Première = Grade 11 · Early exams + specialty choices
Première required courses and features
Students take the French written and oral BAC early exams and trial three specialty subjects before choosing two for Terminale. This summary helps international families focus on the key parts of the French classroom.
Three core tasks in Première
- Prepare French written and oral exams counted in June (part of the final BAC).
- Experience three specialty subjects, then keep two for Terminale.
- Maintain continuous assessment grades to strengthen the Parcoursup profile.
China/France quick comparison
French early exam = native language test + oral defense
Written exam focuses on reading and essay writing; oral exam trains literary analysis and expression.
Specialties = choosing core subjects
Students keep two high-coefficient specialties aligned with university goals, similar to subject selection in other systems.
Continuous assessment
School tests and teacher feedback are uploaded to the national system and contribute to 40% of the BAC.
Civic education
Theme: society
Case studies and projects explore how public life operates, building critical thinking and civic responsibility.
Physical education (EPS)
Self-led training
Continue fitness and skill practice; students design personal plans and work in teams.
French
Tied to early BAC exams
Read classics, write long essays, and rehearse oral presentations directly linked to the June exams.
History & geography
Focus on 1789–WWI
History covers the French Revolution through World War I; geography examines globalization, urbanization, and impacts.
Languages (incl. ETLV)
Applied speaking
ETLV and other modules strengthen practical speaking and simulate professional scenarios.
Mathematics
Supports science tracks
Important for technical pathways; continues algorithms, coding, and spreadsheet skills.
Enseignement scientifique
For general track
Cross-disciplinary projects show how scientific knowledge is built and applied, strengthening reasoning.
Guidance & careers
Year-long support
Teachers guide students through interest surveys, university research, and initial Parcoursup planning.
French exam checklist
- · Weekly writing practice with model essays
- · Prepare four sets of literary analyses for the oral
- · Rehearse the official oral format and phrases
Choosing three specialties
Match university plans, keep two with the highest coefficients, and ensure balance between sciences and humanities for flexibility.
Parcoursup preparation
Track continuous assessment scores, collect teacher comments, and document projects for the online dossier.
Need a personalized plan?
Sanai advisors support your Seconde → Première transition
We align specialties, language support, and visa/boarding arrangements so families can focus on learning. Continuous assessment, early French exams, and BAC planning are all covered.