France mulls banning homework for students

October 17, 2012 | Education | Written by

London, Oct 17: French President Francois Hollande has reportedly said he would ban schools from giving their pupils homework as part of a series of reforms to overhaul the country’s education system.

According to Daily Mail, France’s new government says it is unfair that some children get help from their parents at home while children who come from disadvantaged families don’t.

The government also argues that primary schoolchildren risk classroom burnout, and is thus moving to help them cope.

In France, children have lessons just four days a week. And they get two hours each day for lunch and enjoy longer school holidays. School children currently attend classes Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

As a candidate, President Hollande promised to change things by adding a fifth day of classes on Wednesdays also while shortening the school day.

“France has the shortest school year and the longest day,” Hollande said at the time, promising change.

Hollande’s Education Minister Vincent Peillon will decide this month how to carry out the reform.

The minister has said he may also compensate for a shorter school day by trimming France’s sacred summer vacation.

A panel of experts will present their conclusions Friday, and the president is expected to address the issue next Tuesday.

IANS