The Bailiff floated the idea during his speech at last night’s tenth anniversary celebration of the Alliance Francaise in Jersey, an organisation which promotes French-speaking in countries around the world.
Sir Philip, who is patron of the organisation, said: ‘I see no reason why the department of Education should not operate at least one primary school in St Helier where the ambiance and the entire curriculum is taught in French by teachers who are native speakers of the language.
‘The idea may be radical, but it is not impossible.
At primary school age children are like sponges and soak up language skills easily.
At that level, there is no concern about important public examinations.
It would be interesting to know how many parents would take advantage of such a facility if it were offered.’
