Obtaining the French National Diploma (the DNB or Diplôme National du Brevet) depends on the evaluation of the “common knowledge base” socle commun) and of five compulsory exams to be taken at the end of the lower secondary education level (3rd cycle of studies) (9th year).
The evaluation of the common knowledge base” (socle commun) is worth 400 points.
The level of understanding of each part of the “common knowledge base” (socle commun) will be evaluated at the end of the 9th school year, during the form committee meeting on the 3rd quarter:
- Maîtrise insuffisante (Insufficient level of understanding) (10 points)
- Maîtrise fragile(Limited level of understanding) (25 points)
- Maîtrise satisfaisante(Satisfactory level of understanding) (40 points)
- Très bonne maîtrise(Very good level of understanding) (50 points)
The compulsory examinations taken at the end of the 9th school year represent 400 points.
One oral examination
The oral examination will follow one of two different models:
- through an individual oral presentation lasting 15 minutes (5 minutes for presenting and 10 minutes for interacting with the jury);
- through a collective presentation lasting 25 minutes (10 minutes for presenting and 15 for interacting with the jury).
Four written exams
The written exams cover the areas of:
- French (3 h): based on an extract from a literary text and, maybe, an image, evaluating linguistic skills (grammar – including rewriting –, vocabulary) and comprehension and interpreting skills + dictation + essay;
- Mathematics(2 h): exercises, some including charts or diagrams, and one exercise on computers;
- History and Geography (2 h): review and comprehension of documents + using historical and geographical references + applying skills in Moral and Civic Education;
- Sciences (1 h) (2 areas out of 3: Physical-Chemistry, Life and Land Sciences, Technology
- evaluation of the “common knowledge base” (socle commun) of knowledge, skills and culture.
The DNB exams represent 400 points.
The following areas are each worth 100 points:
- The follo wing areas are each worth 50 points:
- History and Geography
- Sciences (Physical-Chemistry, Life and Land Sciences and Technology)
The oral examination is worth 100 points
Extra points will be granted to the applicants who have learned an optional subject according with the level they have reached at the end of the 3rd cycle of studies bearing in mind the learning goals:
- 10 points if the learning goals of the cycle of studies were achieved
- 20 points if the learning goals of the cycle of studies were exceeded
The student obtains the brevet if he/she gets 400 points in a total of 800.
Depending on the number of points obtained, the students may receive a special mention: assez bien, bien or très bien.
The following mentions will be granted:
- assez bien (good enough) if the student gets more than 480 points
- bien (good) if the student gets more than 560 points
- très bien (very good) if the student gets more than 640 points
School Certificates of Road Safety (ASSR)
In France, the School Certificates of Road Safety (Attestations Scolaires de Sécurité Routière – ASSR) are obligatory. This is an important document which should be carefully safeguarded. Whoever has this certificate in his or her possession will be qualified to drive a moped and can sign up for the theoretical exam to obtain a driving license.
Our school prepares students for the exam and runs the necessary tests; afterwards, it will award the two certificates (Attestations Scolaires de Sécurité Routière – ASSR):
- ASSR – 1st level: test administerd in the 7th year of schooling, this exam precedes another (which will be 3 hours) which will allow the student to obtain the Diploma of Road Safety (Brevet de sécurité routière, BSR) which is obligatory to drive a moped (in France).
- ASSR – 2nd level: test administered in the 9th year, obligatory for signing up to the theoretical exam for a driving license; the student will be qualified to practice “chaperoned driving” beginning from 16 years (in France).
In case of loss, the school will issue only a second copy of the document; the certificates can only be granted by the institutions where the tests are held.