JP Raud Dugal

As I have no time to do it with my students this year ...I would like to share my webquest on Three Gorges Dam http://apella.ac-limoges.fr/lyc-perrier-tu...water/index.htm Hope you will find it useful..perhaps will do it next year Jean Philippe

The way students can be involved in the nation. Being full citizen,... We have a subject area whose name is "ECJS". Education Civique Juridique et Sociale. We have to study issues on election, political parties, big issues: European Union, Globalisation, Social security, Taxes....We have to prepare a debate.... I don't know if it sounds clearer to you. Hope so Jean Philippe

They are still saying that and 75% of the students go to University ...(not less than 10% in 68...) And if David thinks that the degree to which teachers in the UK seem to be frustrated by their own lack of influence over their professional situation, then come in France and enjoy... . It's far worst (for my pov I mean) Jean Philippe

As they have to cope with the national curriculum, teachers from private schools are paid by the government. But the buildings, the furnitures, computers etc etc are not taken into account by the State or the County. Mainly, the State is supporting public sector but decentralization is a big issue here...some of the richest region (county) could have the best schools with everthing while other regions could have nothing...it depends also on the wing of the political party which leads the county...Quite a complicated issue I know for non-french (even for french...) The best 2-3 schools in France are public (in Patis): Louis le Grand and Henri IV....but elite ones only! If you have other question do not hesitate. Jean Philippe

In France, as far I'm concerned, Public schools hold 75 to 80 % of the students. Confessional schools (mainly catholics but it is juts the name, they don't pray anymore in thses schools ) are mostly for the students who don't want to go in bad areas. It's barely because of religion. They are not as rich as the schools you describe in Australia. Fees are quite low (around 150 euros max per month and some the same amount of money for three months). The difference, as I'm a civil servant in a Public school, is based on "laïcité". A law forbids religious apparel in our schools. It's so important (perhaps the most important thing). The other important value is about citizenship. There can be some pressures in the private sector on that. Here, I'm free. Not to do fool things but I can see a wide range of topics whenever I want. I could continue but don't know if my answer fits to what you expexted. Anyway tell me! Jean Philippe

Dear Jay, When ready please tell...The French system can be useful for your preparation I could ask to several people to debate about the value of Public Education... Jean Philippe

Jay, as John and Andy answered your post (and so do I) your quest has failed Stand up for your rights

If you can read in french have a look to this article from Liberation Jacques et Tony, histoire secrète d'un couple tumultueux http://www.liberation.fr/page.php?Article=191793 I just translate the beginning: "Chirac and Blair admire each other then have some conflicts then they start reconciliation...Blair-Chirac relationship is the same that the one between our countries!"

I quite agree with Andrew. I could add "Ali" by M. Mann (much more violent). The fiction is not as good as the documentary but it worth to be compared with it! Another one, thought controversial, is "Olympia" by Leni Riefenstahl.

I do agree with Andy. In France, Michel Barnier, former european commissioneer for regional policy (2nd budget of the EU) has been named yesterday Foreign office minister. It seems to be a sign for more europe and why not the participation in a multinational force under a UN mandate. The main problem is that, at the same time, some eastern and central european countries entered NATO... Let's hope for the future as you said. Jean Philippe

I agree with you John. But, when I teach social classes between 1848 and 1939 in Première (16-17 yo), I always read a text from a french primary Inspector who said in 1901: ' The first role of a women is to become a mum. The silly instruction of sciences doesn't help, them to correctly feed their children'. Not so far ago (and sometimes still... ) Nowadays, for 4 months we have a huge debate in France on the choice between equality and religious freedom. Laïcité is the very basis of our democracy. Equality is one of our moto. There is no choice, as far as I am concerned between the two. Improving man-woman equality is the only solution for a better world. Jean Philippe

Yes you're right. In France, Chirac seems not to agree with you as he let Raffarin as a PM. What srike me the most is that 2 months ago we were talking about a liberal Europe because in the present EU contries only 1 country was led by a left-wing's one. But today, since the Spanish election, everything seems to be open again. The European election will be a giant test for each country. Jean Philippe

I add some things to Laurent's answer Was it more an anti-Chirac vote or a pro-socialist vote? Laurent is right when he said that it was an anti-Raffarin's vote. But, this vote is also against Chirac because he was elected with 19% of the votes in the first round of the presidential election (82 % second round...the vast majority of the left wing people voted for him because of Le Pen. Not sure it will be the same if he wants to represent himself as a president next time). He actually did a liberal policy (Raffarin always says that he is in mission). They wanted to restore the confidence of the french people into the politics. He didn't do that. Most of the French people are thinking that he is doing reforms against them (no concertation, no explanation except for us: 'go on! go on strike, it will be less money for you and more for the state'. This attitude shocked the civil servants. One thing can be added: there was one other surprise for the Socialist Party: some low-paid people, some workers went back and voted for them. This is in this way that we can consider this vote as a pro-socialist which appears to be the party which cares about the poorest. Other question: Are these public sector reforms necessary? Obviously yes. But surely not like that. Jean Philippe

