Learning Robotics, with Robotics, by Robotics

Appendix 2

The French primary curriculum reform

Primary school curricula in France have been based, until 2015, on the “Socle commun des connaissances et compéteneces”, a set of knowledge and competencies that have to be acquired in CP (preparatory course, 6 years old), CE1, CE2 (elementary course, 7–8 years old), and CM1 and CM2 (intermediary course, 9–11 years old). This set of knowledge and competencies has been established upon the indications of OECD-PISA (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development-Programme for International Student Assessment¹) and is based on seven areas: (1) mastering the French language, (2) practicing a foreign language, (3) knowing principal elements of mathematics and scientific cultures, (4) applying information and communication techniques, (5) acquiring a humanistic culture, (6) be aware of social and civic norms and (7) demonstrate autonomy and initiative.

Assessment in French primary school is traditionally by written and oral exercises. Knowledge acquisition for each school subject is measured by attributing grades (from 1 to 20) on a personal notes schedule; competence acquisition is evaluated through qualitative judgment on a personal bulletin of competences.

However, as the 2013 PISA report witnesses, performance of French students have dropped to an average position in international mathematics tests with a score down 16 points from 2003; France now ranks 25th in the index. Moreover, there is a real need to enhance the educational ...