Becoming bilingual

The French Bilingual International School – Malta is the first institution of the country offering the French curriculum to all students, in a dynamic and innovative positive environment.

Our mission: promote French-English bilingualism, by coherently blending both educational philosophies, thus fostering an innovative and inclusive education where inquiry, leadership, agency and multicultural understanding are at the heart of students’ learning journey. They gain skills and knowledge linked to local and global contexts, preparing them to become caring citizens of the world, who make impactful contributions to society.

Becoming bilingual is the ability to express oneself in French or English, orally and in writing, with native ease and compelling effectiveness. This involves early learning and a real cultural immersion that opens students to the world in an authentic way.

They will have a better understanding of the values, beliefs and customs of other cultures and will be able to navigate between them more easily. They will be future respectful and responsible citizens of the world.

To know more, read the article about our sister school in Dubai “Bernard Manuel opts for Ice Dubai: A unique approach for enhanced bilingualism“, published in Le Petit Journal, Feb. 18th, 2024.

 

To master the fundamental academic knowledge
To know how to work in both languages with the same finesse in writing and speaking
Learn to collaborate, respect and understand others’ perspectives
Develop autonomy
Encourage creativity, curiosity and a taste for international culture

Mathematics is taught using the Singapore Method : https://www.lalibrairiedesecoles.com/methode-singapour/
Science teaching is based on investigation in the spirit of “la main à la pate” (a reference to “hands-on learning”) https://www.fondation-lamap.org/

FBIS-Malta is…

Grow, Learn & Achieve Together

  • A school where every child learns and gains autonomy, communication skills and discovers his/her creativity
  • A school implementing growth mindset, stepping on gamification (and play!), experimentation, discovery and exploration
  • A school where you learn how to read, write and calculate – and so much more
  • A school implementing the official French curriculum

A Dedicated Team, Committed To Your Children's Wellbeing and Achievements

  • Certified professional teachers, to welcome your children safely and efficiently, benefiting from the expertise of their colleagues in Dubai French Bilingual School – ICE.
  • We are all special! We know how to cope with the diversity of our students, and cater with their specific educative needs.
  • We believe in co-education with families.
  • We commit to inform you with accuracy and regularity of your child’s progress and attainments.

Discover Languages and Cultures

  • A linguistic and cultural learning pathway where French and English are the main teaching languages.
  • A step-by-step yet ambitious learning of languages, starting in KG.
  • Embracing the Maltese language and Culture, starting in KG.

A Relevant Learning Environment

  • Spaces and equipments designed for children according to their age and to the teaching goals.
  • A comprehensive educational project respecting the child’s own pace.
  • A peaceful environment where each child feels safe: Pembroke is a quiet residential place and the school lives within Pembroke Parish Center.

What is next? future openings

In 2025-2026, LFBI-Malta opened its doors to kindergarten and primary school pupils. As LFBI-Malta grows, we plan to introduce additional year groups, with the aim of eventually offering the prestigious Baccalauréat Français International (BFI, American section) to our secondary school students.

Kindergarten

  • In kindergarten, the school day is divided equally between French and English.
  • Each language is taught by a native-speaking teacher, supported by an assistant who speaks the same language, to encourage full immersion in each language.
  • Pupils are therefore exposed to both languages every day, creating an enriching and stimulating bilingual environment.

  • From Petite Section (the first year of kindergarten), pupils are introduced to phonological awareness in French, preparing them to learn to read in Moyenne Section using the Borel-Maisonny method. This continues and is developed further in Grande Section.
  • Pupils learn to read in French. Once they have acquired this skill in Grande Section, they begin learning to read in English in CP (the first year of elementary school), allowing a natural transfer of language skills.
  • Mathematics in Moyenne and Grande Section: from Moyenne Section, we use the Singapore Maths Method, recognised for its ability to build strong foundations.
  • English phonology: children are also introduced to phonological awareness in English in kindergarten, without beginning formal reading instruction.
  • Exploring the world: pupils explore the world around them mainly in English, which is also used for artistic and physical activities.

Elementary school

  • In elementary school, the school day is divided equally between French and English.
  • Each language is taught by a native-speaking teacher, supported by an assistant who speaks the same language, to encourage full immersion in each language.
  • Pupils are therefore exposed to both languages every day, creating an enriching and stimulating bilingual environment.

  • In CP (the first year of elementary school), pupils continue learning to read in French using the Borel-Maisonny method, or begin this process depending on their previous schooling.
  • Once pupils can read in French, they can begin learning to read in English, with skills transferring easily from one language to the other.
  • Across all elementary year groups, mathematics is taught in French using the Singapore Maths Method, renowned for building a solid understanding of ideas and concepts.
  • French and English are studied with equal attention to grammar, vocabulary, spelling, verb conjugation and writing, while taking account of the specific features of each language.
  • Pupils who are not yet proficient in one of the two languages receive daily intensive language support in small booster groups.