Middle cycle (S4-S5)

Timetable by Subject for the Pre-Orientation Cycle (S4–S5) in Secondary Education

The S4 and S5 programme includes compulsory subjects as well as a number of optional subjects.
S4 and S5 together form the Pre-Orientation Cycle, during which all Learners must study a specific set of subjects.

Mathematics is a compulsory subject, but Learners may choose between the 4-period or the 6-period weekly course.

In addition to the compulsory subjects, Learners must choose from a range of optional subjects in such a way that their total weekly timetable falls within the following limits:

• between a minimum of 31 and a maximum of 35 periods per week for Learners who have chosen the 4-period mathematics course;
• between a minimum of 33 and a maximum of 35 periods per week for Learners who have chosen the 6-period mathematics course.

Only the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical Education courses are taught to the whole class group.

For all other subjects, Learners are grouped according to language section and/or option choice.

Regarding the choice of optional subjects, the attention of parents and Learners is drawn to the following general remarks:

• The programme allows for a maximum of 35 periods per week in order to enable some Learners to follow two 4-period options, such as Latin and Language IV.
  However, choosing 35 periods should remain an exception rather than the rule.
  All Learners already follow nine examinable subjects as part of the common curriculum in S4 and S5, and experience has shown that excessive workload can be detrimental.

• An optional course can only be offered if a sufficient number of Learners choose it.

• In order to choose Latin in S4, Learners must have taken Latin in S3. Latin classes may be delivered in a multilingual mixed group.

• An optional course started in S4 can only be continued in S6 and S7 if a sufficient number of Learners have chosen it.

• Choosing an optional subject commits the Learner for two years: No changes, withdrawals or additions of optional courses are allowed from the beginning of S4 onwards. However, a change from Mathematics 6-period to Mathematics 4-period is permitted
  • at the end of the first semester of S4, and
  • at the end of the S4 year, with the agreement of the Class Council.

• A change in the opposite direction is possible, but only after passing a test.

Specific observations :

a) In any case, it is desirable that the choice of optional subjects contributes to forming a coherent set of study areas. 

b) The two Mathematics courses are normally taught separately.
Only in exceptional cases may a Learner who has followed the 4-period Mathematics course in S4 and S5 be allowed to take the 5-period Mathematics course in S6 and S7 (see below in the annexed section).

c) As a general rule, it is considered that choosing Physics and Chemistry as options is only advisable in combination with the 5-period Mathematics course in S6 and S7.
Please consult the Physics or Chemistry Facilitators of your section for further guidance.

d) Learners who choose the Economics course follow it in their second language (L2).
However, if the number of Learners is insufficient to open a course in one of the three vehicular languages, the Economics course may be taught in the third language (L3).

e) Art and Music courses may be taught in a multilingual mixed group.
As a result, some Learners may follow these courses in their mother tongue, while others may need to do so in a vehicular language.

f) The Language 4 options available in S4 are announced in advance, based on Learner demand and the availability of a qualified Facilitator.
Among the Language 4 options, the following are offered by default:
? Spanish
? Italian,     
? Portuguese.

g) The ICT course (Information and Communication Technology) will, if possible, be taught in the Learner’s vehicular language (L2).
If this is not possible, the course will be delivered in the Learner’s mother tongue or in the third language (L3).