Embarking on the journey of your child’s education in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Understanding the ins and outs of the French primary school system is crucial for expat parents settling in France. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of key aspects, from class structures to enrolment procedures and the unique features of the curriculum.
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French primary school class structure
Discovering the class structure of French primary schools is essential for expat parents considering enrolling their children in the French education system.
Children typically start attending French primary schools at the age of 6, and it’s possible to enrol a younger child if the school deems them ready and if there’s an available spot.
French primary school operate on a 24-hour school week, spread over 4 or 4.5 days, depending on the school’s schedule. The four-day school week is a common choice, often leaving Wednesdays free for students. Notably, Saturday morning attendance, once a significant aspect of French schooling, was abolished on 2008.
Here is a breakdown of the basic class structure in French primary schools:
- Age 6-7: Cours Préparatoire (CP)
- Age 7-8: Cours Élémentaire 1 (CE1)
- Age 8-9: Cours Élémentaire 2 (CE2)
- Age 9-10: Cours Moyen 1 (CM1)
- Age 10-11: Cours Moyen 2 (CM2)
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Enrolling your child in a French primary school
Navigating the enrolment process into a French primary school is a crucial step for expat parents seeking to integrate their children into the local education system.
Children are generally expected to attend a school within their geographical catchment area. However, parents have the option to request enrolment in a school outside this area, provided there are valid reasons. Approval from the mayor is typically required for such requests.
For enrolment outside the commune, the receiving mayor’s permission is also necessary. The mairie (town hall) is obligated to consent to parents wishing to send their child to a school outside the commune under certain conditions, such as:
- When parents are employed or in business, and there are no lunch canteen or after-school care facilities in the child’s local school, making it challenging to retrieve the child after school.
- If the school doctor believe the child’s health needs require frequent treatment, only available in another commune.
- When a sibling of the child in the same scholastic year is already enrolled in a neighbouring school.
Enrolment procedures are typically coordinated through the local mairie and then the school itself. Notably, parents are not required to enrol their child every year, as re-registration is usually automatic.
Upon initial registration, certain documents must be provided, including the child’s birth certificate, vaccination certificate (mandatory for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio), a medical report from a French doctor, evidence of residence (electricity and telephone bills), and, if available, the child’s passport and former school records.
The mairie will issue a registration certificate, which parents should then present to the school along with the previously submitted documents. Understanding this enrolment process is key for expat families, ensuring a smooth transition for their children into the French primary school system.
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Curriculum in French primary schools
Understanding the curriculum structure in French primary schools is essential for expat parents navigating their children’s educational journey in a new cultural setting.
Cycle apprentissages fondamentaux (ages 6-9): Building fundamental skills
The initial three years of primary school, known as the Cycle Apprentissages Fondamentaux, focus on fundamental skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic. The curriculum includes:
- French: 10 hours
- Maths: 5 hours
- Foreign Language: 1h30 hours
- Art & Music: 2 hours
- Geography: 2h30 hours
- Physical Education: 3 hours
Cycle de consolidation (ages 9-11): Strengthening knowledge
The following two years, referred to as the Cycle de Consolidation, aim to consolidate and strengthen acquired knowledge. The curriculum adjusts slightly:
- French: 8 hours
- Maths: 5 hours
- Foreign Language: 1h30 hours
- Art & Music: 2 hours
- Science & Technology: 2 hours
- Geography & History: 2h30 hours
- Physical Education: 3 hours
Notably, emphasis is placed on the French language, with a provision for teaching a second modern language. Each cycle incorporates two hours daily for reading and writing within subject areas, combining history and geography as a single discipline.
In addition, preliminary studies on information technology lead to a certification process at the end of primary school or in collège. Pupils are educated on common life risks, accident prevention, and emergency first aid treatment within the main curriculum.
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Assessment and advancement in French primary schools
Understanding the assessment and progression system in French primary schools is crucial for expat families ensuring their children thrive in the academic environment.
Continuous evaluation and yearly assessments
French primary schools employ both continuous and periodic assessments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s progress. Parents receive a detailed report, known as livre scholaire, three times a year, offering insights into their child’s achievements with notations such as ‘not achieved,’ ‘partially achieved,’ ‘achieved,’ or ‘excelled.’
Le redoublement: Repeating a year
The concept of le redoublement, or repeating a year, is subject to considerable debate in France. While some question its effectiveness, the government, since 2014, mandates it to be an exceptional measure. Pupils may repeat a year if the school deems it beneficial, especially if they are not deemed ready to progress to collège (middle school).
International students might face requests to repeat a year if their French language proficiency is considered insufficient. Alternatively, they may be placed in a lower class upon entry. Conversely, exceptional performance may lead to students moving up to a higher class with approval from the school council and parents.
Classes in French primary schools are generally mixed-ability, organised either by age or level. Specialist teaching professionals form a network offering targeted support to students facing specific difficulties, whether physical or intellectual.
Support initiatives and reforms
The French government has been proactive in improving support for pupils since 2005. Reforms aimed at granting greater equality of opportunity include provisions for assistance to pupils whose first language is not French. Additionally, children in CM1 and CM2 (9 to 11 years) needing extra help can participate in teaching classes during school holidays—stages gratuits de remise à niveau pendant la période des vacances scolaires—comprising 5 days of instruction, 3 hours per day.
Term-time support is available through les activités pédagogiques complémentaires (APC), offering additional teaching and support. While these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to individual attention, challenges persist due to ongoing curriculum pressures and limited new resources.
Final notes
Understanding the nuances of French primary schools is essential for expat parents to ensure a smooth transition for their children. From enrolment procedures to the intricacies of the curriculum, this guide provides a foundation for navigating the French education system. Remember, each child’s journey is unique, and embracing the experience will contribute to a fulfilling academic adventure in France. Want to have more information on French primary school, visit the government website here.
