Education in France

The above brief historical retrospective facilitates understanding of the process of change taking place in the French education system. Faced with an increased demand for education and a requirement for a higher skill level for young people, it has changed fairly radically. The youngsters, who attend the colleges, lycees and universities, and the courses they follow, no longer have much in common with those of the Third and Fourth Republic. Nevertheless, a number of educational principles which have underpinned French education since the nineteen century are still present and ensure certain permanence in the face on the changes in the French education system.

Nursery schools: an underestimated success story
French nursery schools, which have existed since 1887, are neither day nurseries (day care centres) nor kindergartens, but educational establishments for children aged from two to six. With an original identity and a culture tailored to the age and development of the children, nursery schools provide a specific education. Teachers offer each child a framework and organization of activities which encourage their autonomy and allow them time to have their first experiences while encouraging.…