Every child has the right to secondary education in Poland
Information about secondary education in Poland
Children of foreigners have the right to education in Poland
Every child has the right tosecondary education in Poland - Wikipedia.This right is granted by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as the Constitution of the Republic of Poland (Article 70).
Polish law distinguishes between the right to education (compulsory for all persons under 18 years of age) and allows continuing education if the age of 18 is reached earlier before the end of upper secondary school. According to the Constitution, education in Poland is compulsory for everyone, as well as for foreign children.
Children with refugee status have the right to education, as well as children who are protected: refugee status or “permit to stay” on the territory of Poland, all this is in accordance with the rules of Poland, the law on the education system (art. 94).
According to the Polish law on the education system:
- refugee children are entitled to receive free education at all levels of education in Poland, as well as in art schools;
- children staying in Poland and applying for refugee status are entitled to receive free education in basic level, studying in a gymnasium and obtaining a complete secondary education;
- children of foreigners with a different legal status - have the right to education in public educational institutions in Poland on a commercial basis, but the school administration has the right to exempt them from fees.
The Polish regulations require the inclusion of children in the state education system as soon as possible and give children and young people protection in Poland or children claiming this protection the following rights:
The right to learn Polish
Children of the parents of applicants for refugee status are entitled to free Polish language lessons, which will allow them to take advantage of the state education system (EU directive on minimum standards for the admission of applicants for refugee status (2003/9 / EC of January 27, 2003, Poland, law on protection of aliens, art. 61)
Children of parents applying for refugee status, refugee children and children covered by other forms of protection are also entitled to study Polish at school free of charge (art. 94-a. of the law on the education system). The school is required to organize extra classes for a group of children (at least 2 hours per week) if it has more than 15 students, or to allow children to participate in classes organized outside the school when the group becomes smaller.
The right to education at the pre-school level
Article 14 of the law on the education system states the obligations of parents to give preschool education for all children. Children under protection in Poland and children applying for refugee status are entitled to pre-school education under the same conditions as Polish children.
The right to study mother tongue and preservation of culture
The school is obliged to support foreign students to preserve their national identity, ethnicity, religion, as well as the preservation of their language (Article 13 of the Education Law). The school is obliged to organize lessons in the language of the country of origin of foreign children and has an obligation to share premises when the initiative is taken by the cultural association or embassy of the country of origin of the children. The right to raise children in the spirit of their religion and culture is also given to all parents in Poland by the Constitution of the Republic of Poland (art. 48).
Religion Lessons While Obtaining Secondary Education in Poland
The teaching of religion in a Polish school is carried out with the consent of the parents, the lessons of religion in Poland are mandatory for everyone. Therefore, children of foreigners should take part in the lessons of religion. The school is obliged to provide alternative classes for children who do not participate in the lessons of religion (art. 12 of the law on the education system). The school can teach the religion of religious associations officially registered in Poland.
The right to receive secondary education in Poland
Articles 43.1 and 43.2 of the Law on the Higher Education System give refugees the right to free use of education at a higher level, for scientific research and postgraduate education (on the same conditions as for citizens of Poland). People with temporary residence and foreigners with a different legal status can receive higher education in Poland for a fee.
The right of vocational secondary education in Poland for children
The European 'private cabin' directive gives youth refugee applicants the right to use vocational courses, even when refugee applicants are not entitled to work. The Polish law on the education system (art. 94 a (2)) gives the right to receive vocational education to all children who have the status of refugees or temporarily under the protection of the state under the same conditions as for citizens of Poland.
How to get to a Polish school for a student
The Polish Education Act obliges local authorities to organize free public transport to school: for children in the first, second, third and fourth grades when they live within a radius of three kilometers from the school; for children from the fifth and sixth grade - when this distance is more than four kilometers. Local authorities can also cover the costs of transporting the child and guardian to school if public transport is possible (Article 14 of the law on the education system).
Social protection of children receiving secondary education in Poland
Children claiming refugee status are entitled to the social assistance necessary to receive complete education at the level elementary school and gymnasiums, in particular, the purchase of textbooks (Article 61 of the Law on the Protection of Foreigners in the Territory of the REPUBLIC of Poland). Refugee and State-protected children have the right to use all forms of social protection offered to children in difficult life situation, including social scholarships and scientific scholarships (Article 90 of the law on the education system).
