Jogra Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 I've posted messages before explaining my 16 year old daughter's experiences with the French system so won't bore people again. But it's obvious from the postings on this thread that there are strong and varying opinions on the pros and cons of the French system. Notwithstanding the reasons for the different opinions, the main point is that the French system is making quite a few English teenagers living here very unhappy.I'm spending most of my time at the moment supervising Katy's studies for her GCSEs in June (she'll be returning to take them at her old school ) and although it's been lovely to see her enjoyment of the subjects and her sense that she's finally achieving something , it has also been sad to see her missing the social aspects of going to school. So I think that any opportunity to bring children together to work towards examinations, can only be a good thing. It's a shame that many of us, having perhaps found out as much as possible about the French system before moving here, but not being able to actually experience it until our children are 'living' it, have unhappy teenagers as a result . But, if a school offering a fair range of GCSEs could be set up, this would seem to be an ideal solution. As a mother, I would of course want evidence of qualifications and experience, but would be very grateful to know that my teenager had a chance of enjoying her education, whilst still able to enjoy the many benefits of living here.Incidentally, there is an Open Day at the International Lycee at La Baule, near St Nazaire on Feb 5th. It's a state school so tuition is free;parents only have to pay the weekly Internat (boarding) fee-about 535 Euros per term I think.Pupils work towards the International Baccalaureat which is well received by British universities. The address ishttp://www.lycee-grand-air.net/UK/explo.htmlBritish pupils are very welcome by all accounts - the History/Geography and English lessons are taught in English.We'll be there -in the hope that it might be a way of preventing splitting the family up in September! Would prefer to have a totally English curriculum but you can't have everything -unless Izz can get going soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 Thank you Joqra, i was begining to wonder if people were interested .I must say it has been a while since someone has contibuted to this topic!...positively! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamedup Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 Izz. I really think that lots of people will be interested in any school setting up.Ofcourse then all the other things come into play don't they. Apart from any school being legally registered etc, which would always be important to me, as would teachers being competant and vetted. After that cost would be issue, followed by distance and the necessity to board etc. Private schools, the hors contract ones around here are rather expensive although in no way like a Public School in the UK, but certainly would have stretched our budget even if our kids had been non-boarders. If you are well placed geographically, I don't see any reason why you should not have success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 Teamedup, thank you for the reply and yes i agree with your first an last sentences, as for the middle section I i would not worry too much for us as we know what we are doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 I have just been told that my reply to your message sounded unfriendly, it was not meant to be . I apologize in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leray Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 Refrained up till now in joining this thread but just to add my story. My daughter wanted to do Lycee in France not 6th form, well she wanted to come at Year 10 but I said hold on and do your GCSEs. She went into 1er in Septembre doing a bacL, she is enjoying the variety of subjects and coping with the school load, even the lessons in a 'foreign language'. (Its not easy I went to French evening classes to do Italien and that was only one subject). What she finds so difficult is the culture change/shock.I read on another forum of a young lad in lycee who has to sit in the corridor alone eating his lunch because the kids seem to be so unfriendly, although he has come thru the system and done college. This is what she too has encountered, but to be fair they all seem to do it to each other, leave people out, go off in different groups and generally have mood swings. I now have to go and pick her up every lunchtime and bring her home luckily I can do it, its only 2 or 3k away, today was a good day though she went of with a group. But most days the girls eat with their boyfriends or is that they eat their boyfriends!!!She was so unhappy when we got back after xmas that I rang my local Anglo European school in Essex which offers the IB and we have an interview at half term to see about starting September. With all the rights and wrongs, meme differences of French Education which I wont go into here only having had 5 months experience of it unlike TU she seems a lot happier and the hardest is trying to persuade her that she isnt a failure if she does go back to UK. Hubby is still working in UK which doesnt make it easy either.She also takes strength from the fact the french kids would find english school difficult, if only they knew it, uniform/smart dress, no