School Exam Marks to be Given for Behaviour in France

A new system of compulsory school reports has been introduced on the French pupil behaviour, the results of which will count towards the school-leaving certificate. All children attending lower secondary school (‘collège’) will now receive a quarterly report on their level of discipline, punctuality and involvement in school activities in France. Parents' associations have criticised the reports as imposing a double penalty on pupils, who already face punishment if they misbehave. They are also concerned about the arbitrary nature of the reports between pupils and a lack of consistency between schools. Whilst it is not envisaged that pupils will be penalised for a lack of participation in school activities, it is difficult to see how those who do participate will be rewarded if they are not given a higher mark! Teacher associations in France seem rather embarrassed about the initiative, and unsure of how to weigh the different factors in the assessment. They also consider it inappropriate that a child’s academic achievements might be marked down for poor behaviour or a lack of participation. The new reports form part of a wider French government programme to instil a stronger level of civil responsibility in French schools, against a backdrop of growing levels of indiscipline, a lack of respect for teachers and poor academic performance in French schools.