FRANCE

AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY YOU WILL COME TO LOVE

Destinations

France

France offers a remarkable variety of experiences, from the vibrant city life of Paris to the relaxed atmosphere of small Provençal villages, from the natural beauty of the Alps and the Côte d'Azur to the art and history that fill every corner of the country.

One of the most fascinating aspects of living in France is immersing yourself in its rich, diverse culture and engaging with a multicultural society, which helps you build a broader view of the world and greater open-mindedness. You can explore iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or Mont Saint-Michel, and also discover lesser-known treasures: local markets, traditional festivals and cities off the tourist trail.

The French way of life is another important element, inviting you to enjoy small everyday pleasures: a walk in beautifully kept parks, a slower pace than in many international metropolises. That approach can offer a fresh perspective and inspire more balanced habits.

France

Structure of the French lycée

The French lycée is organised over three years:

Seconde: the first year of the lycée cycle, common to all students.

Première: students choose a specific track, such as sciences (Scientifique, S), literature and philosophy (Littéraire, L) or economics and social sciences (Économique et Social, ES).

Terminale: the final year, devoted to deepening specialisation subjects and preparing for the Baccalauréat (Bac).

SUBJECTS OF STUDY

Compulsory subjects include:

French (language and literature)

Mathematics

History and geography

Sciences (biology, physics, chemistry)

Foreign languages (usually two)

Civic and moral education

Physical education and sport

Students also choose specialisation subjects such as the arts, economics or computer science, which become the core of their studies in the final two years.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

The French school year usually starts in September and ends in late June or early July.

It is divided into three terms, with autumn, Christmas, winter and spring holidays. Lessons run Monday to Friday, and some schools also hold activities on Saturday mornings. School days are quite long, often from 8:00 to 17:00, with breaks for lunch.

ASSESSMENT AND DIPLOMAS

Students are assessed through written work, oral tests and projects.

Marks use a scale from 0 to 20, with 10 as the pass mark.

At the end of the lycée students sit the Baccalauréat, a national exam with written and oral papers. The Bac is essential for university entry and comes in several forms: Bac Général, Bac Technologique and Bac Professionnel.

STUDENT LIFE

French student life is dynamic, with plenty of extracurricular activities offered by schools: sports, arts and debating clubs. Students enjoy long lunch breaks and shared spaces for socialising. Schools place strong emphasis on developing critical thinking and independence.

INCLUSIVITY AND SUPPORT

The French school system promotes inclusivity through support programmes for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

COMPARED WITH THE ITALIAN SYSTEM

Unlike the Italian system with its specific tracks such as classical, scientific and artistic lycées, the French system gives students more freedom in choosing subjects. The school year in France is similar in length to the Italian one, but school days tend to be longer.

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