The experience of the new classes in Saint-Martin de France (1945-1950)

Abstract

This text comes back to the so-called “new classes” experience of Saint-Martin de France, the famous institution of French Catholic education located in Pontoise, north-west of Paris. After indicating its originality in relation to the “new classes” of public education, the pedagogical principles and educational orientations from which some classes of this institution would operate between 1945 and 1949 are recalled. Finally, a review of this experience returns to the polemics and skepticism which will accompany this attempt of educational renovation.Keywords: New education, experience, pedagogy, Catholic teaching system.