Refugee students are entitled to the social assistance available to Polish students, including the possibility of using a hostel or receiving a scholarship (art. 173 of the Law on Higher Education Institutions).
Issues related to the support of persons claiming refugee status (also in the field of education) are regulated by the Order of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of 14 August 2003 (No. 146, item 1528 and No. 157 item 1322).
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Despite the fact that there is a dime a dozen information for parents about raising a child and preparing him for an adult, independent life, many parents choose a profession for their child with a great delay. And you need to think when the child lies across the bed (folk wisdom). In the good old Soviet times the process of educating children and choosing a profession for them was handled by the school. Parents only corrected the proposals of teachers. True, there was no particular choice in obtaining both secondary and higher education. As a rule, all children were educated at home, in the Soviet Union. Only very gifted children and children of the elite, as an exception, could receive their secondary education abroad. Today it is a completely different matter and it must be appreciated and used. I meansecondary education abroad
. But, there is no particular revival in the market of foreign education. Parents are somehow wary of their child receiving secondary education abroad. Ah, in vain. Having receivedsecondary education abroad
child gets access to receivehigher education abroad for free at prestigious European universities. For the sake of persuasiveness of my reasoning, I quote from an interview with the director of the educational company "Albion" Natalya Shchukinabased on the materials of the November issue (2009) of the magazine "British Style".
… “- Natalya Yuryevna, how do parents today feel about the idea of getting a secondary education abroad and sending their child to study abroad?
Even in pre-revolutionary times in Russia, children from noble families went to study abroad or received home education from foreign teachers. In the early 90s, wealthy families began to send their children to study abroad again, but at that time such studies were considered rather an element of prestige. Today, parents take this step more carefully. They pay more attention to what their child will have to face. They now have much more information at their disposal regarding educational programs than 10-15 years ago. Parents consider a lot of options and choose the one that is most preferable for their child to get higher education abroad.
-What is important to pay attention to when choosing a school for secondary education abroad?
An important factor when choosing a school or university is its rating. There are general ratings of both private schools and universities, which are published in popular newspapers - The Times, The Daily Telegraph and others. Traditionally, the first and second places in university rankings are shared by Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Third place may be taken by another worthy university, for example, the London School of Economics. In total, school rankings usually include the top 500 private schools out of more than 2,500. And all universities appear in university rankings. When choosing a university, you should familiarize yourself not only with the overall ranking, but also with the rankings of universities by specialty, as well as find out the effectiveness of the work of the department for the employment of graduates.”…
I want to note that today other European universities, such as Polish universities, where you can get a full-fledged European education for free, are also approaching the popularity of English universities. More information about studying in Poland can be found on the website"Higher education abroad is free" . I continue to publish a quote from an interview with the director of the educational company "Albion" Natalia Shchukina.
“- Are there any similarities between Russian and British educational systems? - There are more differences between Russian and British education than similarities. And although in the UK, as well as in Russia, public day schools make up the majority, there are quite a lot - about 7% - of private schools, including boarding schools. By origin, these are the educational institutions where the elite of the British Empire was brought up. The centuries-old traditions of strict British education originate here. Classes in such boarding houses last from about 9 am to 6-7 pm, including not only classical school subjects, but also sports sections, art and theater studios, walks and outdoor games. Similareducation system in a boarding house allows you to correctly plan children's time. Whereas in our country such educational institutions are rather an exception, and parents who want to engage in the full development of the child have to spend many hours traveling in order to attend various language courses, art and dance schools or sports sections with them.
-Is it possible to gethigher education abroad for free And how is admission to universities?
Transition to higher education in the UK it is also done differently. Already at the age of 16, in continuation of the secondary school program, children are offered a two-year national pre-university preparation course, the so-called A-Level. Thus, young Britons should think about the future and choose their university, and hence their future profession, much earlier than our guys. But anyway, whether to give the child Russian education or foreign, it is up to the parents to decide. And this decision depends on many factors: on life circumstances, on the moral readiness of the family and, of course, the child. Therefore, this decision must be approached with great responsibility.
