Listen to the programme in full Right across France, there is rising dissatisfaction with the education system and fear for the future of its pupils. The popular stereotype is that schools in areas of high immigration and low average income are being left behind. But Strasbourg, a generally prosperous city near the German border, which still has a considerable problem with youth violence, doesn't conform to stereotype. For the last two years running, the New Year has been brought into Strasbourg with rioting, arson and looting. Teachers like Benoit Stein are trying to turn the crisis around Earlier this year, secondary-school students mounted demonstrations expressing their frustration.
Parents say they are unable to control their children and teachers' morale is at an all-time low.
The government has now announced measures to curb street violence and admitted the country's infamously strict education system needs reforming. Emily Buchanan visits a previously failing school which has signed a 'contract of success' with the French government, and a community centre encouraging children to think for themselves. With unemployment so high in France, she also talks to parents, teachers and students about education reforms which the government hopes will help provide employees with the right skills to take them into the 21st century. Emily Buchanan, dwarfed by one of the brewery's vats Strasbourg is the regional centre of the province of Alsace, one of the few parts of the world where grapes, barley and hops can be grown in proximity. 20 minutes from Strasbourg at the foot of the Voges, beer has been brewed in the village of Hochfelden since 870.