Features of education in different countries of the world. Education system in different countries of the world
Comparative characteristics of the education systems of Russia, the USA, Germany and Japan.
To ensure progressive development, any society must implement the function of education. For this purpose, it creates an educational system, i.e. complex of educational institutions.
According to their organizational and legal forms, educational institutions can be:
State,
Municipal,
Non-state (private, public and religious organizations).
IN Russia educational institutions include the following types:
Preschool;
General education (primary general, basic general,
secondary (complete) general education). Secondary school has three levels: 1st level - primary school (3-4 years); 2nd stage – basic school (5 years); 3rd stage - secondary school (2 - 3 years);
Special (correctional) for children with developmental disabilities; institutions
add. education; institutions for orphans and children without parental care; other institutions.
IN USA There is no unified state education system; each state has the right to determine its structure independently.
The US education system includes:
Preschool institutions where children aged 3-5 years are educated;
Primary school (grades 1-6), which educates children aged 6 - 11 years;
Secondary school (grades 7 - 12) with the task of educating boys and girls aged 12-17 years; post-secondary educational institutions that are part of the higher education system.
Training in Germany begins at age six in a single primary school (grades 1-4), and then continues in one of three types of schools:
Basic school (grades 5-10),
Real school (grades 5-10 or 7-10),
Gymnasium (grades 5-13 or 7-13).
School course in Japan takes 12 years, and half of it occurs in primary school (grades 1-6). Secondary school consists of two levels: compulsory junior high school (7-10) and optional senior high school (11-12). Vocational primary and secondary education is provided primarily in secondary general education institutions and partly in special schools.
Preschool educational institutions in Russia(kindergarten, nursery school, pro-gymnasium, children's development center, etc.) are created to help families raise children from 1 to six years old.
Education and training carried out in preschool educational institutions are the preparatory stage of primary education. This characteristic of preschool education can be given not only to Russia, but also to all other countries, significant differences in the principles of education in preschool age not observed in Russia.
In schools Germany Education begins at the age of 6 and is compulsory for all children. The preparedness of a future student is determined not by school commissions, but by doctors and social psychologists.
German primary schools are organizationally and administratively independent institutions. Their training lasts 4 years. From the 3rd grade, academic performance is assessed on a 6-point scale. The highest grades are “1” and “2” (“very good” and “good”), grades “5” and “6” are considered unsatisfactory.
Upon completion of primary school, students receive diplomas with grades in all subjects, characteristics and recommendations for continuing education in one or another type of high school: gymnasium, comprehensive or unified school, real school, basic school. The opinion of parents also plays a big role in choosing a school.
School course in Japan takes 12 years, and half of it occurs in primary school due to the exceptional complexity and time-consuming nature of learning the native language. Primary education in Japan begins at the age of six. In the initial
At school (grades 1-3), the bulk of school time is devoted to the Japanese language and arithmetic. Students must master 1850 hieroglyphs - the minimum established
Ministry of Education (but even reading books and newspapers requires knowledge
much more - up to 3 thousand). Half of this hieroglyphic minimum
needs to be mastered already in the elementary grades. Every day after classes in a regular school, children go back to study at a non-compulsory school, but extremely
necessary for the transition to the next level of secondary school and
university.
Basic school Russia lays a solid foundation of general educational training necessary for a graduate to continue his education and his full inclusion in the life of society. Basic school is compulsory. Graduates of basic school continue their education in secondary school. They also have the right to continue their education in vocational schools various types and profile with different periods of study, in evening and correspondence secondary schools.
high school USA(secondary education college) usually consists of two levels: junior and senior. In junior high school (grades 7-9), a third of the school time is allocated to a common program for all, and the rest to studying elective subjects. Senior High School (grades 10-12) usually offers a compulsory set of five educational subjects and many educational profiles of academic and practical orientation.
The main way to assess and control knowledge in an American school is tests. Scores are given on a five-point or one hundred-point system: A (93-100) - excellent; D (65-74) - bad; E (0-^64) - does not count. Senior secondary school is a general educational institution. Students usually graduate from school at the age of 17-18.
Germany. On average up to successful completion About 20% of students admitted to grade 5 reach Abitur. Many schoolchildren, for whom gymnasium education is beyond their means or their plans change, finish their studies in grades 10-11 or even earlier transfer to other types of schools. IN
in a real school and ordinary (not gymnasium) classes of a general education school, education continues until grade 10, after which students take exams for a diploma of secondary education.
Real and comprehensive schools are the most common types of schools in Germany.
The shortest route to obtaining a profession is considered to be the basic school (Haupt-schule), in which students study until the 9th or 10th grade. With a certificate of completion from the Hauptschule, you can subsequently acquire a profession that does not require high qualifications.
In grades 5-8, core academic subjects for all students
are religion, German, one or two foreign languages, geography, mathematics, biology, music, art, sports, history, physics. In the 9th grade, students can refuse to study some subjects, while taking one or two additional subjects of their choice.
Along with the core subjects, grades for elective subjects are included in the Mittlere Reife diploma of secondary education.
In the gymnasium, starting from the 11th year of study, schoolchildren study entirely according to individual plans, and the organization of classes resembles that of a university. There are no classes, there are only groups that are formed freely. Students draw up a curriculum independently, but according to certain rules. All subjects are divided into three groups: philological (German and
foreign languages), natural sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry,
biology, computer science), social science (history, social science,
geography, religion, ethics or pedagogy). Until the end of school, basic subjects (German, mathematics, etc.) remain for all students.
In primary and secondary schools Japan five-level is applied
grading scale: S (very good), A (good), B (satisfactory), C
(bad), D (very bad). In secondary school, when assessing knowledge, it is used as
and in American secondary schools, a credit system.
Professional educational institutions in Russia are being created
for the implementation of professional educational programs of primary, secondary and higher vocational education. Primary vocational education can be obtained in vocational and other schools.
Secondary vocational education is aimed at training mid-level specialists, satisfying the needs of the individual in deepening and expanding education on the basis of basic general, secondary (complete) general or primary vocational education.
Higher professional education has the goal of training and retraining specialists at the appropriate level, meeting the needs of the individual in deepening and expanding education on the basis of secondary (complete) general and secondary vocational education. His
can be obtained in educational institutions of higher professional
education (higher educational institutions) - universities, academies,
institutes, colleges. Persons with primary and secondary vocational education
education of the relevant profile, can receive higher education
vocational education according to a shortened, accelerated program.
Postgraduate professional education provides
citizens the opportunity to improve the level of education, scientific and
pedagogical qualifications on the basis of higher professional
education. To obtain it, institutes, postgraduate schools,
doctoral studies, residency, postgraduate studies at educational institutions
higher professional education and scientific institutions.
Additional educational programs and services. Additional education can be obtained at advanced training institutions, courses, etc.
In many schools USA time to obtain a matriculation certificate,
time spent on learning cooking and driving a car is equivalent to
to the time allocated for studying mathematics, English, chemistry,
history, biology. In most schools, teaching independent work skills is ignored, and many, upon graduating from high school and entering college, do not know how to work independently and systematically acquire knowledge.
The Commission for the Improvement of Education recommended
high school graduates in the last four years of school
compulsory study of modern achievements of the five “basic disciplines” that form the core of modern school curriculum: English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, computer literacy.
In addition, students wishing to continue their studies at higher education
educational institution must take a 2-year foreign language course.
Particular attention should be paid to further development
computer information base, in particular, the latest generation computers,
library collection, laboratory equipment, etc.
It should be emphasized that in the USA the professional average level in
the education system is not allocated. This level is integrated into the system
higher education. US higher education is characterized by significant
variety of curricula, courses and disciplines studied, representing
is a single social institution that carries out important economic,
social and ideological functions.