On the territory of the entire post-Soviet space, Poland stands out due to modern ways and methods of teaching. citizens receive on a mandatory basis, and they can choose the most suitable system for them or their children. In our article, we will try to reveal in most detail the entire path that students go through from kindergarten to receiving future profession.
in Poland
Toddlers can start kindergarten at the age of three. The state took as a basis the system adopted in most European countries: up to the age of six, parents can take their children to preschool or sit at home with them, but from six to seven years the child is obliged to attend kindergarten to get ready for school. IN Last year kids are taught to count, read, play music and dance. At this age, not only Poles are obliged to attend kindergarten, but also children of refugees who are under the protection of the state. Preschoolers can get education in Poland in the following institutions:
Primary School
Secondary education in Poland is compulsory, and the right to it is enshrined in the country's constitution. Not only children of citizens of the country, but also children of foreigners should go to school. The education system in Poland has a number of features:
- At the age of seven, kids go to the first grade and until the third they are immersed in the conditions, which means that classes are not divided into separate subjects (with the exception of physical education and music). All lessons except those mentioned above are taught by one teacher. At the request of parents, children can attend classes on ethics and study religion.
- The next stage is study from the fourth to the sixth grade. During this period, subject teachers work with children, and at the end of the sixth grade, children pass verification tests. I must say that the results of this exam do not affect the final grades or admission to the gymnasium. However, they are taken into account if the child is transferred to another school, especially if it has increased requirements.
Gymnasium
From 13 to 16 years old, Polish students attend a gymnasium where they study humanitarian sciences, two foreign languages, mathematical subjects and social science. At the end of this period, boys and girls take an exam, following which they are enrolled in the next educational institution. Secondary education in Poland can be continued either at a lyceum (it will take three years of study) or at a vocational school. At the end educational institutions young people receive a matriculation certificate and choose a further path. So, they can enter a university, post-lyceum school, technical school or go to work.
Higher education in Poland
Like many universities in European countries, Polish universities overwhelmingly accept students without exams. However, some educational institutions reserve the right to introduce additional tests - tests in certain subjects or an interview. The most prestigious universities set limits for the admission of international students. You can also get an education in Poland in one of the private universities, and the quality of education in these educational institutions is in no way inferior to the state ones. Another added benefit paid education- Opportunity to take an internship at the enterprise in your field. An appropriate mark in the diploma gives the graduate a competitive advantage over other young professionals.
Higher education in Poland for foreigners is always paid, but students can compensate for the costs through part-time work. IN big cities There are plenty of part-time (part-time) jobs that pay decent wages. It should be noted that Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians have the opportunity to work without official permission during the summer months. The rest of the time they are required to fill in the Declaration of Employment and be officially registered at the local employment center. In senior courses, education in Poland can be combined with an internship at a specialized enterprise. Such work, as a rule, is adequately paid and provides an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills.
Education after graduation
Many young professionals who have completed their studies in Russia seek to continue their studies abroad. Postgraduate education in Poland is an excellent opportunity for graduates with a bachelor's, specialist's or master's degree to improve their knowledge in their field or get an education in a new industry. If desired, the student may choose correspondence form training for a period of one year. There are the following types of postgraduate education:
Faculties of Medicine
More and more foreign students come to the country with the aim of enrolling in Faculty of Medicine. This fact can be explained by the fact that the quality of education is at a fairly high level, and its cost is much lower than in other European countries. Medical education in Poland can get:
Universities in Warsaw
Education in the capital's university has always been prestigious. If you decide to get an education in Poland, then pay attention to the following educational institutions:
Universities in Krakow
In one of the most beautiful cities in the country, public private educational institutions operate. We will talk about some of them:
- Economic University of Krakow- the largest in Poland in its direction. It is chosen not only by citizens of the country, but also by students from more than 40 countries of the world. The fact is that the university makes it possible to obtain a double diploma with countries such as France, Germany, Spain and some others.
- Music Academy in Krakow- quite popular among people of creative professions. Has his own recording studio.
