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HEALTH

France rolls out saliva tests to detect Covid-19 in schools and universities

Saliva tests for Covid are from Monday being rolled out in French schools, replacing the uncomfortable nasal swab.

Published: 11 February 2021 15:57 CET
Updated: 22 February 2021 08:55 CET
France rolls out saliva tests to detect Covid-19 in schools and universities
Testing in schools will switch from nasal swabs to saliva tests. Photo: AFP

The test is considered slightly less accurate than the nasal swab, but it is easier and more pleasant to use, and is being rolled out in schools, followed by universities, to ramp up mass testing in educational settings.

It will not be used on contact cases or people with symptoms.

The test involves spitting a small amount of saliva into a tube, which is then analysed in a laboratory.

Unlike the nasal-swab antigen tests, the saliva test does not give on-the-spot results but has to be sent to a laboratory to be analysed.

Mass testing of  pupils and staff has been promoted by the French government as a way of keeping schools open but the virus under control, but many pupils found the nasal swab tests uncomfortable or distressing, so the new saliva test is being rolled out first in schools.

It will then be extended to universities, which are currently running around half of classes with in-person teaching.

“We are going to multiply collective screening operations, notably in schools (…), but also in universities,” Health Minister Olivier Véran announced, adding that the saliva test was “more comfortable” for children.

READ ALSO How France is trialling the use of Covid-sniffing dogs

The saliva test was last week given the green light for use from France's medical regulator Haut Autorité de Santé, which recommended it for use in asymptomatic people.

Epidemiologist Catherine Hill of the Gustave Roussy institute told France Info: “The salivary test is a little less effective but it is so much more practical and we can have such a better coverage rate that it is absolutely worth it.

“The problem is that the virus circulates with asymptomatic people: we can't find them, neither can their contact cases, so we let the virus circulate very widely on the sly. The young population – in principle less prone to the serious symptoms of the disease – is largely concerned by this.”
 
France has previously produced a saliva test – known as EasyCov – but this has been judged not sensitive enough for mass testing and screening programmes. It has been licensed for use on people with symptoms, on whom nasal swabs cannot be used.
 
The government hopes that increased screening in schools will keep the UK variant of the virus, thought to be more infectious among children, under control.
 
The target is to have been 200,000 and 300,000 tests per week in schools by mid February.

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SCHOOLS

7 things to know about the American School in Paris

It's one of the best-known international schools in Paris so here's a look at what the American School in Paris offers - from the curriculum and extra activities to its fee structure and admissions policies.

Published: 23 May 2024 16:53 CEST
7 things to know about the American School in Paris

There are several international schools in the Paris area and one of the best known is the American School of Paris (ASP) – not to be confused with the similarly named American University of Paris (or the American Library in Paris or the American Church in Paris, if it comes to that).

ASP is home to around 800 students, with an average of 18 students per class. It offers grades K3 (pre-school, aged 3) to upper school (high school, grade 12).

The school is located slightly outside of the city to the west, in Saint-Cloud, but there is a private bus service available with fixed routes covering some of the Paris suburbs and the 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissements. 

In terms of the academic calendar, the year is similar to the French school year though seasonal breaks (autumn and spring) are shorter, making it possible to have a longer summer vacation.

READ ALSO: What kind of school in France is best for my kids?

What’s the curriculum?

ASP says on its website that it “not only offers an American high school diploma, but also an IB bilingual diploma, AP classes, a myriad of electives and international opportunities, American-style athletics, hands-on STEM classes, [and] outdoor learning.”

The coursework is listed for each age level HERE, and secondary school parents can consult the detailed curriculum themselves HERE.

While English is the main language of instruction, students receive French courses at all age levels.

Students usually aim to take the American high school diploma, and have the option to take the international baccalaureat. They are not routinely prepared for the French baccalaureat (le bac).

What are the tuition fees?

The tuition fees depend on age.

Here are the fees for the 2024-2025 school year;

  • €21,270 per year for K3 (pre-school, age 3)
  • €28,650 for K4 (pre-school, age 4)
  • €34,020 for K5-Grade 5 (Elementary school)
  • €39,235 for Grades 6-8 (Middle School)
  • €39,910 for Upper secondary (high school)

You must also apply to enrol your child, and the application fee is a non-refundable €1,450. There are additional fees depending on your child’s age and situation, including the bus fee, building upkeep (capital assessment) fee, security fee and learning support fee. 

Financial assistance is only available to current ASP families who need “temporary tuition and fee support.”

READ MORE: Just how much do private schools in France cost?

Does my kid need to be American?

No, the ASP accepts students of all nationalities – around one third of their students are American. They also offer an English as an Additional Language Program.

What about extra-curriculars?

There are several different extra-curricular activities available, from art to clubs and athletics. 

High school aged kids can play different sports at junior varsity and varsity levels, competing against other international schools in Europe. More info here.

How do I apply?

You apply online here. The school doesn’t practice academic selection (ie an entrance exam) but is often over-subscribed so acceptance is not automatic.

According to their website, the American School of Paris accepts applications on a rolling basis, but most grades have wait lists. Before applying, they recommend contacting the Admissions Office. 

You can also schedule a virtual or in-person tour.

What if my child has special needs?

ASP has a learning support programme for children with mild to moderate learning differences.

Students enrolled in the support programme get an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP).

There are other international schools. How do I choose?

There are pros and cons to each option. You might consider the school’s location, how much French language learning it involves (as well as whether or not your child will receive any French and American qualifications, such as the BAC and US high school diploma), cost, ages of instruction, and more.

There are several Facebook groups, including ‘American Expats in Paris’ and ‘English-Speaking Mums/Moms living in Paris’ to ask questions of families in similar situations. 

You might also consider attending the AAWE (Association of American Women in Europe) International School Fair. They put this event on each year in Paris. In 2024, it was held in February at the American Church in Paris. More info here.

You can also consult the US Embassy’s school list, which outlines the educational options for Americans in France. Each listing offers a description of the school. 

There are also great state schools in France that offer bilingual education. For example, you might consider the international sections in French secondary schools.

These sections help to facilitate the integration of foreign students into the French school system.

READ MORE: ‘Strict but a holistic education’: How the French public school system really works

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