In vocational training Germany There is a system of apprenticeships at enterprises with simultaneous attendance at professional educational institutions for two to three years. There are also advanced vocational schools - schools of specialties designed for one to four years of study. The following professional organization has been introduced
training: one day at school, four days at the enterprise.
In secondary vocational education there has been a shift away from narrow specialization towards
broad qualifications covering several specialties.
Enterprises pay for training using their own funds and government subsidies.
IN Japan higher education institutions include
universities, and junior and technical colleges. Universities give
First of all, academic education. Junior and technical colleges
They pay great attention to professional and practical activities.
The considered education systems of Russia, the USA, Germany and
Japan is certainly similar - the upbringing of a personality, a developed personality. Education in these countries is designed to give children knowledge, skills and abilities for future life in society.
The levels of education abroad differ from those familiar to Russians, and indeed to residents of the entire post-Soviet space. Almost every country in the world differs in its structure of educational institutions that train specialists at various levels and allow students to master a certain level of knowledge.
If you are planning to study abroad, it is important to understand that the level of education you choose abroad will earn you a diploma or certificate that will allow you to occupy a certain place in the hierarchy of society. Let's try to figure out what education systems in different countries offer us.
Australia
Since Australia remained a British colony for a long time, its educational system absorbed all the traditions of Foggy Albion. Numerous educational institutions at different levels in this country implement programs designed to suit any student's requirements.
It is important to note that the rating of Australian education around the world is quite high, and control of the work of all educational institutions is carried out at the state level. The Australian education system offers foreign citizens education at any level except preschool.
Australian children and teenagers attend school for 12 years. Most schools in the country have “state” status. Only 30% of secondary level educational institutions are private. Upon completion of high school, the graduate is issued a state “Year 12” certificate. To enter the university, the graduate must not only have this document, but also pass the entrance tests.
A profession can also be obtained at public higher colleges TAFE: as in England, colleges and universities train specialists. But colleges prepare Bachelors, and universities prepare both Bachelors and Masters. Often one university may consist of several colleges. In fact, both College and University of Australia are universities. Most of them have tuition fees. To receive a scholarship to cover tuition costs, an applicant must have high scores in subjects relevant to the program, have high sports or cultural achievements, and be eligible for one of the free education programs.
Great Britain
In Britain, the education system is one of the highest quality and is built on long-standing, proven traditions. It was formed centuries ago and has not changed since then, as it has proven its effectiveness in practice.
Primary and secondary education are enshrined in law. Education for British children begins at the age of five and lasts 11 years. First they enter pre-preparatory school - entry level. After two years, children are transferred to primary school - middle classes, where they study until the age of thirteen. Next, teenagers move to high school, where education ends with passing tests. Those who successfully pass the exams are awarded a certificate of secondary education. Compulsory education has been completed. Next, school graduates have a choice: some go to work, others strive to enter a college or university, where they study a specialty. Both levels of education award higher education diplomas.
Applicants write A-level tests. Applicants can receive a bachelor's degree program, studying for 3-4 years, or a master's degree program - this is an additional 1-2 years of study.
Ireland
Irish children are required to attend three stages of schooling: primary, middle and high school. For the last three years, schoolchildren have been studying up to 8 selected subjects in depth. To receive a certificate you must successfully pass the tests. The certificate of secondary education is similar to the English A-level. Irish universities, like colleges, train specialists. Higher education has two levels: bachelor's and master's degrees. Then you can engage in research work and apply for an academic degree.
In continental Europe, each country has its own education system.
Poland
Secondary education in Poland is designed for 12 years of study. Of these, 8 classes are the basic level: schoolchildren receive general knowledge on a clear list of subjects that are the same for everyone. The next 4 senior classes are similar to Russian lyceums. Here children receive knowledge in selected subjects. All lyceums are divided into two categories: general and technical. Junior specialists of one or another profile are trained here.
Higher education is not compulsory. Those who wish to receive it can enter either a college or a university. At the same time, training in colleges lasts 4 years, and graduates receive an engineering diploma or a bachelor's degree (this depends on the chosen specialty). After studying at the university, which lasts 5-6 years, graduates are awarded master's degrees. To obtain a scientific degree, it is necessary to conduct a series of scientific works and defend a dissertation.
Czech
Czech education is similar to the systems of other European countries. Children begin to study at 6 years old, and receive general knowledge for 4 years. At the age of 11, they enter the gymnasium, where they study general disciplines and elective programs. At the age of 16, high school students take exams and receive certificates of general (compulsory) education. Then the road is open to them to go to college or university, where they study a specialty. By the way, in the Czech Republic the largest percentage of school graduates choose to enter university.
Japan
Compulsory general education for children in Japan lasts 12 years. Children spend a significant portion of their time in elementary school learning the complex native language and history of Japan.
After completing the school course, graduates can continue their education by entering higher education institutions. It is very noteworthy that in Japanese universities, teaching for students from other countries is carried out in English. Universities in Japan offer either undergraduate or graduate courses.
China
The hierarchy of education in the PRC includes preschool education, compulsory general education consisting of three separate courses, university and graduate school.
Chinese children go to kindergarten from the age of 3. Schooling begins at the age of 6. At the Primary level, children study their native language, mathematics, natural history, English or French, moral and musical education, and undergo sports training.
The next link is the middle one. Here, schoolchildren are taught, in addition to elementary subjects, physics, chemistry, and computer science. In high school there are additional optional subjects. After compulsory general education, school graduates enter vocational and specialized schools. Only after this can a Chinese person enter the university.
There are 3 types of higher education in China. These include courses with specialization, the duration of which is three years, bachelor's degree - you will have to devote 5 years to studying, master's degree - you will have to additionally undergo training for 3 years.
Recently, as part of the development of international relations, Chinese universities are actively inviting students from abroad and implementing exchange programs.
Education in the USA
There are no uniform educational traditions in the United States. Each state has its own system and regulations. And the state administration controls the educational processes. Despite this, all programs are similar. Experts argue that this is due to the influence of general factors, the needs of the country, and internal migrations of the population.
The North American educational system has three levels: primary level (kindergarten and first level of school), second level of school, and highest level - college or university. Depending on the territorial location of the school, children are taught from 5, 6 or 7 years old. In addition to compulsory subjects, high school students have elective programs. Thus, students prepare either for entering a university or for work. You can continue your training in a profession at a technical school. The US higher education system is represented by 2.5 thousand educational institutions. At the college you can get primary higher education and a bachelor's degree. While both bachelors and senior level masters are trained within the university walls.
The states recognize 4 academic titles. “Junior specialist” is awarded after graduating from technical school. Some secondary schools train this category of specialists within their classrooms. For example, at school you can learn to be a driver. A bachelor's degree can be obtained after studying at a College or 3-4 years of training at a University. Master or Master is a specialist after 5-6 years of study at the University. To obtain a doctorate, you must additionally conduct a series of scientific research and defend a dissertation.
Studying at a College or University involves studying several compulsory and a number of specialized elective subjects. The American educational system is clear and simple for Russians. Our graduates can enter the University immediately after school by passing an English language exam and providing a document confirming their graduation from school. But if knowledge of English. language is not enough, the applicant is invited to take a training course at the university.
Education in Spain
Spanish education is highly valued not only in Europe, but throughout the world. The system is quite simple and understandable. From 3-4 years old to 5-6 years old, parents send their children to kindergarten - infantil, from 5-6 to 12 years old children study in primary classes - primaria, from 12 to 16 years old they study in secundaria - this is an analogue of the Russian “nine-year school”, and two more classes of schoolchildren study in bachillerato. After this, compulsory education is considered completed and the child receives a certificate. After this, you can enter a university.
