5. According to the Education Act of 1991 one of the local goverments duty is to organise and run public kindergartens and provide the children with unpaid teaching and nursing for at least 5 hours a day (the time necessary for the implementation of the content included in the Core Curriculum for pre-school and General Education. Parents’ payments cover childrens’ meals and extra lessons if a child attends the kindergarten more than 5 hours.
6. Compulsory Education Compulsory education from 6 to 18 years old Stages The period/age of education 0 grade Age: 6-year-old 6-year Primary School Age: 7-13-year-old Stage I – integrated teaching: 7-10-year-old Stage II- teaching arranged by subjects: 10-13-year-old 3-year Lower Compulsory Secondary/Grammar School/Gymnasium Age: 13-18-year-old Stage III - teaching arranged by subjects
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. Grade VI of primary school An external standardised test upon the completion of the primary school (grade VI). It provides pupils and parents as well as schools with information about the level of achievements of six-year primary school leaver. These tests are comparable to the nation scale. Grade VI of primary school (students age 13) – general compulsory competence test on the basis of Core Curriculum.
15. Grade III of the lower secondary school Grade III of the lower secondary school (students age 16) – at the end of 3rd year– students take a general, compulsory exam. This examination checks both abilities and knowledge in the field of humanities and science and modern language. It is compulsory for all students. The results are indicated on the leaving certificate. They are comparable to the nation scale.
16. Admission requirements The number of points indicated on the lower compulsory secondary school leaving certificate (based on results achieved in chosen areas of study and other achievements), including the points received during the compulsory lower secondary school examination, decides about pupils’ admission to an upper secondary school. The detailed admission rules are defined by each upper secondary school, which opens admissions to new students.
17. Post-compulsory Education Stage of education The period/ age of education Secondary School/High School Age: 16-19 Three-year Specialised Secondary School Age 16-19 Technical College Age 16-20 Basic Vocational School Age: 16-18/19 Supplementary General School Age 18/19 – 20/21 Supplementary Secondary Technical School Age 18/19 – 20/21 Upper/Post Secondary School Age: 19-21
18.
19. Vocational examination At the end of the basic vocational school, technical schools and upper secondary schools, pupils are evaluated by means of a compulsory vocational examination . The success in the theoretical and practical parts of this examination, relating to the occupation, gives students the title of skilled worker.
20. Basic vocational schools provide their students with a certificate of completion of vocational school (entitling the vocational school graduate to apply for profesional job).
21. Higher Education Since 5 May 2006, The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has regulated activities and the organisation of Higher Education.
28. Teachers Teachers must have a university degree. The type of required studies depend on the stage of teaching. Teachers working in 6-year primary schools ougth to have one of the following qualifications: - University education or equivalent completed (Master’s degree) - 3-year teachers training college completed (Bachelor’s degree) - 3-year teachers training college completed (ended with diploma, without Bachelor’s degree).
29. Teachers in: - Lower Secondary School–at least Bachelor’s or Master’s degree - Secondary School – ought to have completed a University education and hold Master’s degree. Teachers at each stage ought to have completed pedagogical training/teacher education faculties and a particular subject they want to teach.
30.
31. Current Reforms Since 2009/2010 school year, children at the age of six have had the right to start compulsory education at primary schools. Children aged 3-5 are subjected to pre-school education. In 2010/2011 all five-year-olds are obliged to attend a year long school preparation. In 2011/2012 all six-year-olds will be obliged to start compulsory education at primary schools.