fag breaks during double lessons, independant learning no make up no jewellery (sic) and being a city type of girl I dont want her to spend the 'best years' of her life 17/18 and 19 stuck in the middle of newhere, for me and dad its great getaway from the rat race but its not for her.Just my situation and opinion, but Im glad I got off my chest!!Bon Courage to all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jogra Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 It's hard to come to terms with the fact that the reality is so different from the 'dream' -I really sympathise with your situation. I don't want my daughter to miss out on the fun parts of being young either and I tell myself that although we will miss Kate terrribly if she goes back to England, at least the rest of her education will be stimulating and will be relieved that she will have the time to take advantage of extra curricular activities. Not to mention the much missed DRAMA! And she can look forward to enjoying the best of France in the holidays! I've even almost convinced myself that this might all work out for the best!!Good Luck to you and your daughter! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted January 27, 2005 Share Posted January 27, 2005 Izz, TU and I have both asked about rules and regs etc - this is not to 'get' at you, but to parents with teenage children the availability of a properly accredited school teaching the Uk curriculum may be the decision maker of either to return to the Uk or to move to France at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Hi Gay, Sorry about the delay in replying, had some time out.Well, here goes... Although we aim to keep pupil numbers low, this does not mean that any corners will be cut in ensuring the quality of teaching within a safe learning environment .We will be working with qualified staff, experienced in delivering the NC in english schools.All staff will undergo the appropriate checks in the U.K. and in France.All rules and regulations are being adhered to in the formation of the school (Obviously, the education of children, demands that we approach this with a long-term commitment.).I hope that the above answers your queries.Izz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Hi Gay, Sorry about the delay in replying, had some time out.Well, here goes... Although we aim to keep pupil numbers low, this does not mean that any corners will be cut in ensuring the quality of teaching within a safe learning environment .We will be working with qualified staff, experienced in delivering the NC in english schools.All staff will undergo the appropriate checks in the U.K. and in France.All rules and regulations are being adhered to in the formation of the school (Obviously, the education of children, demands that we approach this with a long-term commitment.).I hope that the above answers your queries.Izz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Izz, I am sure that will help people make an informed decisionGood Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meo Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 My A Level results (4 A's in various languages) make me look like a genius. Sadly, however, this is not the case. My maths and reasoning skills are appalling, having given up history at 13 my knowledge of the past is at best sketchy and everything else somewhat rudimentary. I would hardly call myself a rounded person. Had I been forced to the bac I would have failed miserably, been denied a place on a language-based degree course and ended up being a plumber. Voila pourquoi early specialisation is a good thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jooles Posted February 2, 2005 Author Share Posted February 2, 2005 "Had I been forced to the bac I would have failed miserably, been denied a place on a language-based degree course and ended up being a plumber"Dear MeoI know this is sort of changing the subject - but if you get the chance, take a look at this article on the Guardian online pages - you might find it interesting !http://money.guardian.co.uk/work/story/0,1456,1080260,00.htmland this one by a freelance writer.http://www.jeremyjosephs.com/plumber.htmand of course, there is nothing in the manuals to say women can't do the job just as well as men !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 LOL Jooles, I resisted the temptation to post something along those lines I tried hard to persuade my son to be a plumber, not interested - my nephew was slightly more inclined but the course was full, with a waiting list too ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted February 2, 2005 Share Posted February 2, 2005 I don't think that the french educational system makes students specialise early. The Brevet des Ecoles is taken at 15 and students HAVE to take and succeed in all subjects, i wont list them but in my opinion all subjects need to be taught up to the BAC and that is not a luxury unless you don't think that general culture is important.If you decide that general education is not of prime importance you can always start a CAP or a BEP after the Brevet and become a skilled manual worker like plummer for instance. I am glad i was educated in France and when i measured my general knowledge with English friends i found the difference was noticeable.The French system of education is tough on students and very elitist but if you work hard you get results, that is obviously if you can understand the language and write it, if not, like my son it is a waste of time and energy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicfille Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 IzzI'm very interested in your plan to set up a school, but can you tell me where it is likely to be?Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 Chere Chicfille,The school will be situated in the Pouzauge area for easy access from the Deux-Sevres and the Vendee. We will be opening from September 2005 for the new school year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sassy Posted February 8, 2005 Share Posted February 8, 2005 Good luck for your return to the uk, we too are taking the children back so the older two can attend secondary school, as my son is pre gcses, and my daughter has been held back two years with a third looming.The school in The uk is so far from the descriptions we had been given over the years here in france. The facilities are awesome, specialising in the visual arts, and a general cleanliness and warm ambience I am quite envious of them. The school has bent over backwards to facilitate their entry, which will be necessary as my son who though bright will have missed out a year, as will my daughter who struggles...but for her the support section is fantastic. I have no desire to return to the uk, and we will return to the house when the time indicates...but hey ho life is an adventure and such the merits of not selling up in the uk....which country next kids? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted February 8, 2005 Share Posted February 8, 2005 I have to say my kids went to the local comp (in the UK)and they had good facilities, caring teachers (on the whole) and support when neeeded.Daughter went on to Uni and son had a break and has gone to college now, they were both able to call on help (advice) from the school even when they had left.The school has a pretty mixed intake and we are in a town which still has two 'grammar' schools, Reading School (boys) and Kendrick (girls)Not all Uk Comps are quite so black as is often painted. Good Luck to those kids returning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted February 8, 2005 Share Posted February 8, 2005 Our experiences were similar to yours Gay. All education at local state schools including our local comprehensive with good reputation, for our two daughters. (No Grammar schools in our town) Both went on to Uni. and the older one then studied further and is now a Dr. (Clin. Psych). Younger one has loads of get up and go and has landed good jobs. They have also got themselves on the property ladder without parental assistance.It's a while since they were at the local schools but I am still hearing / reading of good reports. So it is not all doom and gloom in the U.K.Bonne chance et bon courage, Gill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loiseau Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 In case it's of interest to anyone, there's an English school that opened in 2002 at Chavagnes-en-Paillers, just south of Montaigu (North Vendee). It's a (very) Catholic boys' school, and teaches the English curriculum, in English.Website is http://www.chavagnes.org/Angela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izz. Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Dear Angela,You forgot to mention that Chavagne school was a selective school and only took students who passed the 11+ exam... Izz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishiwasthere Posted February 11, 2005 Share Posted February 11, 2005 Im new on here and have read all these comments with interest. I am currently at a cross roads in my life. Im a single mum with a son who is l4 (15 in June). For various reasons I would like to spend a year or l8 months in France and the area where I would like to be has an International school which I am looking into. As my son is now very close to his GCSE's I need him to be studying the english curriculum and hope fully do his GCSE's while we are in France. I hadnt realised that I would not therefore be eligable for university grants if we then come back to ENgland, so now I am not sure what to do. Would it be possible for him to do his BACS after GCSEs and then go onto Uni in France or would this be too complicated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cjb Posted February 12, 2005 Share Posted February 12, 2005 Not if he takes IGCSE's (International GCSE's) and then the International Bac. French is a compulsory part of the International Bac, therefore, by the time he goes to University his french should be pretty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loiseau Posted February 19, 2005 Share Posted February 19, 2005 [quote]Dear Angela, You forgot to mention that Chavagne school was a selective school and only took students who passed the 11+ exam... Izz[/quote]Ah well, I don't know anything about the school, other than that it exists...Its premises were, incidentally, used as the location for a recently screened reality-tv series (on ?FR3) that imposed on a group of teenagers the rigours of old-fashioned teaching methods of the 1950s. (Obviously that was shot in the summer holidays, and bore no relation to the teaching at the present school!)I imagined that the school's intensely Catholic ethic would make it pretty selective for a start, and might rule it out for many.Angela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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