Back to School: Key Changes for French students This Year
Table of Contents
Just days before the start of the school year, Education minister Élisabeth Borne announced several new measures that will affect some 12 million students on September 1st.
The Education Minister is holding a press conference this Wednesday, August 27th, to launch the school year, in a context of political and budgetary uncertainty following François Bayrou’s decision to seek the confidence of the National Assembly.
After meeting with rectors on Tuesday, and before the pre-school start for teachers on Friday, the minister, in office for eight months, will kick off the return to school for approximately 12 million students on September 1st.
The main changes include the generalization of the ban on mobile phones, a new math exam in the first year of high school, and the implementation of sex education programs.
• Mobile Phones “On Pause”
For this school year,Education Minister Élisabeth Borne announced the generalization of the “digital pause” (a total ban on the use of mobile phones in middle school),according to procedures “defined by each head of institution,in collaboration with local authorities.”
Although a law from 2018 already prohibits mobile phone use, it has sometimes been difficult to enforce. the “phone on pause” scheme aims to strengthen its application by requiring students to leave their phones in lockers, briefcases, or pouches during class. It was tested last year in around a hundred middle schools.
though,the procedures for putting phones away must be “steadfast locally,” according to a circular published in July. Schools can therefore assess whether the ban is already well respected.Departments have noted that “no wave of requests for the implementation of this scheme” has been observed.
• A “Right to Disconnect” from Digital Workspaces
In May, Élisabeth Borne announced a “right to disconnect” from Digital Workspaces (ENT), to combat excessive screen time.
New Educational programs to Roll Out in French Schools This Fall
This fall, French schools will implement several key changes to their curriculum, including mandatory life skills and sex education sessions, updated French and math programs, and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) training. These initiatives, announced by the Minister of National Education, aim to address gaps in student progress and prepare them for the future.
mandatory Life Skills, Relationships, and Sex Education (EVARS)
Starting this school year, all public and private schools under contract will be required to deliver three annual sessions focused on Éducation à la Vie Affective, Relationnelle et à la Sexualité (EVARS) – education on affective, relational, and sexual life. https://www.leparisien.fr/societe/education/rentree-scolaire-2024-2025-les-trois-changements-importants-a-retenir-98gvj While legally mandated as 2001, implementation has been inconsistent. The goal of these sessions is to provide students with extensive education on healthy relationships, consent, and sexual health.
To address potential concerns, the Minister has requested that each school hold meetings with parents at the beginning of the year to dispel misinformation and provide reassurance about the program’s content and objectives. EVARS aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate relationships responsibly and make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Updated French and Math Programs
New French and math curricula will be introduced for students from petite section (early kindergarten) through 6th grade. These updates are designed to improve foundational skills and ensure students are well-prepared for future academic challenges. Details regarding the specific changes to these programs have not been widely publicized but are expected to focus on modernizing teaching methods and strengthening core competencies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training
France is also prioritizing AI literacy for its students. Training programs on artificial intelligence will be rolled out in phases:
Initial Phase (Fall 2024): Voluntary participation for schools via the Pix platform. https://pix.fr/
Expansion (Early 2026): AI training will become mandatory for all middle and high school students.
Specific Grades (Early 2026): All 4ème (8th grade) and 2nde (10th grade) students will be required to complete the AI training.
This initiative aims to equip students with the skills and understanding necessary to navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI technology. The training will likely cover topics such as the fundamentals of AI,its applications,and its ethical implications.
Key Takeaways:
EVARS is now mandatory: All schools must provide three annual sessions on life skills, relationships, and sex education.
Curriculum Updates: French and math programs are being revised for students in petite section through 6th grade.
AI Education: AI training will be phased in, becoming mandatory for 4ème and 2nde students by early 2026.
These changes represent a significant investment in the future of French education, focusing on both personal development and technological preparedness. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, ongoing evaluation, and continued engagement with parents and educators.