Seconde = foundational year before specialty selection
Seconde (2nde) required courses and highlights
Seconde bridges junior high and high school and prepares students to choose three specialties in Première. The curriculum spans humanities, sciences, languages, digital literacy, and PE so families can see what is taught and why it matters.
Why is this year critical?
Grades and teacher appreciations from Seconde go onto the transcript, feeding continuous assessment and later specialty choices. Think of it as a mix of placement year and academic readiness check.
- Broad coverage helps students identify strengths.
- Schools arrange career exploration to guide the three specialties for Première.
- Classroom performance shapes teachers’ written feedback.
Quick view for families
Course blocks at a glance
Proportions are based on average weekly hours published by the French Ministry of Education; schools may vary slightly.
Moral & civic education
Theme: freedom
Students learn the Republic’s core values, rights, and obligations—similar to civics classes that build responsibility.
Physical education & health
Three assessments + teamwork
Focus on movement skills, self-training, and collaboration while promoting healthy habits.
French (Français)
Literature and expression
Read poetry, theater, and novels to train speaking and writing—laying groundwork for the Première French written and oral exams.
History & geography
From antiquity to the 18th century
Understand key stages that shaped the modern world plus environment, population, and development topics to build global awareness.
Modern languages (LV A & LV B)
Strengthening all four skills
Emphasizes speaking practice and digital tools so students use languages inside and outside class.
Mathematics
Linking junior high to high school
Covers algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, and probability, introducing algorithms, coding, and spreadsheets to build abstract thinking.
Physics–chemistry
Experiments and modeling
Study matter, energy conversion, waves, and signals with applications to daily life.
Life & earth sciences (SVT)
Environment and health
Explore earth and life evolution, sustainability, and human biology to foster scientific inquiry.
Economic & social sciences (SES)
First step into economics and sociology
Themes include markets, income, and political systems to help students grasp how society operates.
Digital science & technology (SNT)
Internet and algorithmic literacy
Learn network structures, social media, digital imaging, and safe, rational use of technology.
Balanced skills
Seconde balances literature, science, languages, and digital skills to avoid early over-specialization.
Preparing for specialties
Through hands-on courses and teacher guidance, students decide which three specialties to carry into Première for future BAC weighting.
Family focus
Review transcripts and teacher appreciations regularly and discuss future specialties with your advisor to avoid last-minute pressure.
Need a tailored plan?
Sanai advisors provide end-to-end French high school support
With years of practical experience, we know local school timelines, visa requirements, and how families and schools communicate. We build custom school lists, course plans, and life-integration steps for each student.