Did you know that the French Baccalaureate was created in 1808 and around 750,000 students across the world graduate with it each year?

In 2020, the Baccalaureate underwent major changes through a large reform. The new Baccalaureate is all-encompassing as it requires humanities studies, science and sport and allows space for electives across a wide range of subjects including science, maths, social sciences, languages and literature. It is also very adaptable, allowing students to choose their electives with a wider range of options and choices than previously offered. However, the baccalaureate remains demanding, allowing students to develop their critical thinking skills and become informed and active citizens in society.

On Tuesday 27 April, Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, the Honorary Consul-General in Melbourne along with the  Higher Education Attaché to the French Embassy, Thierry Correge, hosted a luncheon which discussed these reforms and their impact on student admission to Australian universities.

They were delighted to have in attendance the representants from all the universities in Melbourne:  Felicity Perrin from the University of Melbourne, Amm Jones from RMIT, Aprilyani from Victoria University, Julie Chong from Monash University, Greg Slatcher from Deakin University, Rachael Innes from La Trobe University, Eric Zhang from Swinburne University.

Antony Jokx from Lycée Condorcet in Sydney, David Binan from Telopea Park School in Canberra and Hajer Gam from the French Embassy came especially for the occasion and were able to bring the perspectives of the French Lycees in Australia.

The conversation was a great success; we now look forward to seeing the results of the first iteration of the new French baccalaureate!