Every year, universities in Spain accept thousands of foreign students. The educational programs of universities in Spain fully comply with European standards and standards. And the price of training is considered affordable.
All programs are structured in such a way as to prepare highly qualified specialists with theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students study special subjects directly from the first year. The universities harmoniously combine the deep traditions of Spanish schools, innovative technologies and modern pedagogical techniques. Auditoriums and laboratories are equipped with modern instruments, and there are large scientific libraries.
Educational structure in Switzerland
Switzerland neighbors significant European powers. Tourists flock here, including those who dream of receiving high-quality vocational training. The structure of training is extraordinary and multi-valued.
It is not necessary to go to kindergarten. Moms and dads themselves can determine the time for their baby to visit a child care facility. General system There are also no schools. Each region is represented by its own structure. This is due to cultural and mental differences of the local population. Each region has its own Department of Education. The only one general rule is the age of the schoolchildren. Children study in schools from 7 to 16 years old. In addition to public schools, there are a large number of private schools that accept children both on a full-time basis and have residences for students to live in (boarding houses). These schools have different levels of service and, accordingly, tuition prices are different. Many foreign children receive secondary education here. It is available in several languages: English, German, French.
Higher schools in Switzerland are represented by 12 universities. They teach in the official language of the canton (French, German or Italian), so a Russian student will be able to adapt. The principles of education at universities are similar to those in Europe. At public universities, tuition prices are low. However, given the high cost of living in the country, studying here is not available to everyone.
Education Turkey
Education in Turkey is built on the principle of the post-Soviet space. Incomplete secondary education lasts 8 years, and full secondary education lasts 10 years. Graduates then undergo training at the Lyceum.
Of the vocational and special schools, the scientific lyceum is considered the most prestigious. Future doctors, technical specialists, scientists. Other lyceums are also in demand.
Having completed schooling or after graduating from a lyceum, students wishing to receive a higher specialized education take a test for admission to the University. If you score well, the country pays for your studies. You can study for a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
Education in Austria
The Austrian educational structure is characterized by democracy and a variety of educational areas. Gardens and schools form the primary and secondary levels of education. Kindergartens accept children from three to six years old. The children study their native language, learn music, play games and develop motor skills. The education and training plan may include the study of languages. From the age of five, all children must take a preparatory course for school. They are carried out by special centers. Primary school starts from the age of 6, and children aged ten to fourteen go to “secondary” classes. Next, children enter “senior” classes, reminiscent of Russian colleges and technical schools. Here they will undergo 4 years of preparation for entering a university and professional training.
Just 16 years ago, studying at the University of Austria was free. Only those who passed the test exams best studied at the “higher school”. Since 2001, accreditation of private universities has been legally permitted. To withstand competition, state universities also began to teach students on a paid basis. But since 2009, free practice was returned, since paid education at the University had a negative impact on the educational system as a whole. To become a student at an Austrian University, it is enough to pass tests well, including in the German language.
Canadian education structure
The North American country shows high levels of education quality. Kindergartens begin at a young age to prepare children for school life. And Canadian schools are the foundation for preparing children for admission to University. Lessons and lectures at all levels are conducted in English and French.
Higher education in Canada is represented by almost four hundred universities. The country's University Colleges are famous for their research programs and the use of innovative technologies.
Students are taught from all over the world at different degrees, from bachelor's and master's to doctorate.
Structure of education in Greece
Regardless of the type of management, all educational institutions in Greece are coordinated at the state level. Children's education begins in kindergarten, after which the kids go to secondary school. In the middle level, general subjects are studied, and in the senior level of the school there are a number of general subjects and a number of additional ones, at the student’s choice.
After finishing school, its graduates can enter the Institute, Academy, University. The structure of higher education is very similar to the Russian one, where there is a complex division of institutions into academies, institutes and higher schools.
Particularly famous are the University of Athens (founded in 1837) and the University of Thessaloniki (founded in 1925). The Polytechnic Institute, the Higher School of Economics, and the Academy of Political Sciences are considered quite prestigious. Academic Universities do not accept foreigners to study, but Russians are always welcome at private universities.
New Zealand education
The 1st stage of New Zealand education is kindergarten. Here children spend half a day, practicing music, dancing, learning language, and developing writing skills. Learning takes place in a playful way, as coercion is prohibited in New Zealand kindergartens. Children visit kindergartens three times a week. It is not customary here to “rent out” your children for the whole day or around the clock. Children aged 5-12 go to Primary School - primary school classes. Teenagers aged 13-18 go to Secondary School - middle classes. And 18-20 year old young people study at a specialized secondary school - Polytechnicsor Institute of Technology. Then you can enroll in a university.
New Zealand is famous not only for its lush landscapes, but also for its high-quality higher education programs.
If we talk about higher education, it should be said that there are eight Universities and twenty Polytechnic Institutes. To prepare for entrance exams to universities, language and preparatory courses, postgraduate programs, advanced training courses, and MBA have been created. Each higher education institution has its own internal rules, its own routine, and a set of programs. But, in general, they all start the semester at the end of February and end it in October. Foreigners can easily enter any educational institution.
Dutch education system
Education in Holland is innovative. Any group of people can claim to be an educational institution and demand government funding. This is clearly seen in the example of preschool education. Starting from the age of three months, mothers can leave their children in care centers or private kindergartens. Such organizations look after children and provide children's leisure time.
The Dutch school system differs from the European one. All children aged 5-18 must attend school. The first two classes resemble our kindergarten. From the third grade, subjects such as writing, reading, counting, and natural science are introduced. Dutch children receive homework only from the 6th grade. At the end of primary school, each child undergoes knowledge tests and an IQ test. Based on the test results, teachers determine the educational level that they recommend parents choose for their child. There are only three of them. If a child shows poor results, he will be asked to complete secondary school in three years and undergo a general knowledge program. If the result is average, several subjects are added to the program. The training will last 4 years. If a student “produces” good results, he will have to pore over textbooks for 6 years, but his preparation will be equivalent to the preparation of a Russian college or lyceum. After such preparation, you can apply for admission to a university.
There are three types of universities in Holland: polytechnic universities, classical universities, and higher schools for foreign students.
STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF HIGHER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION "ORYOL STATE UNIVERSITY"
FACULTY OF PHILOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM AND CO
Essay
“Education systems in different countries of the world”
UK classical education
Great Britainrightfully has a reputation as a country of high-quality classical education, the history of which goes back hundreds of years. The diplomas issued are valued all over the world. In the UK, an extensive system has been created that allows you to get a good education and professional training at any level. There are about 30 thousand schools in the country, of which 2,500 are private, and more than 170 higher educational institutions. One of the country's traditions is the openness of the education system to foreigners. Of the 2 million students, 214 thousand are people who came from abroad. According to the British Council, as of September 12, 2001, 13.4 thousand Russian citizens were receiving education in various educational institutions in the UK. Of these, 1,360 people are university students. The education system is built in such a way that a foreigner can “enter” it at almost any stage. But the requirements are high, and this is not so easy to do. In addition, it must be taken into account that the Russian matriculation certificate is not recognized as equivalent to the British one (to obtain it, you need to study for 11 years in a Russian school, and 13 in a British one). Schools. English children start school at age 5 and finish at age 16, receiving a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Until the age of 14, they study basic general education subjects according to a mandatory unified state program. Then, for two years, there is preparation for passing GCSE exams in 6-10 subjects. After passing these examinations, the compulsory secondary education program is considered completed. But this is not enough to enter the university. You need to study for another two years at the A-level program, which provides in-depth study of three to six subjects. The results of A-level exams serve both the British and foreigners as a “start in life” to continue their education: through a competition of certificates, you can enter a university. In order for a child from Russia to receive a high-quality English education, it would be a good idea to start straight from an English school. More than 90% of secondary schools in the UK are state and free. However, as a rule, foreigners are not accepted there, so the only option is to enroll in a private school. Although they are attended by only around 6% of all pupils, private schools provide around 50% of applicants to elite Oxford and Cambridge. In general, 90% of graduates of English private schools easily enter leading universities in the UK, USA, and Canada. Private schools accept foreigners aged 8 to 18 years, boarding schools - from 7 to 16 years. Colleges. English youth receive secondary and specialized education in colleges. Foreigners are also accepted there. You can enroll in an English college after graduating from a Russian school. Colleges provide vocational training and represent an intermediate step between school and university. College curricula are focused primarily on practical preparation for professional activity. But increasingly, they are also used to prepare for university, and the highest qualification they award is equivalent to the A-level certificate. In fact, these colleges allow students to complete a two-year A-level program at an accelerated pace - in a year. A number of British colleges and universities operate Foundation preparatory courses. Their duration is one year, the program includes in-depth study of the English language and basic major subjects. Universities. UK higher education institutions are divided into three types. There are colleges (Colleges of Higher Education), which, like universities, award academic degrees(bachelor's level only) and issue higher education diplomas. But unlike universities, they are highly specialized educational institutions in areas such as painting and design, music, theater arts, and education. There are polytechnic institutes where engineering specialties are usually acquired. There are university colleges which are generally integral part universities. Finally, there are classical universities, which, as before, remain centers of academic education and scientific work. Language schools. In the UK there are about 1,500 educational institutions teaching English to foreigners, about 800 of them are private specialized language schools. More than 370 schools are accredited by the British Council, meaning they meet stringent quality standards and are recommended for international students. Irish education system
In Ireland there are more than 3,000 primary, over 800 secondary, more than 150 language schools, 14 institutes of technology, several private pedagogical and business colleges, and seven universities. All educational institutions are controlled at the state level by special bodies that monitor compliance educational process accepted standards. Rich traditions, high quality of education, and the opportunity to earn money legally attract many foreigners to Ireland. More than 150 thousand students attend Irish language schools alone every year. The proportion of overseas students in Irish universities varies from five to ten percent, depending on the institution. Secondary schools in Ireland are public and private, mixed and separate, day and boarding. Most secondary schools in Ireland are private. Children from abroad are accepted into both private and public schools. In the latter case, the fees are very reasonable and lower than in private schools. After 6-8 years of primary school, a test is usually taken to assess general development and knowledge of the basic subjects of the school curriculum. At the age of 12, an Irish child goes to secondary school, where for six years he studies English and Irish, mathematics, economics and natural sciences. Those wishing to obtain higher education must spend an additional three years in school. Over the past two years, Irish schoolchildren have been studying 6-8 subjects in which they take exams to obtain a certificate of complete secondary education - Leaving Certificate. Boarding schools for Russian schoolchildren available already at the age of 9-12 years. Colleges. The specificity of Ireland is that colleges and universities are not separated in its educational system, considering that they together form the so-called “third level”. Therefore, many undergraduate programs are organized on the basis of colleges. Vocational education is available at institutes of technology and private independent colleges. Here you can study information technology, hotel management, accounting and other applied areas. Universities. There are seven universities in Ireland, and most of them are built on the classical model, i.e. offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Universities are actively conducting Scientific research. The Advanced Technology Program funds scientific projects in the field of biotechnology, optoelectronics, information technology and telecommunications. Teacher training colleges train primary school teachers. In them you can get a bachelor's degree in three years. A university degree or diploma is required to teach at secondary schools, so many colleges are either affiliated with, or have agreements with, Irish universities. The second option is preparatory departments (Foundation), which first appeared in Ireland not so long ago. This program is accredited by NCEA and is recognized by both Irish and overseas educational institutions. Language schools. The backbone of Irish education is made up of schools that are members of the MEI-RELSA association (Marketing English in Ireland - Recognized English Language Schools Association), created to strengthen the prestige of Irish education abroad. Quality control and accreditation of schools is carried out by the Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS). In terms of the number of higher educational institutions, and therefore the number of students receiving education in them, the United States ranks first in the world. More than 15 million people study at American universities, 500 thousand of whom are foreigners. They are attracted by the high standard of living, a huge selection of educational programs, and decent quality of academic preparation. Education in the USA educational training college university It is believed that the USA is the best option for master's and doctoral studies. Many American universities play a leading role in research projects of international importance. Their level is determined by the excellent laboratory and technical base, the college’s easy access to all imaginable sources (scientific periodicals, library collections, etc.) and the presence of world-famous teachers. Schools. American children start school at age 6 and study until age 18, i.e. 12 years old. Schools are divided into public and private. Due to the lack of a unified national curriculum, secondary school graduates have different levels of preparation. Students of prestigious private boarding schools receive the best knowledge. Preparation for entering a university is carried out in the senior classes of an American high school, where a wide range of general education subjects is studied - English and foreign languages, history, natural sciences, etc. Many private schools offer training in international program Bachelor's degree. Colleges. Characteristic The American education system has a developed college system. There are more than 3,000 colleges in the United States, which are divided into several main types: two-year technical, community and four-year colleges, which are equivalent in status to universities. The latter can be either independent higher education institutions or part of other universities. Foreigners often prefer Community Colleges because they are easier to get into. These institutions not only teach trades, but also offer academic preparation programs corresponding to the first two years of university. Typically, community colleges have agreements with their state's public universities for transfer students. Universities. American universities are divided into private and public. Both can be of different levels: along with the brilliant Yale and Harvard, there are a number of small and unremarkable educational institutions. Science course They cost much less, but the diploma is valued much lower. Obtaining a bachelor's degree requires four years of study. The curricula of American universities are distinguished by the ability to combine elective subjects as widely as possible. Foreign students prefer to study business administration, management, economics, i.e. disciplines in which Americans occupy an undisputed leading position in the world. MBA programs from American business schools are very popular. Language classes. One of the main requirements for those planning to study in the USA is excellent knowledge of the English language. You will have to take the TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language, which requires extensive special preparation. The test is aimed at testing the ability to understand spoken and written language, formulate your thoughts and compose an essay. Usually, to enter the university you need to score 550-600 points. All major international linguistic centers - LAL, Aspect, EF, International House, Regent, etc. - have their branches in different regions USA. Many branded language programs provide a combination of study and relaxation at American resorts. Canadian education system