- Academy of Social Sciences in Krakow- a private educational institution that offers students a choice of 22 specialties. The cost of education here is low, it is possible to get a parallel one (thanks to cooperation with the American University Clark University).
Conclusion
As you can see, the education system in Poland is quite progressive and accessible. That is why studying in this country is chosen not only by citizens of the country, but also by foreigners. Low tuition fees, the opportunity to earn extra money and get a job after graduation, an uncomplicated enrollment system - these are just a few of the factors that attract students from many countries of the world.
The educational system in Poland is considered one of the best in Europe, and a strong primary and high school allow, after passing the final exams, to enter the prestigious universities countries. What is secondary education in Poland? Free and mandatory, it is considered unique. Why?
The school system in Poland
After the child completes school education In Poland, it is time to receive school education, the system of which is as follows:
How education is organized in schools in Poland
As in the entire post-Soviet space, academic year in Poland it starts on September 1, and ends the next year at the end of June. Usually, there is no study as such directly on September 1: a solemn line is held, and the head of the class meets and gets acquainted with students and parents (this applies to lower grades).
This country has adopted a 5-day school week On weekends, students have a rest. Most often, studies begin at 8-00, although in some schools - a little later - at 8-30. In most educational institutions, training takes place in the first half of the day, i.e. on the first shift. However, if the number of students in the school is too large, 2 shifts are provided: the first starts at 8-00, and the second at 12-30.
The academic year in schools in Poland is divided into 2 semesters:
- The first semester lasts from September to January: it ends with the Christmas holidays, lasting from December 23 to January 2; at the same time, the semester results for all subjects are summed up. Also in January or February (depending on the voivodship) children go on a two-week winter vacation.
- The second semester runs from January to June, when grades are posted for the entire past academic year. The same results fit into the school certificate. During the second semester, children go once for the Easter holidays, which last a little less than a week.
Summer holidays last July-August, after which the next academic year begins.
How to get a job in a school in Poland
First of all, you need to find out which school belongs to the area where the child lives. This information is held by the Department of Education, the Department of Education of the Office of the Commune or the school itself.
Then you need to make sure that your child is included in the lists of children registered in the area to which the selected school belongs. These lists are received by the director of the educational institution from the population registration bureau, who then distributes the future students into classes.
Typically, this list includes all Polish citizens registered at a specific address. Those who live in rented apartments may or may not have a temporary residence permit.
If Foreign citizens with children are not registered in Poland at the place of residence, they should apply to the school principal with a written request to add the child to the list of those whom the school should accept for study in the current year. It is advisable to write such a statement in advance and attach to it documents confirming the fact of residence, for example, a copy of the rental agreement. 
School education in Poland in questions and answers
In this subsection, we will consider the most pressing questions of parents regarding school education and secondary schools in Poland.
Is a parent obligated to send a child to school in Poland while temporarily staying in the country?
Yes, I must. Every child from 7 to 18 years of age who is in the country is required to attend school and receive education. Failure to comply with this provision is fraught with sanctions and fines against parents. This rule also applies to children without Polish citizenship and does not depend on the legal status of the parents.
At what age do they go to first grade in Poland?
A child begins primary school in the year they turn seven, even if they are still six by September 1st. However, due to changes in legislation since 2014-2015. school obligation also applies to children aged 6 years.
If parents do not comply with the requirements of the laws regarding the start of compulsory schooling, this is fraught with an explanatory procedure, fines, and in the rarest cases, deprivation of the rights to the child.
Given that primary and secondary education is free, do parents incur additional costs during the school year?
Yes, parents of children, regardless of their nationality, bear the following mandatory expenses: 
- The purchase of a school uniform is usually soft slippers for wearing at school, a uniform for physical education lessons (sportswear), and in some educational institutions a sleeveless jacket and / or a set of clothes with the school emblem. In general, these costs amount to PLN 50-80.
- The purchase of textbooks is made according to the list approved by the director of the educational institution. Usually they are purchased once a year, the total cost is PLN 200-300.
- Purchase of stationery - notebooks, rulers, pens, etc. The list of necessities is also issued by the school, and the costs do not exceed several tens of PLN.
