Ken Saxon in France

Learning of languages is very important because it is thought that those people who learn more languages enhance their intelligence to many folds. Besides, internet technology has made the world a global village and the one may encounter with the people of other languages and cultures quite often. France is the country that has the largest population in world so it is needless to mention that the one may encounter French speaking people more often. Moreover, France is the largest market for the world commodities so all those firms that want to excel in France should have an understanding of French language.

No firm can attract local consumers in foreign language so French language should be given due importance by firms. Learning of French language is also helpful in understanding French culture that is very important for market economy and it can for sure be said that language is an important aspect of culture. Learning of French language is also important for all those who want to make a research upon France.

France is progressing very fast and is a competing bigger economy now but the one cannot get benefits from French success without knowing French language. French language learning has thought to be a very tough task a short while ago but internet has made it easy for people to learn this language online. There are a number of courses available online for learning French but there are only few of them that can be helpful in getting versatile knowledge. The one may face different situations and he has to be aware from different aspects of language and vocabulary. The one may embarrass in a hotel if he knows basic vocabulary for doing business or he may find a difficulty while doing shopping in market. So, the one should decide for a French language course that could help him to know versatile words.

Rocket French is a course that is available online and it is preferred by a great many people due to its versatility of words. It is a course that is interactive and it aims at improving all the aspects of language. Rocket French course helps in speaking and improving of French language. Rocket French helps people to speak French language in natural accent and it enhances the confidence of learners to many folds. Rocket French is the best course for enhancing French vocabulary. Learning a language is incomplete unless the one is incapable of understanding the native accent and Rocket French has included audio courses in its syllabus. There are all but one thousand words of vocabulary included in Rocket French course. Mega French software games are included in Rocket French course and it not only helps students to enhance vocabulary but they can also add different new words in the games too.

Rocket French is an amazing online course. This course consists of audio lessons that will surely help you to master this language.

Labels: Learning French

How education in France is structured

Maternelle (Nursery) not compulsory

age 3 > 4 = Petite Section

age 4 > 5 = Moyenne Section

age 5 > 6 = Grande Section

Ecole Primaire (Primary) compulsory

age 6 > 7 = Cours Preparatoire or CP (11e)


age 7 > 8 = Cours Elementaire premiere annee CE1 (10e)

age 8 > 9 = Course Elementaire deuxieme annee CE2 (9e)

age 9 > 10 = Cours Moyenne premiere annee CM1 (8e)

age 10 > 11 = Course Moyenne deuxieme annee CM2 (7e)

College (Secondary)

age 11 > 12 = Sixieme 6e

age 12 > 13 = Cinquieme 5e


age 13 > 14 = Quatrieme 4e

age 14 > 15 = Troisieme 3e

Lycee (College)

age 15 > 16 = Seconde 2e

See note1

age 16 > 17 = Premiere 1e

age 17 > 18 = Terminale Term/Tle

1 Whilst education is compulsory from age 6 up to age 16, at age 15 the student can decide to either attend Lycee until the age of 18 (to gain the Baccalaureat), or choose a shorter vocational option at a different institution. Although education is compulsory from the age of 6 most children do attend from 2 1/2 or 3 years old either on a part time or full time basis as long as they are toilet trained.

Key Points to Note:

Registering your child -

The age of your child at the end of the calendar year will determine which class they enter, whilst the school year runs from Sept to July (ie children born in 2002 will be in the 2008/9 CP class).

Registering your child - For Maternalle and Primaire you can register your child at the local Mairie, and for secondary school you will need to contact the administrative head of the educational district (Rectorat).

To register you will need to take along the childs birth certificate, proof of parents identity (copy of passports), health records (children need to be vaccinated against tuberculosis (BCG), diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and Polio), utility bill showing home address, and copy of insurance policy (assurance scolaire). Some schools may insist documents are translated into French.

The School Day -

Maternalle and Primaire schools follow a 4 day (24 hour) week, over Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri. An extra 2 hours per week is available to children with difficulties. Typically the hours are 9am to 4.30, with a leisurely 90mins for lunch.

At Maternalle and Primaire level, your child can either use the canteen, or be collected and taken home for lunch. There are usually no packed-lunches allowed.

For secondary schools, typical times are 8.30am to 5pm with 90mins for lunch, but this will vary. Also variable are the days of attendance, depending on the area. However, in most areas there is no school on a Wednesday afternoon, and children generally follow a hobby or sport, with many clubs geared up for Wednesday sessions.

Most schools operate a school bus service (details can be obtained from the Mairie).

At all levels Children are evaluated at the end of each term, and the teacher may recommend either advancing a year, where students are performing very well, whether they are on course to pass the year, or whether the year will need to be repeated (redoublement). The latter is quite common, and this is designed to help the child progress, and without any stigma attached.

