spé

Spé is the abbreviation of spécialité, a term used in the French education system to designate a subject area or track chosen as a core focus of study. The concept appears in different educational contexts and can refer to both secondary and higher education, depending on the level and the reform in place.

In the lycée, especially after recent reforms, the idea of spécialité plays a central role. Students in Première select three spécialités from a prescribed list (for example mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, economics and social sciences, literature and philosophy, languages, or arts). In Terminale they retain two of these spécialités, which are significant for the baccalauréat courses and for shaping higher education prospects. Each spécialité is taught with its own curriculum and includes subject-specific assessments and examinations, alongside continuous assessment.

In higher education, spé is used to denote the chosen field of study within a degree program, akin to a major or parcours. A master’s program may offer several spécialités or tracks, such as a spécialité informatique, droit international, or biotechnologies, enabling students to tailor their studies to their career goals.

The term is common in everyday speech among students and teachers, though official documents typically spell out « spécialité ». The use of spécialités reflects a broader emphasis on orientation and specialization within curricula, guiding both educational pathways and admission to further study.