Language Education in French Schools: A Requirement and Its Challenges

France is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and commitment to educating its citizens. One of the key components of the French education system is the requirement for students to learn a second language. This requirement extends to even a third language in some cases, aiming to prepare students for a globalized world. However, despite these efforts, the quality of language education in French schools has been criticized, with students often ranking lower in international rankings for language proficiency.

The Requirement for Second and Third Languages in French Schools

In France, learning a second language is generally a requirement in schools. The French education system mandates that students begin studying at least one foreign language, typically starting in primary school and continuing through secondary education. Most commonly, students learn languages such as English, Spanish, or German. By the time they reach high school (lycée), students often have the option to study additional languages. This emphasis on foreign language learning reflects France's commitment to promoting multilingualism and preparing students for a globalized world.

The State of Language Education in French Schools

Unfortunately, the teaching of languages in French schools is often deemed ineffective. According to international rankings, French students frequently rank at the bottom in terms of their fluency in foreign languages. For example, according to a report, France was ranked as the worst country in Europe for English proficiency.

The Academic Journey of French Students in Language Learning

The journey of French students in language learning is described in the following stages:

Elementary School (Grades 1 to 5)

In elementary school, teachers are required to teach English basics, primarily through songs and basic words. This one and a half hour per week of instruction is designed to help children get used to the accent. As the teachers lack special knowledge of English, the focus is on ensuring students maintain their traditional French accent. This approach is often criticized for being both ineffective and counterproductive.

Junior High School (Grade 6, Age 10)

At the beginning of junior high school, English learning intensifies with four hours of instruction per week. Students are offered the option to choose a second foreign language, with English being the most popular choice as the “first foreign language” (LV1).

Grade 7: Mandatory Second Foreign Language

Starting in Grade 7 (previously Grade 8, since September 2017), students are required to begin learning a second foreign language (LV2). This learning typically involves three hours per week for LV1 plus two and a half hours for LV2. However, the actual time may vary with the inclusion of group work and reinforcement classes.

Grade 10 and 12: Additive Language Options

In Grade 10, students can choose to add a third language, while in Grade 7, they can opt for Latin or Greek. These languages are studied for about two to three hours per week. Students are required to maintain at least one foreign language until they graduate from high school (Grade 12), with the commitment typically being around four and a half hours per week.

The Ineffectiveness of Language Teaching in French Schools

While the government and educational elites are committed to improving language proficiency, the current system of piled-up instructional hours has shown little success. This ineffectiveness is further evidenced by the failures of prominent individuals such as former President Nicolas Sarkozy, who failed to pass his English proficiency exam from the Institut d'étudesPolitiques (IEP) due to his weak English skills.

The current President has also proven to be a notorious example of this issue, highlighting the need for systemic improvements in the language education system.