Latest update: 15/12/2010

- education - France - French culture

Journalist and author Peter Gumbel

British journalist and university lecturer Peter Gumbel is a staunch critic of the French school system, claiming it robs its pupils of their self esteem. He talks to Melissa Bell about his recent provocative title "They Shoot Schoolchildren, Don't They?".

THE INTERVIEW

Marc Perelman

French Politics Editor
Melissa Bell

Presenter
Douglas Herbert

Presenter
Annette Young

Presenter

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Comments (2)

School system

by Anonyme - 10/01/2011 - 20:23

I think we have almost the same problems in Germany. The marking system also is based on selection. An inclusive way is badly needed. But how to start?

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Peter Gumbel

by Anonyme - 14/12/2010 - 00:06

Having read Peter's book and seen him speak a few times, I would not call him a staunch critic of the French school system. My sense is that he fairly presents the evidence found in international studies and simply raises an issue many of us have watched and witnessed with regard to education in France. Peter is actually rather encouraging to parents, teachers and students in the French school system - and is more an advocate for what works than a critic of what doesn't.

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