Subsequently the differences are blurred

Last September, they were 118, on promotion of 870 students, part of the "Conventions priority education" programme, launched by Sciences po Paris in 2001. The principle Welcome from students in high schools ranked in priority education areas (ZEP), that would probably never have had the idea or the courage to pass the entrance exam. In seven years, this device has grown: the first promotion had 17 students from 7 settlements, against 62 high schools today, distributed mostly in the academies of Versailles and Créteil, but also in other regions and in the French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana).

Teaching the IEP team regularly visits schools to inform students as of the second. Then, when they arrive in Terminal, they are invited to discover the establishment, meet students and professors. In seven years, 477 pupils from ZEP integrated school. All college graduates may be candidates, whatever their sector, provided that they have obtained the baccalauréat in the first round.

For these students, entry test differs from the classical competition. In Terminal, applicants must prepare a dossier of press on the topic of their choice. To help students master guide them in their work, learn them to express themselves oral... This case is presented before a jury. If eligible, the candidate passes an oral whose objective is to assess its potential, intellectual curiosity and motivation. Between 50 and 70 are admitted are children of the unemployed, workers or employees; three quarters are fellows and two-thirds have at least one parent born outside of France.

Difficult first half

"These students have ultimately not more difficult to follow than others." "Nine out of ten pass directly in the upper year", see Hakim Hallouch, in charge of the program. They fit well into the life of the school, become delegates of Conference, members of associations... Now in year 2 and originating in a high school on the outskirts of Lyon, Julien Martinez acknowledged however that the first half was tough: "you don't have the same working methods, the same cultural background, the same ability to work more." And then, some students are openly contemptuous once they learn that it comes from PTA. Subsequently, the differences are blurred. "Three promotions of PTA students were already graduates. According to Hakim Hallouch, the rate of professional integration is the same as for other students: "60 find a job after three to six months."

Social interest, the approach is beneficial for all students, said Richard Descoings, Director of the IEP: diversity "to place in a situation of otherness" and "causes a vital emulation". Also beneficial for the high schools in the PTA: change image with families, they see their results and their school life to improve high school students, aware that they are not the right to the error to the LAC, as motivated.

What happens tomorrow Should school limit the process to maintain the balance between pupils from ZEP and others "We are not there, said Hakim Hallouch." Our goal is to continue to develop these conventions and new partnerships with other institutions.