May I say that it is a huge clap for the government! Its policy concerning the civil servants (not only that) has been sacked. Chirac is half-naked (sorry for the expression) and has no choice but to change a lot of things. A reshuffle will not be enough to forget some policies which have been made these last two years. You can find some comments here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3575779.stm What strike me the most is that the Left wing without a real program won with such a huge advantage. One very good thing is that the National Front is decreasing. If I dare compare with the English case, this issue is resulting from a lack of conversation between the government and its people. One can explain the actual difficulties of T. Blair today upon the war. Jean Philippe

It's considered as an optional subject. We add it to the other subjects. It can help some students to have the Bac I think, there is no need to do what you described about your education dpt. It seems to me, they want sciencific marks Very, very hard. When you have to mark such works, there is always a part for your subjectivity...(hope I write in english...) During a semester, the students have 2 hours per week to do it. It's enough I think. How does it work for you? Jean Philippe

Laurent is absolutly right with the 1960's in France. For EEC and french matters, you can highkight the 'empty chair policy' in 1965 by De Gaulle in the European Council. It has stopped the European Integration. In fact, during a press conference, General de Gaulle express doubt on the will of Great Britain to join the EEC. Negotiations on EEC enlargement enter a period of crisis in 1963. On De Gaulle you can look at this website in English: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/france/gb/hi...histoire06.html One can tell that De Gaulle tried to show the independance of France: another example is the NATO case...France withdraws from NATO integrated military Command. You can link it with the run for ABomb ownership. Something you can add is (perhaps) the Mitterrand era (1981-1995). The first two years of his presidency are quite spectacular, nationalisation of the economy, abolition of the death penalty, ... http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/france/gb/hi...stoire07_1.html (in english) But the most important thing is the Franco-German cooperation: The hand-in-hand ceremony in 1984 in Verdun is one of the turning point for Europe and the beginning of a new era: http://www.ladocfrancaise.gouv.fr/dossier_...errand-kohl.jpg In french the Franco-German relations with some photos: http://www.ladocfrancaise.gouv.fr/dossier_...ne/chrono.shtml It could be useful for your student with this example to understand why we use the term 'OLD Europe' Last link for France and EU: http://www.library.pitt.edu/subject_guides...es/mspr-fr.html Jean Philippe

Being paid 15000 euros ( nearly 10 000 pounds) as a newly qualified teacher is not what I call an advantage... no big expectations to progress (no matter if you are a lazzy one or a workhaolic) , cut in salaries... You're right come and work in France Jean Philippe

Hi Jay, The assessment is divided in three distincts way: (we usually mark out of 20) 8 points are for the involvement of the students, their ability to communicate between them (as a group) and the teachers, a diary (they have to fill a diary of their researches...) etc etc. These points are given by the two teachers who followed them during 6 months. Then, there is a final exam two other teachers who don't teach to these students 6 points are given to evaluate the work they completed: based on skills, thinking etc etc 6 points for the oral presentation: they have 20 to 30 minutes to present their work and to answer the teachers' questions. Hope it is clear....please tell if not! Jean Philippe

Dear all, This is going to be an international discussion In France, these 'strong strategies' have been incorporated within the curriculum for many years. We have tried to mixed up all you have previously said. Critical thinking skills, deep analysis skills, "authentic learning tasks" and community invovement are the very basis of the project we are doing 3/4 times through the pupils' curriculum. I try to explian to you...but not that easy... In Collège (11-15 yo) we have 'Itinéraires de Découverte': (Discovery researches). Pupils. 2or 3 teachers from differesnt subjects are looking for cross-curriculum items and try to involve the pupils. It could be for example 'the Muslim world'. In this case a History/Géography teacher will have to make the pupils think and search about the origins of the muslim world, where it is located etc etc; a Math's one wil have to explain and make them thinking on the importance of Maths in the muslim world through centuries and a litteracy's one wil have to try to initiate them to the muslim litterature. But, they will have to do it together, during the same hours. Visits, conferences with specialists, researches in libraries are part of this project which can last 6 month to one year. In lycee (16-18 yo), the last two years students have Travaux Personnels Encadres. They have some cross curriculum themes, but here the students are free to choose one issue and write an essay, make an exhibition, do a film etc etc For example: European Union: they can choose the issue they like within this theme. If they want to choose EU and Arts, the Schengen space, etc etc they can. This year we choose Wars, testimonies and representations: students choose what they want and develop it. Some choosed to compare Mauss from Art Spiegelman and Primo Levi books....some are doing exhibitions on the monuments commemorating the I WW and the II WW, some are making a film on the resistance in France during german occupation, some on art during May 6 in France.... We are two teachers by class but the subject area is not always ours..We have to adapt ourselves and try to help them the best we can. To do so, we removed in our curriculum some discrete subjects, or some hours in imortant one (for example in english they lose 1 hour per week to do this...and after english teachers are blamed because the students are not good enough in english But, for the vast majority of the students, they like it...it can be included in the final exam mark (that's perhps why), but also they can work together (2-3 per group) and do some researches by themselves (autonomy is a central skills now in France). Hope it's clear (not very easy in few lines) Jean Philippe

