Starting September, Big Changes to Middle and High School Schedules Impact Future!

Each time a new update in the educational curriculum is announced, it garners a mix of curiosity and caution among teachers, students, and their parents. Over recent years, the National Education system has undergone numerous changes, which haven’t always been easy to keep up with. Unfortunately, the upcoming academic year beginning in September 2025 will be no different. Under the guidance of Elisabeth Borne, the ministry has planned several adjustments, particularly for middle and high school students, as part of its “Future Plan” focusing on student career guidance. The government’s goal is to establish a new public policy on career guidance.

As part of this initiative, Elisabeth Borne has introduced a set of measures. The primary aim of the ministry is to “turn career guidance into a collaborative project”, meaning each middle and high school must develop a tailored career guidance program that involves students and their families in the process. To achieve this, educational teams will be provided with concrete data (success rates, further education statistics, job placements, etc.). Main teachers, especially in 9th grade, will receive training to better guide students, and those who wish can receive a certification to acknowledge their professional commitment. Additionally, specific meetings with families will be organized to discuss career paths, ensuring everyone is better informed and involved in the decision-making process.

The second priority is more tangible and will be reflected directly in the students’ schedules, from 5th grade to 12th grade, starting this September. Middle and high school students will participate in a specialized course dedicated to career guidance, held during four half-day sessions. Officially termed the “career education program” by the ministry, this initiative includes several components. In middle school, students will learn about the broader world, discover more about themselves, and envision their future careers. In high school, they will learn how to navigate an information-rich society, foster their ambitions, and build their futures in an ever-changing world. And that’s not all…

“During these four dedicated half-days, students will explore different careers and educational paths: company visits, career fairs, meetings with professionals, and more,” the government explains. These sessions will complement the regular career education classes, along with internships in 9th and 10th grades. This new addition is designed to help them envision their futures more clearly!