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Strikes in France: Why teachers are protesting May 14
Unions claim a rising number of parents also oppose plans to group pupils by ability for some subjects
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‘It is my right to work beyond retirement age - but France says no’
Age discrimination in the workplace is real but hidden, says (soon to be forcibly retired) English teacher Nick Inman
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‘Ponds in rural France are beautifully maintained but no longer used’
Columnist Peter Wyeth laments that these large, impressive sites, once the fresh-aired setting for family picnics, barbecues and fun, now fail to attract people
Starting early is a good idea
Compulsory schooling from age 3
France is making schooling compulsory from age three and in Spain, where I am, my now 12-year-old daughter started when she was three and a half.
Not compulsory but I felt it was better to start her off when everybody is in the same boat.
It gave her a fantastic chance of learning Spanish early, the young brain is like a sponge for soaking up knowledge!
She is now fluent, especially in local Andalucian dialect, gets excellent grades and is regularly top of the class in Spanish, and she is the only British child in the class. It was very informal and a great way of integrating.
Hilary Walker, by email