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Education want more people in Jersey to speak the language of its closest neighbour and source of much heritage.
Setting out its vision for the next four years, the department wants to raise the standard of French and introduce the language to children earlier than it does now.
The plan is to start teaching French from the age of four (the 'Early Years Foundation Stage') to the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 9). The aim to make the study of languages compulsory at GCSE to take account of the enhanced language skills as the extra years of study pays dividends.
Education also wants to create a 'centre of excellence' to act as the focal point for advice, guidance and support for the teaching of modern languages.
Although it wants to encourage autonomy among schools, Education also plans to agree a single island-wide approach for the teaching and learning of languages in primary schools.
Education Minister Rod Byrans said that the new initiative was to recognise Jersey's distinct culture and heritage.
"But it also about options," he added. "Myself and the department have been talking to our counterparts in France and there are many opportunities for Jersey students to study in France, including in English-language colleges. Further education in France is also often far cheaper than in the UK - I spoke to one student recently who told me the cost of her university education had only been 3,000 euros."
Aurélie Le Roy of the Maison de Normandie said that any effort to encourage more children to speak French was "brilliant news".
"We have struggled in the past to stimulate interest in the language so this plan is a great idea," she said. "After A-Levels, most students go onto UK universities but they should also look just over the water to France. There are some fantastic universities close by, such as Caen and Rennes. Caen, in fact, has just been voted the best student city in the country."
"I understand that there is a very low number of students currently taking A-Level French. I'm pleased that the department has realised that something has to change."
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