In France, a number of teaching programmes have recently been revised or are in the process of being revised to better meet the current needs of pupils. These reforms include key programmes in essential areas such as education in emotional and relational life, moral and civic education, foreign modern languages, as well as the core subjects of French and mathematics at the end of elementary education and the start of secondary education.

• EVARS programme (Education à la Vie Affective, Relationnelle et Sexuelle): This programme, which will be introduced at the start of the 2025 school year, aims to help pupils gain a better understanding of their bodies, emotions and relationships. In primary education, the emphasis is on learning about oneself, promoting well-being, respect and preventing sexist and sexual violence. At secondary level, the programme tackles more complex subjects, such as sexuality, health, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the fight against discrimination and harassment.
• Moral and Civic Education Programme (EMC): This programme, revised for the primary and secondary cycles, plays a central role in teaching pupils about citizenship. Its main aim is to enable pupils to develop a clear awareness of their rights and duties, understand the concept of the public good and learn to live together in a pluralist society. The EMC programme structures pupils' civic education and ensures that their civic learning progresses throughout their school career.
• Modern Foreign Language (MFL) syllabus: In secondary education, the MFL syllabus has been revised to better meet the demands of globalisation and international mobility. The reforms aim to strengthen pupils' language skills and give them the tools they need to open up to other cultures, both at school and beyond.
• French and Mathematics Programmes for Cycle 3 (the last two years of elementary education and the first year of lower secondary education): French and mathematics programmes for Cycle 3 have been updated to reinforce the solid foundations needed for students to succeed at school. These revisions take account of changing educational needs, particularly in the areas of reading comprehension, critical analysis and logical reasoning.

For more information: https://www.education.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/ensel934_annexe_ok.pdf

Source: Eurydice Unit France