The new French academic year is set to witness notable changes starting Monday, September 1, as announced by the Education Minister, Élisabeth Borne. In a live press conference held on August 27, Borne unveiled a series of initiatives that will impact the educational landscape, affecting millions of students across France.
**New Initiatives and Policies**
One major change is the enhanced enforcement of the ban on mobile phones in schools. Although a law was first introduced in 2018 to restrict phone use during school hours, compliance has been inconsistent. The new “Portable on Pause” initiative aims to ensure students keep their devices stored in designated areas during lessons. This measure follows a successful trial in several schools over the past year, and has local institutions determining its specific implementation.
In a bid to curb digital distractions further, there will also be a limited accessibility window for Digital Workspaces used in schools, disabled from 8 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and from Friday evening until Monday morning on weekends.
Another highlight of the upcoming school year is a new math exam for general and technological students in their junior year. Scheduled to take place in spring, this exam will consist of multiple-choice questions as well as problem-solving tasks, contributing to the student’s final grade with a coefficient of 2.
Additionally, there will be an increased emphasis on educational content such as sexual education programs, mandatory across all schools at least three times per year. Intelligence artificial education modules are also being incorporated, aimed at students in the 8th and 10th grades, as well as upcoming teachers.
**Education and Social Media Regulations**
The French government is also looking to impose more stringent social media regulations, attempting to prevent access for those under 15 years via wider, European-level legislation.
**Changes in Exam Structure**
Significant adjustments are foreseen in national examinations. The Baccalauréat will undergo changes, making it more stringent to ensure graduates possess the right skill sets for higher education. Furthermore, the Brevet scores will now emphasize final exams more (60% of the score), with the inclusion of marks from the penultimate school year.
**Well-being and Safety Measures**
The mental and physical well-being of students is another priority. A mental health counselor will be appointed in each department and schools will implement daily 30-minute physical activity routines. Security procedures around knife possession will also be tightened, with any student caught with a weapon facing automatic disciplinary action.
In summary, these comprehensive policies underscore a governmental push toward improving educational outcomes whilst addressing societal challenges such as digital addiction and student safety. As schools open their doors, the impact of these changes will soon be felt by pupils, teachers, and parents alike.