Canada is one of the countries whose diplomas are valued all over the world. This is not surprising: Canada spends more money on the development of its education system than many other developed countries. Canada is one of the world leaders in the field of high technology, aerospace industry, and microelectronics. As a result, all these areas are taught here at a very high level. Canadian engineering education, as well as programs in business and natural sciences, enjoy a good reputation. Diplomas from Canadian educational institutions are recognized throughout the world. All these advantages attract more than 100 thousand foreign students per year to Canada. Since Canada has two foreign languages - English and French, a foreign student can study at a university where teaching is conducted in any of them. English is more widely spoken (in Quebec - French). Among Canadian educational institutions there are both public and private. The quality of education they provide is approximately the same. But the content of educational programs in one province or another may vary somewhat, because According to the Canadian Constitution, education issues are the responsibility of local authorities. Schools. More than 5 million students study in Canadian schools. For foreigners - training is paid. The amount of payment is determined by the educational institution itself. Private schools offer paid programs. The choice of such schools is very large - with separate or coeducational education for boys and girls, with full board or only daytime education. There are relatively few private schools in Canada and they are quite competitive. On average, private boarding schools are better equipped than public schools. Graduates of famous Canadian private schools easily enter leading Canadian universities in the UK, USA and Canada. Children go to first grade at the age of 6. Education in primary and secondary schools is conducted at one of official languages countries - English or French. In most provinces, complete secondary education, which opens the way to a university, takes 12 years, then those who want to prepare for entering a university study for another 2 years in the preparatory department at a college. Colleges. There are approximately 175 public and private colleges in Canada. About 300 thousand people study in the vocational education system. Representatives of the ACCC (Association of Canadian Community Colleges) monitor the quality of education. Canadian colleges are divided into public, technical and the already mentioned CEGEP colleges. The main task of colleges is to train professional personnel for industry and business. In particular, technical colleges are something like Russian vocational schools, whose students receive a profession in a short time. Typically, college is a two-year course, and most of the study time is spent not in classrooms, but in laboratories and workshops. Upon completion, students will receive certificates and professional diplomas. Many colleges have undergraduate degree programs with universities. Graduates of such a college are immediately enrolled in the second year of the partner university. Universities. There are no private higher education institutions in Canada (with the exception of a few closed religious universities); all of them are financed two-thirds from the state budget and public funds. All universities are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Canadian universities are equipped with modern material and technical equipment and have good libraries. The strength of Canadian higher education is the close connection between science and practice. University clinics are considered the best in the country, and business schools are actively involved in advising entrepreneurs and taxpayers. According to official statistics, Canadian university science creates 150-200 thousand jobs in the country every year. In total, more than 1.5 million students study at Canadian universities, including about 30 thousand foreigners. Students from abroad make up approximately 5% of the total student population. But among graduates of educational institutions such as Windsor University and New Brunswick University, every fourth is a foreigner. Study in Australia
Australia In recent decades, it has become one of the leaders in the international educational market. Studying on the “green continent” has many advantages: English as the state language, high standard of living, opportunity all year round enjoy all the delights of a warm climate. Therefore, more than 160 thousand students from abroad come to this country every year. Today in Australia there are about 10 thousand schools, more than 300 state colleges and 40 universities, two of which are private. All educational institutions - both public and private - are under the control of the Ministry of Education, comply with state standards and guarantee high quality education. The education system has some differences depending on the state. On average, Australian children start school from the age of 6. Up to 12 years of age they study at the first stage, up to 16 years at the second stage, and up to 18 years at the third stage of secondary education. In general, it is designed for 12 years, which is why the Russian certificate of secondary education is not recognized as equivalent to the Australian one. There are not many foreign students in Australia - they make up about 5% (approximately 15 thousand). For children coming to Australia from overseas, boarding schools are most suitable. The vast majority of foreign schoolchildren are concentrated in the last two graduating classes. Their goal is to obtain an Australian Higher School Certificate and enter university on a general basis. A foreigner wishing to receive an Australian education must provide completed application forms, a certificate of grades in a Russian school, and pass an English language test. The most prestigious schools sometimes also require tests in core subjects. Colleges. Australian colleges provide vocational training in a wide range of areas. Colleges are divided into public and private. State ones, united in the TAFE (Technical and Further Education) system, are considered more prestigious. A typical college offering includes programs in business, management, marketing, accounting, information technology, secretarial science, design, and tourism and hotel management. The training has a pronounced practical orientation. In a number of specialties, you can undergo an internship (most often paid). Universities. Australian universities occupy leading positions in the Pacific region, their degrees are recognized throughout the world. More than 680 thousand students study at the country's universities. The list of bachelor's programs alone includes more than 2,000 positions. Preparatory courses (Foundation) are available for foreign applicants. They are designed for an average of 24 weeks of training. Successful completion Foundation programs guarantees a place in the first year. New Zealand education system
Until 1907, New Zealand remained a British colony, so the British influence is felt here in everything, even in the education system, built on the British model. Foreigners love to study in this country. Every year about 30 thousand students from abroad come here. They are attracted to New Zealand by safety, high standard of living and excellent ecology. Schools. There are about 440 schools in New Zealand, about 20 of which are private. As in many European countries, schools are either single-sex (girls-only or boys-only) or co-ed. Most of them are state-owned and therefore free, but as a rule they do not accept foreigners. Along with state schools, there are private boarding schools, which are also open to schoolchildren from abroad. These schools offer foreigners a very good education and basic training with which they can easily enter best universities English-speaking countries. They usually go to school from the age of 5-6. Education in primary school lasts 8 years - from first to eighth grade. At age 13, children move to one of the secondary schools, which are sometimes called "colleges" or "tertiary schools." In grades 9-13, children are prepared to enter universities and polytechnic institutes. In high school, students will have to choose 6 major subjects. The full list of disciplines includes up to 30 positions and is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). At the end of the 11th grade, students who successfully pass the exams receive a certificate of secondary education. The 12th grade ends with passing the Sixth Form Certificate exams, and at the end of the 13th grade, students take final exams, which are also entrance exams to universities. These exams - in fact, they are an analogue of the British A-level - test knowledge in 4-6 major subjects. Colleges. Vocational and technical educational institutions - "polytechnics" - are very popular among young people in New Zealand. They offer professional qualifications or bachelor's degrees. Study lasts from six months to two years. Classes are held in small groups. After completing each level, the student receives the appropriate document: a certificate, professional diploma or bachelor's diploma (the latter is issued after completing a three-year program). The programs are structured in such a way that students, after studying for one year, can immediately enter the second year of a university that has a partnership with the institute. In addition to traditional programs in hotel management, tourism, and information technology, some educational institutions offer less common options. For example, at the Eastern Institute of Technology you can take the course “Vticulture and Winemaking.” Universities. The total number of students at New Zealand universities exceeds 110 thousand, 3-10% are foreigners. The first universities in New Zealand arose about a century and a half ago. The British model was taken as the basis for their creation. Since the duration of study in a Russian secondary school does not correspond to that accepted in New Zealand, it is not yet possible to enter a university in this country with a Russian matriculation certificate. As a rule, applicants need to complete one or two courses at a Russian university or study in another city in New Zealand - at a preparatory department or at a vocational school. Another way is to graduate from a New Zealand high school. Tuition fees in New Zealand are significantly lower than in European countries and Australia. At the same time, diplomas from New Zealand universities are recognized in most countries of the world (70% of graduates work outside of New Zealand). Anyone who likes life in New Zealand has the opportunity, after three years of study, to obtain permission to stay here to work in the acquired specialty for a period of two years. Language classes. In New Zealand, there are both language centers organized at schools and universities, and individual private language schools. “English + sports” programs have become widespread in New Zealand language schools. The variety of sports that can be practiced in New Zealand all year round is amazing: skiing, scuba diving, mountaineering, sailing, golf, horse riding.
23/03/2011
The Russian secondary education system will be radically reformed in the coming years. Discussion of this reform has been the most popular topic on the Russian agenda since the end of 2010, only high-profile disasters, revolutions and military actions are more popular. Meanwhile, neither the public, nor officials, nor experts can clearly and clearly talk about what kind of school Russia needs in 10 years.
TO classical education or emphasis on high tech? Uniformity for the sake of national unity - or a kingdom of blooming complexity? Free education good level- or will parents have to pay for almost everything except the notorious “physical education and life safety”? About all this in Russian society There is not only no consensus, but also no clarity: even experts, when speaking “to the public,” prefer to speak in long, meaningless phrases.
It may be easier to understand the desired direction of reform if we take a brief look at the most famous school systems in the world. These are the most developed European countries, former metropolises of the great colonial empires - as well as the current world leader of the United States and representatives of the two fastest growing educational systems in the world.
"SP" presents short review national school traditions of France, Germany, Great Britain, USA, South Korea and Finland.
