculum and bilingualism: Bics' unique education experience

At the heart of the EU quarter of Brussels, less than 10 minutes from the European Commission, lies the Brussels International Catholic School (Bics). Bics belongs to a network of 10,000 schools in over 160 countries that follow the Cambridge international curriculum.

More than 450 pupils in the pre-primary and primary school benefit from the Cambridge curriculum, which has been adapted to embrace bilingualism: one day in English, one day in French.

In the Bics secondary school, in which the teaching is mainly in English, about 150 pupils study for Cambridge international qualifications. They leave school with the Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels that are accepted and recognised around the world.

Indeed, over 1,400 universities worldwide recognise Cambridge qualifications. Every UK university accepts this qualification, along with 600 universities in the US (including all the Ivy League schools) and in many other countries, such as Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Germany and the Netherlands.

Tailor-made language programmes

Bilingualism is an asset for such an international education. That is why Bics makes a priority of the teaching of languages, with tailor-made language programmes. Pupils who do not speak English or French fluently experience a unique education that allow them to follow and benefit from the Cambridge curriculum.

In these tailor-made programmes, pupils are given a placement test to determine their level of language and are then supported according to their needs. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are provided in order to build the pupils’ capacity in speaking and understanding English. The same is done for French in Bics’ Francais Langue Etrangere (FLE) classes.

Pupils attend ESL classes during the English classes, and they attend the FLE classes during the French classes. They still attend the other classes taught in English and in French so that they are immersed in these languages. Because Bics has more than 60 nationalities in the school, pupils are motivated to use either English or French, or both, to communicate with classmates.

The Cambridge curriculum and bilingualism make Bics a unique educational experience that prepares pupils for admission to the world’s best universities and to become skilled professionals.

Brussels International Catholic School
Pre- and primary: Rue General Leman 86, 1040 Brussels
Pre- and primary: Chaussée de Wavre 457, 1040 Brussels
Secondary: Rue Froissart 57, 1040 Brussels