Understanding French Assessment (Brevet, Bac)
for Parents
2 January 2026
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For many parents, local and expats, the French education system can seem enigmatic. While terms like “IGCSE,” “A-Levels,” and “IB” are common currency in Jakarta’s international school circuit, the Brevet and Baccalauréat (Bac) often require demystification.
This guide breaks down exactly how the French School Jakarta (FSJ) assesses students and compares these rigorous diplomas to systems you may already know. It also explains why FSJ is widely considered one of the best international schools in Jakarta for securing a “Global Passport” to top universities worldwide.
1. The Brevet (DNB): The Middle School Milestone
At the end of Grade 9 (Troisième), students sit for the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB). Think of this as the French equivalent of the Cambridge IGCSE, marking the completion of compulsory middle school education.
What it measures:
The Brevet assesses whether a student has mastered the “Common Core” (Socle commun) of knowledge, skills, and culture. It is not just about memorizing facts; it measures the ability to analyze, argue, and apply knowledge.
How marks are awarded (Total: 800 Points):
Unlike many systems that rely 100% on a final exam, the Brevet uses a balanced approach:
- 400 Points (50%): Continuous Assessment (Contrôle Continu). This tracks the student’s performance throughout the year, rewarding consistency rather than just “cramming” for a test.
- 400 Points (50%): Final Exams. Students take four written exams (French, Math, History-Geography, Sciences) and one Oral Exam.
Why it matters:
The Oral Exam (L’épreuve orale) is particularly unique. Students present a project they have worked on (e.g., in arts or civics) to a jury. This builds public speaking confidence early on—a skill often neglected in other Grade 9 curricula.
2. The Baccalauréat (The Bac): The Gold Standard
The Baccalauréat is the final diploma awarded at the end of Grade 12 (Terminale). It is the direct matriculation qualification for university.
The “New” Bac Structure:
The French Bac was reformed recently to be more flexible. Instead of rigid “streams” (Science vs. Literature), students now choose Specialty Subjects (Spécialités) in Grades 11 and 12, allowing them to tailor their profile (e.g., Math + Physics + Economics).
Grading: The 20-Point Scale:
The French grading system is notoriously rigorous. Grades are out of 20.
- 10/20: Pass (Passable).
- 12-14/20: Honors (Mention Assez Bien).
- 14-16/20: High Honors (Mention Bien).
- 16+/20: Highest Honors (Mention Très Bien).
Important: In the French system, a 14/20 is considered an excellent grade, often equivalent to an ‘A’ or ‘B+’ in US/UK systems. A 20/20 is theoretically impossible in humanities subjects, reflecting a philosophy that “perfection does not exist”.
Assessment Breakdown:
- 40% Continuous Assessment: Marks from report cards in Grades 11 and 12.
- 60% Final Examinations: Includes a rigorous Philosophy exam, Specialty exams, and the Grand Oral.
The Grand Oral:
This is a 20-minute defense where the student answers a complex question related to their specialty (e.g., “How does algorithm bias affect democracy?”). They must speak without notes before a jury. This prepares FSJ students exceptionally well for university interviews and corporate presentations.
3. Comparison: Bac vs. IGCSE/A-Levels vs. IB Diploma
| Feature | French Baccalauréat (FSJ) | A-Levels (British System) | IB Diploma (JIS/BSJ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Compulsory for ALL students | Optional | TOK (Theory of Knowledge) |
| # of Subjects | Core subjects + 2 Specialties (Grade 12) | Typically 3 or 4 subjects | 6 subjects + Core (TOK/CAS) |
| Assessment | 40% Continuous / 60% Exam | 100% Final Exam (mostly) | Mix of Internal/External Assessments |
| Oral Skills | Very High (Grand Oral is mandatory) | Low (Language subjects only) | Moderate (Language orals) |
| Difficulty | High. Emphasis on synthesis and analysis | High depth in few subjects | High workload volume |
Key Takeaway for Parents:
- Vs. A-Levels: The Bac provides the same depth in “Specialties” (like Math or Physics) but ensures students don’t lose general culture (Philosophy, History, Languages remain compulsory).
Vs. IB: The Bac offers similar breadth but places a heavier emphasis on individual oral defense (Grand Oral) and analytical writing (Dissertation), which are crucial for university success.
4. University Success: A Global Passport
Indonesian parents often worry: “Can my child go to a non-French university?”
The answer is a definitive yes. The French Bac is one of the most respected diplomas globally because admissions officers know that a student with a “Mention Bien” has survived a highly demanding academic system.
United Kingdom (Russell Group):
Top UK universities publish direct conversion tables.
- University of Edinburgh: Accepts a Bac overall score of 14/20 as equivalent to AAA at A-Level.
- Birkbeck (University of London): Considers 12/20 equivalent to BBC at A-Level.
United States (Ivy League & Tier 1):
US admissions officers value the Bac for its rigor. A grade of 16/20 is often converted to a 4.0 GPA. The “Grand Oral” provides excellent material for application essays regarding critical thinking and resilience.
Indonesia (UI & ITB):
FSJ graduates are eligible for top Indonesian universities, particularly International Undergraduate Programs (IUP).
- Universitas Indonesia (UI): Accepts “International education qualifications” including the French Baccalaureate for its International Class admission.
- ITB: The International Undergraduate Program explicitly lists the “French Baccalaureate” as a valid qualification for admission, alongside A-Levels and IB.
- Penyetaraan Ijazah: The Ministry of Education (Kemdikbud) has established procedures to recognize the French Bac diploma for local university entrance.
Conclusion
The French assessment system at FSJ offers a unique blend of continuous discipline (40% of the grade) and high-stakes performance (60% exams). It produces students who are not just “test-takers,” but articulate, critical thinkers capable of defending their ideas in front of a jury. Whether your child aims for Polytechnique in France, Oxford in the UK, or Universitas Indonesia at home, the Baccalauréat is a recognized badge of excellence.