France
The current secondary education system in France consists, like most European systems, of three levels - primary (ecole primaire, from 6 to 11 years) and senior (college, college - from 11 to 15 years, then lycee, lyceum - from 16 to 15 18). This is a fairly conservative system that has existed with minor changes for more than 100 years - since the 1890s. State-standard education is compulsory for children from 6 to 16 years of age (the lyceum, as an analogue of Russian grades 9-11, mainly prepares students for admission to universities). At the same time, education is free in public schools, but there are also private alternatives.
Private schools - mostly fee-paying for students, but less constrained by government restrictions - also provide their graduates with state-issued diplomas. There are two types of such schools, based on their relationship with the state: subsidized (sous contrat) and unsubsidized (hors contrat). In the first of them, the government pays salaries to teachers, and schools follow the national program and standard curriculum, in the second, there are no subsidies from the government, but there is an opportunity to educate children according to non-standard programs.
Among state-subsidized schools, there are also two categories: “contrat simple” and “contrat d’association”. Contrat simple: school matches state requirements in relation to the curriculum and examinations, receiving subsidies for the salaries of teachers. Contrat d'association: In addition to the contrat simple, the school is partly controlled by the state in terms of pedagogical methods and the selection of teachers, receiving funding for operating expenses and salaries. To receive funding under such a contract, schools must prove that they have a certain philosophy that is missing in the state system. Typically, private schools have a religious (Catholic) orientation. This system has been in effect in France since 1959 (the so-called Debray laws).
The cost of studying at private schools depends on many factors, but, in general, is not particularly prohibitive by European standards. Thus, studying at one of the oldest and most elite schools - Ecole de Roches - in 2008 cost 27,320 euros per academic year.
Let us also note that 80% of schools in France are public, and the smallest category is unsubsidized by the state institutions, there are only about 20% of them in the country (less elementary, about 9%, secondary, just over 30%). There are also more teachers in public schools than in private ones - but in terms of the number of schools, non-state institutions win.
Non-state schools in France include almost all religious (Catholic) educational institutions, as well as schools for children with disabilities, etc. In other words, those schools that educate obviously non-standard people or do it in non-standard ways are being pushed into the private sector.
Primary school in France is not much different from the advanced version of Russian school - small classes, a playful approach to subjects, no grades in most schools. But at the age of 11, having completed primary school, young Frenchmen enter college, which is considered the first stage of secondary education. In college, grades are counted in reverse order: the student enters the sixth grade and four years later finishes the third. Then comes the final - and, unlike Russia, compulsory for everyone - stage of the lyceum, which takes two years. There are two main types of lyceums - general educational (general) and technological (technologique), but within each category there are many profiles and specializations - approximately what they are now trying to teach Russian schoolchildren to do.
The second grade of the lyceum (that is, the first in chronological order) is general education, here it does not yet reach specializations. The first class already has many directions - branches of training leading to different types Bachelor's degree (this is the name of the exam for an analogue of our matriculation certificate, in fact the first specialized work or project of the student). Some lyceums even offer programs such as astronautics or aeronautics as profiles.
Among the differences between French specialization and Russian projects is a special status French as an object. Everyone without exception takes the state language test after first grade. The score for this test is taken into account when taking the bachelor's degree exam.
The bachelor's exam itself is preceded by the last, “diploma” class, also known as the “terminal”. Preparation for the final exam is extremely serious, since its results are taken into account when entering universities. In general, during the three years of lyceum, the French have time to both decide on their future specialty and demonstrate their level to others and submit a kind of application for a future career.
Germany
Based on the same Prussian education system as the Russian school, the education system in Germany these days is much more diversified and, according to some analysts, less democratic. Critics of the German school system They usually point to the fact that the main choice of a child’s future is made in elementary school - later, if the family’s capabilities initially did not allow them to choose a good school, it is extremely difficult, almost impossible, to break into the ranks of the elite.
So, primary school in Germany educates children from 6 to 10 years old (or up to 12 years old in Berlin and Brandenburg). In it, children learn to read, count, write, and study natural history. The differences among primary schools are mainly in the availability and quality of extracurricular activities. Then comes the turn of high school - from 10 to 19 years old. And here specialization and social stratification among schools becomes apparent.
The choice of the type of school, as German laws state, occurs individually for each student in accordance with the recommendation of the school, the wishes of the parents, the level of school grades, and the result of the entrance exams. Since the level of development and the availability of recommendations is related to the primary school the child attended, the choice of school often depends on the capabilities of the family.
The types of secondary schools in Germany are as follows: basic school (Hauptschule) - designed for 5-6 years of study and involves subsequent training in a vocational school; real school (Realschule) - designed for 6 years of study, and a high score obtained based on the results of studying in a real school allows you to enter the senior class of a gymnasium, and then to a university; finally, the most thorough education is provided by gymnasiums (Gymnasium) - where education lasts 8-9 years.
As a rule, a gymnasium specializes in three main areas: humanitarian (languages, literature, art), social (social sciences) and technical (natural sciences, mathematics, technology). Upon completion of training, a diploma of secondary education (Abitur) is issued. The German Abitur is the equivalent of the Russian certificate of complete secondary education and the British A-level diploma. Gymnasiums are aimed at entering the University.
In addition to these three types, there are also general schools (Gesamtschule) - they combine various features of a gymnasium and real schools, allowing you to receive both a humanitarian and technical education at the same time.
In addition to public schools, private educational institutions also issue state-issued certificates. These are, as a rule, religious, elite, closed schools. The range of educational services provided by private companies is wider than the state one - for example, only in such schools can a foreign student receive a German certificate.
Private schools in Germany (in public education expectedly free) they charge more for tuition than French ones - for example, in prestigious German schools the full cost of the academic year is about 40,000 euros.
Great Britain
The British secondary school is perhaps the most distinctive education system in Western Europe. And, at the same time, perhaps the most prestigious - regardless of tests like PISA, British schools magnetically attract students from all over the world, not excluding Russians.
“Many people teach, we educate gentlemen,” this phrase is attributed to the director of one of the most prestigious British schools. In fact, this is the essence of the carefully built brand of British secondary education.
Education in the UK is compulsory for all citizens aged 5 to 16 years. There are two sectors of education: public ( free education) and private (paid educational institutions, where a year costs 40 - 50 thousand US dollars). In addition, there is a big difference between the education systems of different parts of Britain: one system has developed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the second in Scotland.
One of the most characteristic types of secondary school in the United Kingdom is the Boarding School, the tradition of which dates back to early Middle Ages. Initially, these schools appeared at monasteries, in particular Benedictine ones. Although monastery boarding schools were charitable, British boarding schools have been fee-paying for half a millennium.
Now boarding schools have a reputation as “aristocratic” - the fact is that once upon a time it was schools of this type that raised several generations of British people who subjugated half the world. And now some of the boarding houses that have existed for many hundreds of years under one roof and one name can be called clubs for the descendants of the most aristocratic families of the former empire.
Apart from these schools, there are many other types of educational institutions in the kingdom. They are divided into schools based on the age of the students. full cycle(All-Through schools), this is an approximate analogue of our educational complexes “from kindergarten to graduation”; and for schools for each individual age: preparatory schools - nurseries, from 2 to 7 years, in which, in addition to regular kindergarten classes, they also teach reading and writing, junior schools - primary schools, from 7 to 13 years, ending with a special exam Common Entrance Examination, without which the path further is closed. In addition, there is an alternative system - Primary School from 4 to 11 years old, with a further transition to the Secondary School stage.
Next after Junior comes the high school, Senior School - teenagers from 13 to 18 years old study there. Here, children first undergo two years of training to pass GCSE exams, followed by another two-year program: A-Level or International Baccalaureate.
In a parallel system, this age is “closed” by Secondary school, which teaches children aged 11 years and older. An analogue of the Russian gymnasium, Grammar school is an education for children aged 11 years and older according to an in-depth program. Graduation classes for those entering universities in Britain are called Sixth Form, these are 2 senior years of study (16 - 18 years old).
