Arts et Métiers in the "Cordées de la réussite" program

The "cordées de la réussite" (success teams) are interministerial initiatives aimed at developing the academic ambitions of young people from modest backgrounds, particularly those living in priority neighborhoods or isolated rural areas. A cordée is a partnership between secondary schools (called source schools) and one or more higher education institutions.

ON THE AIX-EN-PROVENCE CAMPUS

Since 2017, the campus has been partnering with the AFEV popular education association to implement the TANDEM program, certified as "Les Cordées de la réussite" (Ropes of Success). This academic support program aims to help secondary school students succeed in their studies by offering them individualized support. The health crisis has particularly exacerbated educational inequalities, with many young people unable to benefit from good learning conditions.

As part of the close relationship with Vauvenargues High School, seven volunteer students from the campus each spend one hour per week helping a high school student who is struggling to succeed in their studies. The more relaxed atmosphere makes it easier for students to ask questions than they would in class.

The high school students who receive tutoring are given support in organizing their work. This generally results in an improvement in their academic results, thereby boosting their self-confidence and helping them to manage stress.

As for student tutors, in addition to feeling useful, they develop interpersonal and social skills (listening, communication, patience, consideration of cultural differences).

Support began in December, and for the time being is often provided remotely. As soon as health conditions allow, each high school student will be invited to visit the campus.

This initiative is supported and coordinated in collaboration with the GaSole association and the campus External Relations department.

ON THE CLUNY CAMPUS

With 15 years of experience, the OPTIM program, certified as a "Cordées de la réussite" (Ropes to Success) program, has successfully adapted to the constraints of the health crisis. La Prat's High School in Cluny, Saint-Exupéry Middle School in Mâcon (a QPV, or City Policy District), and Saint-Cyr Middle School in Matour (a rural area) are benefiting from this program during the 2020-2021 school year.

Since late November, volunteer engineering students have been providing videoconference tutoring sessions for high school students via the Digital Work Environment. ÉCLAT digital work environment in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. The transition from face-to-face to remote learning was made possible thanks to the goodwill and motivation of the high school staff and Arts et Métiers students.

Antoine Thevenet, a first-year student in the Grande Ecole Program and leader of the team of tutors working with high school students, was particularly committed and unifying.

We are delighted to have successfully organized remote support sessions for high school students. After a demanding development phase, helping students despite the challenging health situation is a source of great satisfaction, says Antoine Thevenet.

In middle schools, after a 10-week hiatus, in-person tutoring resumed on December 10, 2020.

In January 2021, in Saint-Cyr, tutors were asked to teach physics classes so as not to penalize 9th grade students due to the absence of the physics and chemistry teacher. The latter provided a document on which the students relied. Feedback from middle school students has been very positive.

Despite the health situation, the OPTIM program has managed to expand in line with the wishes of the local education authority. At the start of 2021, two new secondary schools are joining the program, says Isabelle Duband, head of the OPTIM program.

OPTIM staff numbers, 2021-2022