I studied at university in England and the subject of French, (or any other foreign language), was never even mentioned.

But didn't you enter university as a mature student rather than as a school leaver? I believe university entry requirements for mature students are lower than those for school leavers!

Personally, I think it's a nonsense that universities still insist on a foreign language "O" level/ 'O' grade for students who wiish to major in a subject that is not a foreign language nor one related to linguistics! I also think that school subjects like music, art, drama and technical drawing should be elective rather than compulsory. Blighty could save a lot of money were that the case.

As a high school pupil, my cousin felt very sorry for her French teacher. She told me that most of the class were disintersted in studying a foreign language. They were swinging from the lampshades and the classroom environment was therefore so dreadful that nobody in her class learnt anything, except how to take the piss out of teachers!

I see you have nothing to say about my assertion that the gaokao favors all-rounders. So, Ill assume you agree with me on that one!