"The Grand Oral allows candidates to formalize their future projects and conceptualize a scientific project according to the chosen specialties."
Olga Theofanidis on French Baccalaureate
Olga Theofanidis, a graduate of the University of Lausanne in Political Science and having followed various pedagogical training courses in the field of continuing education, joined the Lemania School in 1986 as head of administration and then of life-long learning. Since 2009, she has been in charge of the Swiss Maturité, the French Baccalaureate, and the Secondary I.
What is your role in Lemania, and how do you see it?
I am the Director of Secondary I and Secondary II for the Swiss Maturity and the French Baccalaureate. My role revolves around 3 axes. To ensure a targeted preparation, taking into account the specificities of each diploma or certificate. To be constantly attentive to the students and their parents, to make learning effective with a personalized supervision. Organize and maintain a pedagogical structure that respects the profile of each student.
What good reasons would you give for choosing the French Baccalaureate?
For me, two characteristics give a unique value to the French Baccalaureate.
Firstly, the linguistic background enhancement as candidates can take an exam in language acquisition in almost all spoken languages. Then, with the French Baccalaureate reform and the introduction of the « Grand Oral » course, the enhancement of each candidate’s post-secondary project is proving to be an opportunity. Thus, the Grand Oral allows candidates to formalize their future projects and conceptualize a scientific project according to the chosen specialties.
What is the best time for you with the students?
The best time of the year is the graduation ceremony in October. We meet the students again, diploma in hand. Their satisfaction and recognition of our work is the best reward.
What is the added value of the French Baccalaureate in Lemania?
The French Baccalaureate’s added value at Lemania is the richness of a small structure that allows the studies’ personalization according to each student’s profile. Lemania also offers a wide variety of preparations. This will enable us to orient our students according to their profile. On several occasions, we have successfully oriented a student towards the French Baccalaureate after a trial in Maturity, or towards the International Baccalaureate, or even towards a professional path.
Why is an interview useful for interested students and parents?
I am always available for an interview because the interview with a future student is a privileged moment. It allows us to define a coherent study plan in line with the student’s profile.
Ask for a personal advice
Olga Theofanidis, Director of the Maturité/Bac/Secondary School section
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