Thank you very much John and Derek for your replies. I have read somewhere...that there is an Blair/Brown agreement for the next general elections. Blair could retire one year after these elections. Does it make sense? Moreover, in the Guardian (March 8?) I read that Brown could join the IMF, becoming its next president. From a french pov, Blair's situation (doing right-wing policy) is mainly due to the fact he succeded a 18 years Conservative leadership on the UK. Do you think that he could have remained at power if he would have done a left-wing policy? But I'm perhaps (surely) wrong. Did Brown supported Blair for the war and considered in the UK [as blair] as a xxxx? Which are the strongest supports of TB in the government? Sorry again, lots of questions... Jean Philippe

Sorry, I forgot the english links... What I read in the BBC and in the Guardian is upon the responsability of PM Raffarin. But, In France, it is clear that he is not the head of the State. Chirac is deciding for everything. Raffarin is a useful 'fusible'. (I just read after this writing an editorail from Liberation and in a paper named 'Bye Bye Raffarin' Serge July wrote: 'L'ampleur du vote-sanction aura besoin, au lendemain du deuxième tour, d'un fusible pour que le chef de l'Etat donne l'impression d'avoir entendu le message des électeurs.' ) Have a look to this cover But, whatever are the results next sunday, we knew that there will be a reshuffle few days after the second round: the first 'fusibles' are in the governement. Who could replace Raffarin? No way for Chirac's rival Nicolas Sarkozy, the Home secretary,...Chirac may want to have a third term in 2007... Chirac's lieutenant, Alain Juppé was condemned in a corruption scandal (in which our president cannot be judged because he is...president...). Very difficult to know... Perhaps we will have a surprise...so is the franch political life...

The first rounf of French regional election delivered some surprises tonight. Here are the results (in french but not difficult to understand): http://regionales2004.france3.fr/825719-fr.php Some comments: http://www.lemonde.fr/web/sequence/0,2-3486,1-0,0.html Th right wing dominant party , the UMP (Union pour la Majorité Présidentielle, Chirac's party) is in serious trouble. Abstention has lowered for the first time since 1986. This is partly due to the anti-civil servant policy led by the government. The PS (Parti Socialiste) together with the Green party and in much of the regions with the Communist Party are waking up after a two-years lethargy due to the April 21st 2002 defeat and the rising of the extrem left and the National Front. 15 to 16 regions can be won next week. Three points has to be developed: - the extrem left party (LCR, Ligue Communiste Revolutionnaire together with LO Lutte Ouvriere) which was at nearly 10% in 2002 decreased to 5%. People had surely prefered to vote for the reformists to make a counter attack against the government. (we call that 'vote utile') - The government paid for brutal reforms: retirement, and sooner (but mainly already done) social security...and its behaviour against civil servants, perhaps also because of the heat wave (nothing has been done since except that a bank holiday has been removed for civil servants...to pay for the retirement houses. - We have a National Front at nearly 16-17%.... it's THE bad news of tonight's election. In PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte-d-Azur) they reach 25%...And here I don't know how to comment that....fear is the enemy of democracy. Fear of the immigrants but also fear of the globalised world we are living in. We will see the results next week!

I have just watched Brown's speech for his budget in the Commons. I know that there is a rivalry between him and Blair for years. Can the R. Honorable gentlemen of the list explain to me if it is just ego or on true basis? Is it a threat to the New Labour as a leader? Can we imagine a division such the one between Heseltine and Thatcher in 1991?

Strange...I didn't know that empirical studies were describing the reality. When you teach (if so...) M. Friedman, M. Thatcher's model, are you saying that he is right? If so, are you calling that teaching? My teachers taught me that the reality is just what you are thinking with your own knwoledge, your feelings, your political belonging...and they were french... Furthermore, John has strong opinions but, even if I do not agree everytime, his contributions are improving my knowledge. They make me thinking differently. You just make me feel sad. Anyway, In France, many empirical studies are made on Keynes and the need to re-think its theories. You're thinking global we are thinking human. You are thinking self suficience, inequalities, we are speaking about something else that you will never be able to reach (humanity?). Last thing, not to try to convince you (only people like you are thinking that they are everytime right), Fair Trade is not only theory but it really exists (in a small scale for sure but still). Go outside, travel a bit (not in hotels or conferences but speak to real people for once) and stop hidding you behind one economical model.

Are you sure that your presence on this list is necesserary and bring something to the debate? The things you are saying are so miserable that if it's not you, I will leave the list soon. Hope to never hear from you