plarch, One of the first English spelling rules that was learnt in most schools is "i before e except after c". This only works when the pronunciation of the word is like a long ee as in shield.

One of the first English spelling rules that was learnt in most schools is “i before e except after c”. This only works when the pronunciation of the word is like a long ee as in shield.

Exceptions :
seize, weird, conscientious, conscience, efficient …