Is it necessary to reduce the length of school holidays?

IN BRIEF The Minister of National Education, Élisabeth Borne, wishes to discuss the reduction of school holidays. The summer holidays will not change for 2025, but may be adjusted in 2026. Long breaks can affect the level of vulnerable students. The debate on the school calendar is recurrent in France. Historically, summer holidays have been modified several times. The duration of summer holidays in France is compared to other European countries. The question of school rhythms is linked to issues of equality in education.

The debate surrounding the duration of school holidays, particularly the long summer holidays, sparks divergent opinions within French society. While some advocate for a shortening of these holiday periods, others defend the importance of maintaining a balance between school work and rest. This article examines the stakes and ramifications of a possible reduction in summer holidays.

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Educational Stakes Related to School Holidays #

School holidays play a crucial role in the development and well-being of students. They provide necessary time to rest, recharge, and recuperate before resuming classes. However, several studies indicate that long summer breaks can have negative effects on learning, especially for students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. The latter, often less favored in academic support during holidays, may lose an essential connection to school content.

Arguments in Favor of Reducing Holidays #

Proponents of reducing holidays argue that shorter reunion periods could contribute to increased academic stability. They maintain that by decreasing the length of holidays, it would be easier to sustain students’ knowledge levels throughout the school year. According to some opinions, this restructuring could also allow for better management of school rhythms, thereby reducing stress and workload before evaluation peaks.

Concerns Regarding Shortening Holidays #

However, many experts oppose these reduction proposals. They fear that the decrease in holidays could be detrimental to students’ mental health and well-being. Free time is fundamental to encouraging creativity and fostering personal development. A break that is too short may exacerbate school-related anxiety, especially among teenagers who often require longer periods of decompression.

A Question of Sociocultural Context #

France presents a specific school calendar that is often deemed suitable for its cultural context. Traditional summer holidays date back to historical practices and family life organization. Reducing these breaks could profoundly alter family habits, necessitating a re-evaluation of summer holidays in terms of family organization and leisure projects. Indeed, some families take advantage of this period to vacation together, a fundamental aspect of strengthening family bonds.

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Comparisons with Other European Countries #

When comparing European educational systems, France does not stand out for its long summer holidays. In fact, several EU countries offer even more summer breaks than France. A reduction of holidays could therefore lead to a disadvantage compared to other educational systems. Students’ long-term outcomes could also be affected by this holiday restructuring, as other countries have teaching methods that energize learning throughout the school year.

Alternative Solutions to Consider #

Instead of simply shortening the duration of holidays, innovative solutions could be implemented to enhance learning. For example, summer programs, educational activities, or workshops could be offered during these periods. This would allow for maintaining students’ engagement with their studies while preserving the necessity of a time for rest. A balance between class periods and holidays could be more beneficial than a simple reduction in the duration of breaks.