DNB-OI: Diplôme National du Brevet – Option Internationale
The DNB-OI (Diplôme National du Brevet – Option Internationale) is the French final exam at the end of collège (grade 9/classe de 3ème), with an international component that crowns the bilingual education of our students.
What is the DNB-OI?
The DNB-OI is the international variant of the standard French brevet. In addition to regular French exams, students from international sections take additional exams in their section language. For the Dutch Section, this means:
- Oral Dutch: Literature and culture
- Written Dutch: Language skills and text analysis
- History-Geography in Dutch: DNL component
The OIB component (Option Internationale du Brevet) distinguishes our students. They demonstrate that they function at a high level in two languages AND two educational systems.
Exam subjects and structure
| Component | Language | Format | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | French | Written | 100 points |
| Mathematics | French | Written | 100 points |
| History-Geography (FR) | French | Written | 50 points |
| Dutch (OIB) | Dutch | Written + Oral | 50 points |
| History-Geography (OIB) | Dutch | Written | 50 points |
| Sciences | French | Written | 50 points |
| Oral project | French/NL | Oral | 100 points |
Honors (Mentions)
Like the regular brevet, the DNB-OI awards honors based on the total percentage achieved:
- Mention Très Bien: 80% or higher (Very Good)
- Mention Bien: 70-79% (Good)
- Mention Assez Bien: 60-69% (Fairly Good)
- Admis: 50-59% (Passed)
Our students consistently achieve excellent results: 100% pass the DNB-OI, with the vast majority earning "Bien" or "Très Bien" honors.
Preparation
Throughout the collège year, we prepare students for the DNB-OI through:
- Regular practice exams and tests
- Specific attention to exam techniques
- Literature education with emphasis on analysis methods
- Project work that strengthens oral presentation skills
After the DNB-OI
After successfully passing the DNB-OI, students progress to the lycée, where they prepare for the BFI (Baccalauréat Français International). The DNB-OI provides an excellent foundation for this continuation.
Want to learn more about education?
Discover how we prepare students for the DNB-OI and progression to lycée.