International School 33 is the world's first International Baccalaureate (IB) school in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in Gradignan near Bordeaux. Our students prepare for the bilingual French-English IB Diploma at high school, recognised in over 90 countries and valued by Harvard, Oxford, Sciences Po and HEC. The only complete IB school in the region: Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma, from nursery to final year.
More and more French families are choosing the International Baccalaureate for their children, aware of the advantage this diploma offers for their future. Unlike the BFI (French International Diploma - Grade 12), which is a French examination with an international option, the IB diploma is a fully international examination.
The IB is a curriculum that teaches critical and independent thinking. Students are exposed to multiple perspectives, learn to formulate their own opinions and manage their work independently. They learn through experience, conduct research and develop work habits that last a lifetime.
Time management is at the heart of success in the IB. Students learn to establish good study habits, set aside time for homework, develop their own revision techniques and balance leisure and school commitments. These skills give them a head start when they enter higher education.
The IB diploma is offered in over 150 countries and recognised by higher education institutions in almost 90 countries. In particular, it is recognised by French universities, as well as prestigious American universities such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford. The IB curriculum helps students open up to the outside world and become aware of their own culture, preparing them to become citizens of the world.
Students who obtain the IB diploma at the end of high school are accepted into all areas of French higher education: medicine, law, business schools such as ESSEC, ESCP or HEC, Sciences Po, preparatory classes or the bachelor's degree at École Polytechnique.
A study by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has shown that IB graduates are more likely to get into one of the UK's top 20 universities and colleges than students with comparable qualifications. They are also more likely to be admitted to several of the most prestigious universities in the USA.
The transition to Anglo-Saxon universities is easy for IB graduates. Their diploma is particularly well recognised in the USA, Canada, England and other European countries such as Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Many American universities recognise the level of IB baccalaureate holders, enabling them to enter the second year of their higher education programme directly.
Unlike A-Levels, where students specialise in three or four subjects, IB students study courses in six different subject groups, including languages, humanities, science and maths. This structure both broadens and deepens their knowledge and understanding.
| Programme | Number of materials | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| A-Levels | 3-4 subjects | Early specialisation |
| International Baccalaureate | 6 subject groups | Balanced and comprehensive training |
IB classes emphasise discussion and two-way communication between teacher and students. Each student is encouraged to speak up and express his or her opinion.
The International Baccalaureate programmes are rigorous, demanding and inspiring. Students graduate with a high level of skill and confidence.
This style of teaching produces students who are capable of original thought, confident in their perspectives, and who listen to others.
IB students take part in the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) programme, which encourages them to act in the service of others. They can develop their interests and skills through projects, clubs, community service, sports and other extra-curricular activities. CAS helps to develop students into well-rounded, motivated and committed individuals, and enriches their pathways to higher education.
The dissertation and theory of knowledge are two essential components of the IB Diploma. They require students to develop advanced skills in independent research, reflection and organization. These skills are particularly important for those wishing to pursue higher education or succeed in their future careers.
In IB World Schools, students are considered learners and are at the heart of the educational programmes. They receive an education that :
Students at IB World Schools develop strong academic, social and emotional qualities. They are more likely to succeed in their studies and often achieve better results than students following other types of programmes.
International School 33 is an IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (kindergarten and elementary), Middle Years Programme (middle school) and Diploma Programme (high school) + Career-related Programme (high school). IB World Schools share a common philosophy: a commitment to a challenging, high quality international education that is seen as essential for students.
| Programme | Age | French equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Programme (PP) | 3 to 12 years | Kindergarten and elementary |
| Middle Years Programme (MYP) | 11 to 16 years | Grade 6 ot 12 |
| Diploma programme | 16 to 19 years old | Grade 11 to 12 |
| Career-related Programme (CP) | 16 to 19 years old | Post-baccalaureate equivalent |
The International Baccalaureate is also a guarantee of quality for teachers. The IB offers them :
Training that encourages critical thinking, personal reflection, lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
Innovative teaching frameworks, work plans, resources and assessment tools.
Certification and qualification programmes offered in conjunction with internationally recognised universities.
A teaching approach that encourages students to conduct research and remain lifelong learners.
The OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat) is a French examination with an international option. The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) is a fully international examination, recognised in over 90 countries. At International School 33 in Bordeaux, students prepare for the bilingual version of the IB diploma.
Yes, students who obtain the IB diploma at the end of secondary school are accepted into all areas of French higher education: medicine, law, the grandes écoles (ESSEC, ESCP, HEC), Sciences Po, preparatory classes or even the bachelor's degree at École Polytechnique. The IB diploma is fully integrated into Parcoursup.
The IB diploma is offered in over 150 countries and recognized by higher education institutions in nearly 90 countries, including prestigious universities in the USA (Harvard, Yale, Stanford), the UK, Canada and Europe. Many American universities grant equivalences allowing IB graduates to enter directly into their second year.
The International Baccalaureate programmes are rigorous. They require real commitment, but they are also stimulating and motivating. Students develop academic, personal and organisational skills that prepare them particularly well for higher education.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a fully international diploma, recognised in over 90 countries, which develops critical thinking, independent research and intercultural awareness. Unlike the French Baccalauréat, the IB Diploma is bilingual, includes a research dissertation and a community service component, and is valued by the world's most selective universities.
To join the IB programme at International School 33 in Gradignan (Bordeaux), contact the Admissions team to arrange a personalised visit to the school. The admissions process includes an interview with the management and an immersion visit during school time. Admissions are open throughout the year, subject to availability of places.
Find out how the International Baccalaureate can open the doors to an exceptional future for your child.
Request a visit Admissions process
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