Education

Educational systems are established to provide education and training for children and youth. A curriculum defines what students sholud know, understand and be able to do as the result of education.

Education includes 4 stages: pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary.

Pre-school education is for childern up to 3 years. These schools are called kinder gardens or sometimes nursery school. Children spend there few hours each day playing and doing some activities. They start their socializing there too.

Primary (elementary) education consists of the first yeas of formal, structured education. In general, preimary education consists of 9 years of schooling starting at the age of 6 or 7. School providing secondary education are called primary schools. Primary schools in our country are divided into 2 degrees. After the 1st degree, that lasts first 4 years, can children decide whether they want to study at grammar school. Grammar schools provide secondary education. Studies at these schools last over 8 years and they should be chosen by the most gifted students and for those who want to study at universities.

Secondary education generally occurs at about 15 or 16 years of age. This education consists of the second years of formal education that occur during adolescence. It is characterised by transition from compulsory primary education to the selective tertiary, „post-secondary“ or „higher“ education. In different countries secondary schools are called differently: high schools, grammar schools, lyceums, middle schools, colleges. To finish secondary education, students have to pass the school-leaving examination (matricular exams). They have to choose minimum 4 subjects including their mother language and at least one foreign language. After passing these exams they can apply for the university or they can choose a job.

Tertiary education, often called higher or third stage, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing secondary education, such as high or grammar schools. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education. This is provided by colleges and universities. When students successfully accomplish their university studies they are given a degree in their field of study. The most advanced type of degree is a PhD when postgraduate students study on their own for several years, doing researches and writing a dissertation work explaining what they have discovered. They also have to defend their work in front of a panel of professors.

Usually at the age of 15 or 16, many gifted children decide to go to study abroad. Tehre is a big variety of many either travelling or student agencies which offer them the best alterantives for atudying abroad. Students usually go to foreign countries because of improving their language skills, to see the world and also make new friendships. These exchange trips are also very usefull for their final exams and university studies.

Another very important part of student life is the relationship between the teacher and the student. Students should be always well prepared for the lesson and quietly sit at their desks. That is what teachers require. They should be also studious and behave honestly because their behaviour is one of many elements that influences the marks.