ASK THE EXPERT Lesson time
Gina Bianchi on moving to a new school in France
What are the key diff erences between the French and UK education systems? The French and UK education systems diff er signifi cantly in structure, philosophy, and approach to learning. One notable distinction is the age at which compulsory education begins: in France, it starts the year children turn three, whereas in the UK, it begins the year they turn fi ve. In France, the primary and
secondary education system is divided into four distinct phases: Maternelle (ages 3-5); Élémentaire (ages 6-10); Collège (ages 11-15) and Lycée (ages 15-18). At the end of Lycée, most students graduate with the Baccalauréat, a rigorous national diploma. However, alternative options such as apprenticeships and specialised vocational pathways are also available. The curriculum in France
is centralised and uniform, dictated by the Ministry of National Education. There is an emphasis on academic rigour, rote learning and traditional disciplines (maths, French, philosophy), with grading on a 20-point scale. Many would argue that there is less focus on critical thinking, creativity and skills-based learning. Programmes related to student
well-being and pastoral care are just beginning to take root in the French public school system but are not as developed as those in the UK. Finally, school days in
France are typically longer, running from 8:30am to 4:30pm, often with a two-hour lunch break in some schools. The academic year is divided into fewer school weeks – 36 per year –and includes longer holidays. Wednesday afternoons are often free or dedicated to extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to engage in sports, arts or other interests outside the classroom.
Are there bilingual or international schools available, and how do they diff er from traditional French schools? There are many options available to families looking for a school outside of the public education system. Two useful phrases to know in France are sous contrat and hors contrat: sous contrat means that a school is under contract with the French state, receiving government
THE KNOWLEDGE
funding and adhering to the national curriculum, while hors contrat refers to private schools operating independently, without state funding, and with the freedom to set their own curriculum. Here at ICS Côte d’Azur,
we are an hors contrat, bilingual, international school, off ering the IB Primary Years Programme in French and English. We welcome both local and international families who are looking for a nurturing, globally minded educational environment that fosters academic excellence, cultural diversity and the development of lifelong learners. Our bilingual programme
ensures that, upon completing their primary years, students have the fl exibility to transition seamlessly into the French education system, the UK system, or any other international curricula.
How do schools support children who are not fl uent in French? At our school, students who join in the Early Years are immediately immersed in both languages. The classroom teachers and assistants adapt the learning to each child’s individual needs, supported by our small class sizes, which allow for personalised attention and a nurturing environment. Students who join us after
the age of seven enter our FLE programme (Français
“The French academic year is divided into fewer school weeks”
Langue Étrangère), where they work in small groups for several hours each week with a specialist teacher, focusing on building vocabulary, mastering grammar rules and developing confi dence in their French language skills. In the French public system,
students are often enrolled in a dedicated language support programme called UPE2A (unité pédagogique pour élèves allophones arrivants), where they receive specialised instruction to develop their French language skills and integrate into the standard curriculum. Depending on the region and available resources, students may need to attend a diff erent school for a set number of hours each week, or the specialist teacher may visit their school. The approach varies based on the number of students requiring support and the department’s budget. It is highly recommended
to research the specifi c department you are moving to in order to understand the available options. Expat forums on social media can be a great resource for asking questions and gathering information. Before making a fi nal
decision, you should always visit the school and ask to speak to the director. This way, you can get a fi rsthand feel for the school environment, ask specifi c questions, and ensure it meets your family’s needs. ■
Gina Bianchi is Head of School at ICS Côte d’Azur, a bilingual, international primary school in Valbonne
icscotedazur.com
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2025 97
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