In Britain, the tradition of separate education for boys and girls is still strong. This is especially noticeable in the world of traditional boarding schools, of which the majority are “separate”. However, schools of the “new formation” are mostly, on the contrary, mixed.
In terms of ownership, both private and public schools are widely represented in the UK. Free secondary education is, of course, guaranteed by the state, however (similar to Germany) for a successful career you need to graduate from the “right” school. And such schools are traditionally private (this was the prevailing form of ownership until the twentieth century) and are quite expensive for parents.
Compulsory education in Britain applies to children up to 16 years of age. Then (after receiving A-Levels) the system of educational loans begins to operate. Moreover, a university graduate begins to pay them only when he gets a job with earnings of at least 21 thousand pounds a year. If there is no such work, there is no need to repay the debt.
The length and age at which children begin compulsory education in the United States varies by state. Children begin their education between the ages of 5 and 8 and finish between the ages of 14 and 18.
At the age of about 5 years, American children go to elementary school (kindergarten). This zero-grade class is optional in some states—nevertheless, almost all American children attend kindergarten. Although kindergarten literally means “kindergarten” in German, kindergartens exist separately in the United States and are literally called “preschool”.
Elementary school continues through fifth or sixth grade (depending on the school district), after which the student goes to middle school, which ends with eighth grade. High school is grades nine through twelve, so Americans, like Russians, typically complete secondary education at age 18.
Those who complete a high school education may enroll in community colleges, also called junior colleges, technical colleges, or city colleges, which award an associate's degree after two years of study. ) comparable to the average special education. Another option to continue your education is to attend colleges or universities, where you can earn a bachelor's degree, usually in four years. Those who have received a bachelor's degree can study further to obtain a master's degree (2-3 years) or a PhD (analogous to the Russian candidate of sciences, 3 years or more). Separately accredited faculties and universities issue degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Law, for which special training is required at the bachelor's level.
Free public schools are governed primarily by democratically elected school boards, each of which has jurisdiction over a school district, whose boundaries often coincide with those of a county or city, and which contain one or more schools at each level. School boards set school programs, hire teachers, and determine program funding. States regulate education within their borders by setting standards and testing students. State funding for schools is often determined by how much their students' test scores have improved.
Money for schools comes primarily from local (city) property taxes, so the quality of schools depends heavily on home prices and how much in taxes parents are willing to pay for good schools. This often leads to a vicious circle. Parents flock to counties where schools have earned a good reputation, eager to provide their children with a good education. Home prices are rising, and the combination of money and motivated parents is taking schools to an even higher level. The opposite occurs at the other end of the spectrum, in poor areas of the so-called “inner cities”.
Some large school districts establish "magnet schools" for particularly talented children living in their jurisdiction. Sometimes in one district there are several such schools, divided by specialty: a technical school, a school for children who have shown talent in the arts, etc.
Approximately 85% of children are educated in public schools. Most of the rest go to fee-paying private schools, many of which are religious. The most widespread is the network of Catholic schools, which was started by Irish immigrants in the second half of the 19th century. Other private schools, often very expensive and sometimes highly competitive, exist to prepare students for admission to prestigious universities. There are even boarding schools that draw students from all over the country, such as Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. The cost of education in such schools is about 50,000 US dollars per year for parents.
Less than 5% of parents decide to homeschool their children for various reasons. Some religious conservatives do not want their children to be taught ideas with which they disagree, most commonly the theory of evolution. Others believe that schools cannot meet the needs of their underperforming or, conversely, brilliant children. Still others want to protect children from drugs and crime, which are problems in some schools. In many places, parents who homeschool their children form groups in which they help each other, and sometimes even different parents teach the children different subjects. Many also supplement their lessons with distance learning programs and classes at local colleges. However, critics of homeschooling argue that homeschooling is often substandard and that children raised this way do not acquire normal social skills.
Primary schools (elementary schools, grade schools, or grammar schools) usually educate children from the age of five until they are eleven or twelve. One teacher teaches all subjects except fine arts, music and physical education, which are taught once or twice a week. Academic subjects taught, as a rule, are arithmetic (occasionally elementary algebra), reading and writing, with an emphasis on spelling and improvement vocabulary. Natural and social sciences are taught little and not in variety. Often social science takes the form of local history.
Often in elementary school, learning consists of art projects, field trips, and other forms of learning through fun. This arose from the progressive education movement of the early 20th century, which taught that students should learn through work and everyday actions and the study of their consequences.
Middle schools, junior high schools, or intermediate schools typically educate children between the ages of 11 or 12 and 14—grades six or seven through eight. Recently, sixth grade has increasingly been included in secondary school. Typically, in a secondary school, unlike in a primary school, one teacher teaches one subject. Students are required to take classes in math, English, science, social studies (often including world history), and physical education. Students choose one or two classes themselves, usually in foreign languages, arts and technology.
In high school, the division of students into ordinary and advanced streams also begins. Students who do better than others in a given subject may be placed in an advanced ("honor") class, where they cover the material faster and are assigned more homework. Recently, such classes, especially in the humanities, have been abolished in some places: critics believe that isolating high-performing students prevents low-performing students from catching up.
High school (high school) - final stage secondary education in the United States, lasting from ninth to twelfth grade. In high school, students can choose their classes more freely than before and only have to meet the minimum graduation criteria set by the school board. Typical minimum requirements are:
3 years of natural sciences (a year of chemistry, a year of biology and a year of physics);
3 years of mathematics, up to second year algebra (mathematics in middle and high schools is typically divided into first year algebra, geometry, second year algebra, introduction to calculus, and calculus, and taken in that order);
4 years of literature;
2-4 years of social sciences, usually including US history and government;
1-2 years of physical education.
For admission to many universities, a more complete program is required, including 2-4 years of a foreign language.
Students must choose the remaining classes themselves. The set of such classes varies greatly in quantity and quality, depending on financial situation school and the inclinations of schoolchildren. A typical set of optional classes is:
Additional sciences (statistics, computer science, environmental science);
Foreign languages (most often Spanish, French and German; less often Japanese, Chinese, Latin and Greek);
Fine arts (painting, sculpture, photography, cinema);
Performing arts (theater, orchestra, dance);
Computer technology (computer use, computer graphics, web design);
Publishing (journalism, yearbook editing);
Labor (woodworking, car repair).
In some cases, the student may not be enrolled in any classroom at all.
In high school, especially in the last two years, a new type of advanced class has emerged. Students can take classes that are designed to prepare them for the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams. Most universities count a good grade on these exams as entry into the relevant subject.
Grades, both at school and at universities, are issued according to the A/B/C/D/F system, where A is the best grade, F is unsatisfactory, and D can be considered satisfactory or unsatisfactory depending on the circumstances. All marks except F can be appended with “+” or “−”. In some schools, A+ and D− grades do not exist. From these marks, the average (grade point average, abbreviated GPA) is calculated, in which A is considered 4, B is considered 3, and so on. Grades for advanced classes in school are often raised by a point, meaning an A counts as a 5, and so on.
South Korea
Children aged 8 to 14 years attend primary school. The list of subjects studied in primary school includes (but does not exhaust it):
Mathematics
Exact sciences
Social Sciences
art
Music
Usually all these subjects are taught by one class teacher, although some specialized disciplines may be taught by other teachers (for example, physical education or foreign languages).
Advancement through the levels of the educational system from primary to higher school is not determined by the results of passing various exams, but solely by the age of the student.
Until the late 1980s, English was usually taught in secondary school, but now it begins to be taught in the third grade of primary school. The Korean language is strikingly different from English in terms of grammar, so mastering English occurs with great difficulty, but with relatively little success, which fact is often a topic of thought for parents. Many of them end up sending their children to further education in private educational institutions called hagwons. More and more schools in the country are beginning to attract foreigners for whom English is their native language.
