Only a four day week for most schools

Earlier this week schoolchildren returned to classes but not all was gloom for primary and junior secondary children as the tradition of Saturday morning classes has been scrapped. While most schools do not run classes on Wednesdays they will now enjoy a four day week.

The lost hours are going to be used to give additional help to under-performing students. No other European countries, except for a small minority in Germany and Luxembourg, follow a four-day week. Senior secondary pupils will continue with Saturday education.

The scheme is a result of an electoral promise made by Mr Sarkozy a year ago. Though many teachers believe the new four day week will have damaging effects due to the number of breaks each pupils will have.

Xavier Darcos, the Education Minister, originally wanted schools to make up time with classes on Wednesday mornings but most local councils strongly resisted the idea, which would have required them to spend more on transport and catering.

Wednesdays are traditionally for sports and recreation. The fractured routine, unique in Europe, dates back to the days when Thursdays were devoted to Catholic instruction and children attended school all day on Saturday.

Older students will also experience changes to their previous programmes. To shorten the infamous foreign-language gap, a “handicap” among the French says Xavier Darcos, the minister has announced “intensive, week-long workshops in spoken English” and additional emphasis in English as a foreign language as an extra-curricular activity.

Also, when a teacher or substitute teacher is absent, or if a teacher goes on strike, Xavier Darcos said that it would be “the state’s responsibility to organize and finance a centre to receive schoolchildren in every town,” at least at the primary school level.

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