How is school in France different from America?

Emphasizing depth and rigor, students are often subject to high expectations and substantial academic pressure. Unlike the American system, there is less emphasis on extracurricular activities, with the French system centering more on academic achievement.

How are grades in France different from US?

Grades in the French and U.S. systems differ both in philosophy and in form. French educators favor the 20-point grading scale, in which 20 is the highest grade and 0 the lowest, while Americans grade on a percentage of 100 or give letter grades such as A, B, C, D and F.

What is the school system like in France?

The French education system consists of three stages: primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Most French elementary and secondary schools, as well as a large number of universities, are public institutions that have highly centralized administrations.

How is French schools different to English schools?

Differences in teaching styles

They learn poems and texts by heart. There is not much group work. On the other hand, British teachers encourage pupils to talk and work together. France's stricter, centralised and bureaucratic approach means that pupils must make the effort to adapt themselves to the teaching strategy.

How many breaks do French students get?

This usually means one thing, it's time to start planning the next holiday or holidays, particularly if you had a miserable British summer. French schools have five holidays during the year: All Saints 'autumn' break, Christmas, winter break, spring holiday (Easter), and the summer holiday.

Culture Shocks! I School in France vs the USA I Back To School France

Why is there no school on Wednesday in France?

The idea of a weekday off dates to 1882, when secular primary education became compulsory in France: a day without classes, then Thursday, was to allow for religious education outside school. In 1972 a government decree fixed Wednesday instead as the mandatory day off.

Do French kids get homework?

Homework is officially banned in French primary schools, and has been since 1956. But many teachers ignore this and send children home with exercises to do. Older children often spend up to an hour each evening doing homework, and longer at the weekend or on Wednesdays when most schools close.

How strict are French schools?

The French system is centralised and highly structured, with a strict curriculum and standardised tests. In comparison, other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have more decentralised systems, emphasising individualised learning and personalised approaches.

What is a typical school day in France?

School routine

Generally speaking, the school day in France is from 8:30 until 4:30, but it varies depending on which area you live in. This is longer than the typical school day in the UK or America, but there is a longer lunch break and two other breaks during the day. There are 24 hours of lessons a week.

What are the 3 types of schools in France?

Do French kids go to school on Wednesday?

Essentially, they teach 24 hours per week, typically from Mondays to Friday, and Wednesday is a half-day. That said, a minority of primary schools (in French) have chosen to swap out Wednesday mornings for Saturday mornings or have every Wednesday off.

Do French students wear uniforms?

Currently, the French national school system does not require pupils to wear uniforms, unlike many private establishments, such as military schools, and schools in overseas French departments.

Is 14 a good grade in France?

About the grading systems

In practice, grades higher than 15 are very seldom awarded and 14 is considered very good.

Do French schools have lunch breaks?

At school, the lunch break lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours, during which a four-course meal is eaten while seated. French etiquette recommends that everyone starts eating at the same time and leaves the table only once everybody is finished.

How long is lunch break in France?

Standard hours

The French working hours are usually 8 or 9 AM to 4 or 5 PM, with 1 hour of unpaid lunch break. This will, however, vary depending on the business and company agreements. The weekly working hours are 35 (7 hours a day, five days a week).

How long are school lunch breaks in France?

Usually between 45 and 90 min. If they have a 45-min lunch break and the school has many students, they get priority in the cafeteria. It's not uncommon for students to start homework during their lunch break (or hurry up to copy it from a classmate just before the class starts…)

Do French schools have GPA?

The GPA grading scale is becoming more and more common as well since it eases the comparison with American students. Some Grandes écoles use "exotic" systems, like Ecole Centrale de Lille, which uses a three-letter scale system: A: Excellent (acquis) S: Satisfactory (satisfaisant)

Can you wear a hijab in French schools?

“Since 2004, in France, religious signs and symbols have been banned in schools, including headscarves, kippas and crosses,” she said. “Gabriel Attal, the education minister, says that no one should walk into a classroom wearing something which could suggest what their religion is.”

Do French go to school on Saturday?

The school day in France typically runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a half day on Saturday, although students do not attend school on Wednesday or Sunday.

How long are school days in France?

Though the number of school days is less than many other countries, the French school days are longer. Usually, the school day of collège begins at 8:30am and ends at 5pm. They have three hours of classes in the morning and four hours in the afternoon which are separated by their only break.

What do kids do at recess in France?

They are rewarded with recess time three times a day — two shorter breaks, and one long recess after lunch. The playground is usually a zoo with kids running around, laughing, shouting, and getting rid of all the pent-up energy stored from sitting still for so long.

Do French schools have recess?

School Hours in France

Some schools close on Wednesdays. During school, students get two short breaks (recesses) and a minimum of a one and a half hour lunch break. Students can go home for lunch or eat at school.