There are two kinds of private education options available -

Sous Contrat is a private school with publicly funded teaching staff, following the national curriculum. Parents are asked to pay an annual fee as low as 400 euro.

Hors Contrat describes a private school not funded by the government, and who are free to set their own curriculum, but fees can start from around 8,000 euro per year.

Lycee -

Students who choose to complete their secondary education at Lycee, will go on to sit the Baccalaureate (which is the equivalent of A-Levels in England and Wales) in order to enter university. Other options are to take a shorter Brevet dEtudes Professionel (BEP), or a Certificate d'Aptitude Professionelle (CAP), both vocational options.

Higher Education

Higher education is split into two main categories:

Grandes Ecoles - These are considered prestigious institutions, and selection exercises are very competitive. These focus on single subject areas (such as engineering) and produce the elite of the various professions.

Universities - Traditional universities

Universities in Poitou Charentes

University of Poitiers - Founded originally in 1431 by Pope Eugene IV, this university is the beating heart of the Capital of Poitou Charentes. The institution covers most major fields through its network of departments, institutions and faculties.

University of La Rochelle - Founded in 1993, this is the youngest university in France. Three main schools focussing on Languages, Arts and Human Sciences, but also linked to other business-focussed colleges.

Richard Stewart is the Editor of http://www.guide2poitoucharentes.com Guide2Poitou Charentes is the essential English language guide to the Poitou Charentes region of South West France. Guide2PoitouCharentes features property for sale, property for rent, holiday accommodation - gites, campsites, hotels, classifieds, events and what's on in Poitou Charentes, regional news and much more. Guide2 Poitou Charentes is perfect for residents of Poitou Charentes, property hunters, holiday makers and anyone who loves this beautiful part of France.

Labels: Education, France

Why France?

France has always been one of the most popular destinations for British tourists, due to its close proximity, affordable accommodation and rich culture. So let's look more closely at what exactly keeps France consistently one of the world's more popular holiday locations.

Let's look at some of the most popular attractions:

Eurodisney

Disney Park and Disney Studios are two theme parks which attract over 25 million visitors each year, where the children can meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse and all of the other famous Disney characters. Although entrance to the park is not cheap, the value for money is incredible as well as the unforgettable memories made. Located to the East of Paris you can easily spend several days there, with a range of self catering holiday homes in the surrounding region.

Le Pont du Gard

With more than 1 million visitors each year, the 80km long aqueduct which carries fresh water from Cevennes to the town of Nimes, is a World Heritage site. There is an attractive visitor centre with shops, restaurants and children's centre, to keep everyone entertained. It is an excellent day out if you are staying in Provence of the Cote d'Azur.

Le Mont St-Michel

This dream like island is situated off the east coast of Brittany and is joined to the mainland by a causeway which is covered at high tide. At the top of the island is a historic monastery, with tourist shops on route to it. Le Mont St-Michel is the most popular attraction in France and is a great place to go if you are staying in Normandy or Brittany. From a distance, obscured by heat haze and humid air, Le Mont St-Michel appears as though a magical city floating in the clouds.

Haribo sweet museum

With old machines and sweets on display, the Musee du Bonbon is a great family day out, to discover a vivid depiction of the history of sweets. Location in Uzes, it is a great place to visit if you are staying in the Gard area.

So as you can see France not only offers a range of attraction but also a wealth of stunning beaches and beautiful towns up and down the country. But how about getting there?

The food!

Of course the food is another thing to mention. French cuisine is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. When in France it is almost certain that you will come across a food market, packed full of fine wines, fresh bread and French cheese. Why not try a croissant for breakfast, chicken and roasted vegetables for lunch and a beautiful selection of French meats and olives for dinner, something hard to resist.

Getting to France.

It's so cheap to travel over or under the channel these days, by car, train or ferry. It is really cheap if you hire a car or take your own to discover places in the north. However, flights are becoming more and more affordable, allowing you to get to the pristine and lush beaches in the south. Rent a holiday villa in France to save that little bit extra, and you can treat yourself to some luxurious French cuisine.

Many people learn French whilst at school, giving you a basic vocabulary to take abroad with you. Although most French people will be able to speak English, they always appreciate you trying to order your frites, in French for example.

France is a place to go at any time of the year, whether you go skiing in December or relax on the Southern coast during July, you will not be disappointed by the wealth of opportunities for you to explore.

France is a great place to visit, but there are hundreds of wonderful holiday to be had around the world. Wherever you go, Pure Holiday Homes has Holiday Villas, Cottages and Apartments to rent - for the perfect holiday experience.