In the six public schools of Figeac, the multiple activities offered at the end of class, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., are a hit and record an attendance rate of more than 70%.
In the public schools of the city, when the bell rings at 4 p.m., the little Figeacois are not really in a hurry to return home. More than 70% of them prefer to stay in their establishment to take advantage of the peri-educational activities (APE) offered to them for 45 minutes.
Set up in 2013 in Figeac, this system was launched as part of the reform of school timetables and the introduction of the 4.5-day week in schools. While many communities have since backtracked, the system is still continuing today, renewed last year and for three years, as part of the Territorial Educational Program. “I would like to salute the high-quality work carried out in the schools, which responds to our desire to offer each child special times for cultural, creative and sporting activities around our values and better living together” underlines Anne Laporterie, deputy mayor in charge of education, delighted to see the success of these peri-educational activities, accessible free of charge to all Figeac schoolchildren. An annual envelope of 300,000 euros is devoted to it, financed in part by the State and the Caf.
In nursery schools (Jean Moulin, Marcenac and Lacalmontie), extracurricular time has been entrusted to municipal staff, ATSEM and technical agents. “The entire municipal team is involved in connection with the school project. Many beautiful things are being put in place, in particular the arrival of an outside speaker Yannick Thérondel from the Caffoulens Farm present at least once a week in a school for a pony activity, archery or dog training “explains Delphine Roques, head of the school affairs department at the town hall.
For the primary schools, it is the Partir Federation which has taken matters into its own hands in the elementary schools (Louis Barrié, Paul Bert and Chapou) where it coordinates the intervention of many stakeholders from local associations and sports clubs in the territory. . “This system relies on a very dense network of associations in Figeac. It’s a real wealth for the activities that have evolved over the years,” confirms Mathilde Jérôme, director of the Partir Federation. Initiation to cinema, colored sand, flamenco, first aid training, making games from salvaged objects or all-round sports (tennis, basketball, football, handball, and even yoga and sophrology), children have the choice and always find their happiness. “Since the start of the school year, we have felt a real dynamic,” rejoices Jessica Guidicelli, head of APEs at the Partir Federation. After the last two years complicated by the health crisis, the APEs have made a long-awaited and more than successful return to school.