- Insurance premiums should not be confused with health insurance - this is accident insurance that is valid around the clock. The annual fee is PLN 40-50.
- School lunches are daily meals for a child at school, the costs are PLN 80-110 per month. Also, children usually take a second breakfast with them from home - this is drinking water and a snack (bun, sandwich, etc.).
There may also be expenses such as class and parent committee fees. If desired, the child can attend concerts, theaters, cinemas with the class, go on excursions, which are paid separately.
Educational institutions such as, for example, the private International School in Gdańsk offer education in paid basis in Polish or English. As for public schools, they are all free.
What if the child does not yet speak Polish? Will they help him learn the language?
Yes, they will definitely help. Every child who does not have Polish citizenship can count on free lessons state language taught additionally. Education takes place in the chosen school during the first academic year in parallel with the receipt of basic school education, on average 2 lessons per week of 45 minutes each, but no more than 5 lessons in 7 days. The number of classes and their schedule are approved by the director, having previously agreed them with the teacher. Classes are held individually or for a small group of children. 
How can a child catch up with the school curriculum if he has not previously studied a number of disciplines, and the previous school curriculum was significantly different from the current one?
A foreign child can attend additional classes necessary to level the level of knowledge at no additional charge. They are held during the first year from the beginning of schooling, in the amount of 1 lesson in 7 days for 1 subject in which the student is lagging behind. Usually the need for such lessons is determined by the teacher who teaches a particular subject. In total, the number of additional classes in various subjects cannot exceed 5 times a week.
What is a school certificate, why is it given?
School ID - main document, issued by an educational institution and confirming the student's attendance at a particular school. It contains the data of the student and information about educational institution. This mandatory document is issued only at the school where the child is studying. The certificate is valid for 1 year, after which it is stamped again.
A school certificate gives its holder the following benefits:
- Discounts on the use of public transport,
- Discounts on tickets to the zoo, cinema, museums, etc.,
It is an identity card during extracurricular activities: competitions, olympiads, etc.
If you are not satisfied with the education system and your wallet allows, you can take your children to study abroad! But is it always good where we are not? ..Poland. The child missed classes - the parents are fined!
Behind last decade The system of secondary education in Poland has undergone significant changes and now consists of three stages:- elementary school - is compulsory, education lasts 6 years;
- gymnasium - compulsory education for 3 years must be completed by children under 15 years old;
- lyceum, college or technical school - specialized training, lasts 3 years.
Studying abroad in elementary school begins at the age of 5-6. This does not mean that schoolchildren begin to master science so early. The first year (zero grade) is intended only to prepare children for basic education. Schoolchildren learn to communicate with each other, study simple mathematical operations and fundamentals of the natural sciences. The results of education in primary school are checked by tests that are of a reference nature and do not affect the final results of school education.
Education in the Polish gymnasium
Education in the Polish gymnasium lasts three years. After graduation, high school students take exams in language, history, natural science, as well as physics, mathematics and chemistry. The results of the final exams in the gymnasium, in contrast to the tests of the elementary school, affect further fate the child depends on the number of points scored, whether they will accept her to college / lyceum or not. If not, you will have to continue your studies at a vocational school. After graduating from a college or lyceum, an exam is taken in two stages: for school teachers and for an independent commission. Graduates of vocational schools take exams only by the interdepartmental commission. After these exams, children can apply to higher education institutions. The advantage of a college and a lyceum over a vocational school is that, based on the results of the final exams, you can enter a university without exams or with minor tests.
Since 1989, many non-public primary and secondary schools have opened in Poland, partially funded by financial donations. Several private higher education institutions have also been opened.
Children of foreigners have the right to study free of charge in primary schools and grammar schools in Poland. The task of parents is to provide the child with regular visits and create conditions for full-fledged learning at home. If a child misses 50% of school hours for a month without a valid reason, parents are fined.
By language of instruction. As in any civilized country, without knowing the state language, you will not be able to fully exist on its territory. If your child does not speak Polish, she is entitled to a free additional lesson in Polish (at least 2:00 per week for one academic year).
Unlike general education schools, education in lyceums, art institutions and circles for foreign children is paid.