In addition to public primary schools, there are a number of private schools in Korea. The curriculum of such schools more or less corresponds to the state one, however, it is implemented at a higher level: it is offered larger number teachers for fewer students, additional subjects are introduced and higher standards of education are established in general. This explains the natural desire of many parents to enroll their children in such schools, which, however, is stopped by the relatively high cost of education in them: $130 per month of classes. This cannot be compared with the prestigious countries of Europe and the USA, but relative to the income of Koreans this is quite decent money.
Elementary schools are called "chodeung hakkyo" in Korean, which means "elementary school." The South Korean government changed the name in 1996 from the former "gukmin hakkyo", which translates to "civic school". It was above all a gesture of restoring national pride.
Korean school education is divided into secondary and tertiary (secondary and high school education, respectively).
Secondary school entrance examinations were abolished in 1968. In the late 1980s, students still had to take entrance exams (but without competing with other candidates), and the result of admission was determined either randomly or by place of residence relative to one or another educational institution. Schools, whose rank was previously determined by the level of students, were equalized in receiving government support and the number of poor students distributed. However, this reform did not completely level out schools. In Seoul, students who did well on entrance exams were allowed to enroll in more prestigious schools without regard to their district, while everyone else was admitted to a school in “their” district. The reforms were applied equally to public and private schools, admission to which was strictly controlled by the Ministry of Education.
Unlike the United States, where the class number usually increases incrementally from 1 to 12, in South Korea the class number starts from one each time you enter elementary, middle, and high school. To differentiate between them, the class number is usually indicated along with the educational level. For example, the first year of high school will be called "First Year of High School", "chunghakkyo il haknyeon".
In Korean, high school is called "chunhakyo", which literally means "middle school".
There are 3 classes in a Korean high school. Most students enter at the age of 12 and graduate by age 15 (by Western standards). These three years correspond approximately to grades 7-9 in the North American and grades 2 and 4 (form) in the British educational systems.
Compared to elementary school, South Korean high school places much higher demands on its students. Dress and hairstyles are almost always strictly regulated, as are many other aspects of a student's life. As in elementary school, students spend most day in the same class with your classmates; however, each subject is taught by a different teacher. Teachers move from class to class and only some of them, excluding those who teach “special” subjects, have their own classroom, where the students go themselves. Class teachers play a very important role in the lives of students and have significantly more authority than their American colleagues.
Students in high school have six periods a day, usually preceded by a special block of time in the early morning, and a seventh period specific to each major.
Unlike a university, the curriculum does not vary much from one high school to another. The core of the curriculum is formed:
Mathematics
Korean and English
Also close to the exact sciences.
"Additional" items include:
Various arts
Physical Culture
History
Hancha (Chinese characters)
Managing a Home Economy
Computer literacy lessons.
Which subjects and in what quantities are studied by students varies from year to year.
Duration training sessions equals 45 minutes. Immediately before the start of the first lesson, students have about 30 minutes at their disposal, which can be used at will for self-study, watching programs broadcast by a special educational channel (Educational Broadcast System, EBS) or for conducting personal or class affairs. In 2008, students attended classes full day from Monday to Friday, as well as half a day every first, third and fifth Saturday of the month. On Saturday, students engage in additional activities in some clubs.
In the late 1960s, the government ended the practice of high school entrance examinations, replacing them with a system in which students from the same area were admitted to high school on a random basis. This was done to average out the standard of pupils across all schools, but to some extent differences between rich and poor areas remained. Until recently, most schools were open to one sex only, but recently new secondary schools are accepting children of both sexes and older schools are also becoming mixed.
As in primary school, students move from class to class regardless of their performance, as a result of which the same subject in the same class can be studied by students with completely different levels of preparation. Grades begin to play a very important role in the last year of high school, since they influence the student's chances of entering a particular university, for those who primarily want to pursue a scientific rather than a professional technical career. In other cases, grades are needed simply to please parents or teachers (or to avoid their righteous anger). There are several standard examination forms for certain subjects, and teachers of "science" subjects are required to follow the recommended teaching aids, however, usually secondary school teachers have more authority over the course program and teaching method than teachers in universities.
Many high school students also attend additional courses (“hagwon”) after classes, or receive training from private tutors. Special attention focused on English and mathematics. Some of the hagwons specialize in only one subject, while others specialize in all core subjects, which can turn into a second round of schooling with often even more workload for the student immediately after finishing the first (official) one. And, in addition to this, especially persistent people also attend martial arts clubs or music schools.
They usually return home late in the evening.
Korean schools have a special attitude towards technical support. By 2011, according to the declarations of the Korean government, the country's schools completely switched from paper textbooks to electronic ones.
Finland
In Finland, every child has the right to pre-primary education, which generally begins one year before the start of compulsory education, that is, in the year in which the child has his sixth birthday. Pre-primary education may be received at a school or kindergarten, family kindergarten or other suitable location. This is decided by the municipality.
A child begins compulsory education the year he turns seven and continues until he is 16 or 17 years old. The state guarantees free basic education. This includes training, textbooks, notebooks, basic stationery, meals at school are also free.
In the 3rd grade, the study of English begins; in the 4th grade, the child chooses an elective foreign language(French, German or Russian). Compulsory Swedish begins in 7th grade.
Second stage
After receiving basic education, students are faced with a choice:
Receive vocational education, after which start working in your specialty. Training takes place in vocational schools (Finnish: ammatillinen oppilaitos): in particular, a vocational school (Finnish: ammattiopisto), or you can also opt for on-the-job training under a contract (Finnish: oppisopimuskoulutus).
Continue your studies at the lyceum, where serious preparation for entering higher school is underway. Students who go to the lyceum must show enough high degree preparedness (the average score of grades received in basic school will be this definition). In Finland, lyceum graduates are applicants - they apply to higher school while still lyceum students.
It is interesting that, like in Russia, “hidden fees” for some types of secondary education are practiced in Finland. So, if in a general school textbooks are provided free of charge, then in a gymnasium you need to buy them - this is about 500 euros per year, and you need to pay the entire amount at once. As for private schools, you will have to spend 30-40 thousand euros per year on training there.
Which system is more suitable than others as a guide for Russian secondary education? Irina Abankina, director of the Institute for Educational Development at the Higher School of Economics (HSE), briefly spoke about this for SP:
This is a very difficult question. In short, perhaps no system suits us completely. On the one hand, the historical roots of our education system go to Germany, this is well known. At the same time, in Germany itself there is now an active reform of secondary schools. In the UK, their traditional model is now also being changed - Michael Barber is doing this. Despite the fact that these are magnificent and prestigious systems, there are still many questions there.
On the other hand, according to the results international tests— the same PISA — countries have jumped ahead in recent years South-East Asia. Shanghai, the vanguard of Chinese education, showed miracles and impressed Taiwan; Previously, South Korea and Japan rushed forward no less actively.
This means that the Eastern model of education is also worth taking an interest in. And this model, frankly speaking, is not as pleasant for the observer as the European or American one. These are full classes - up to 40 people! This is strict discipline, reminiscent of the golden years of the Soviet school. But this is also a factor that was missing in our old school - universal tutoring, that is, tutoring. Without individual - paid - lessons, it is very difficult to prepare a student there well. According to Professor Mark Breir, who works at Shahnai University, the size of the tutoring market in Shanghai reaches 2.5% of GDP. In the budgets of most families, expenses for additional educational services are a significant item.
As for Russia, I repeat, none of the existing systems in the world are suitable for us without adaptation. When building a new school for the country, it will be necessary to combine solutions from all over the world .