The cost of studying in private educational institutions in Poland:
- gymnasium - from 1200 euros
- lyceum - from 1500 euros
- music or art school - from 3000 euros
- ballet school - from 4500 euros.
Through the mouths of parents
Olga, mother of 9-year-old Kostya
I was offered a Good work abroad in Warsaw, and after a while our whole family moved to Poland. The son goes to the 4th grade of the group of schools named after. Eugeniusz Lokajskiego. When choosing a school, they were guided by proximity to home. In addition, we were recommended this school as the best for foreigners. Our school is public. We cannot financially afford a private one. In public schools in Poland, you can study for free, and in private education costs 2-3 thousand euros per month. My son enjoys eating at school. It costs - 150 PLN per month.
The child is at school from 8 am to 4 pm. I like everything in our school. If desired, we can always change it.
Study Abroad: Germany
In Germany, a 9-year school education is compulsory and free. German children go to school at the age of 6. Education in elementary school lasts 4 years (in some federal states, for example, in Berlin - 6). In elementary school, children are not graded, but evaluated using animated stickers so as not to overload the child's psyche right away, since later the children will face a serious load. This is the subject of criticism: the abrupt transition from a "relaxed" elementary school to a "serious" secondary school can traumatize a child. The next stage of education is called orientation (Orientierungsstufe): children and their parents must choose the path of further education. Their choices are:
- 5-6 year high school (Hauptschule)
- 6-year real school (Realschule)
- 9-year gymnasium (Gymnasium)
- 10 year old general school(Gesamtschule)
Most schools include 12-16 subjects in their programs, high school students study only 4-6 disciplines.
The Hauptschule was conceived as a school with a hands-on approach and less complex subjects. Its goal is to prepare children for craft professions. The level of teaching there is quite low. Today, the Hauptschule has become a collection of weak schoolchildren, mostly from migrant families. With a Hauptschule diploma, it is almost impossible to find a good job, and often after the Hauptschule, graduates immediately fall into a vicious circle of unemployment.
Realschule is more valued but has more subjects to teach and hard training. The end of the Realschule gives the so-called certificate of completed secondary general education. The prospects for finding a job with a Realschule diploma are much better; in addition, after graduation, students can go to the last classes of the gymnasium.
Gymnasium is the most prestigious institution secondary education. Only after graduating from the gymnasium (which consists of secondary - grades 5-7 and higher - grades 9-12) can one enter higher educational institutions.
Passing exams in the gymnasium - severe stress for students. The volume of material in the final classes is extremely large. The level of teaching in gymnasiums is generally very high, it can be compared with the first courses of the university. This is due to the fact that there are no entrance exams to the university. In turn, the better you passed the exams at the gymnasium, the more chances you have to get into a prestigious faculty. Recruitment is carried out according to the grades in the certificate.
The education system in Germany is regulated by the state (at the federal level) only in the most important matters. Land administrations have great powers in the development and regulation of education. This leads to disagreements and differences in the education systems in the 16 Länder.
The German grading scale differs significantly from the Ukrainian one: the lower the grade, the better it is. That is, the highest is 1 point, and the lowest is "6". In this case, intermediate estimates of the type are possible: 1.1; 2.5; 4.3 tons. In the first grades, no grades are given, but how to evaluate children in grades 3-4 is decided by the parents at the meeting.
Up to class 4 according to the laws of Germany homework should take the child no more than 10 minutes a day.
Although formally German public schools accept foreigners from the age of 14, Ukrainians who live here claim that they are ready to see children even earlier.
Accept children from other countries different ages: you don’t understand anything in the language - you stay for the second year. That's all!, - says Vladimir Sergienko, a writer and public figure living in Berlin.
Today in Germany there are more than 2,200 private schools, the pedagogical concepts of which differ markedly from each other. Secondary private schools are attended by 6% of German students. They are designed for the wealthy part of the population and have an elitist character. Recently, private schools have begun to show an increasing interest in accepting children from abroad for education.
Foreigners can study in a private school for any number of years, up to obtaining a matriculation certificate, but you can also come for a year or two. Obtaining a German private school leaving certificate there is beneficial for those who aim to continue their education at a German university.
Usually, private schools accept children from 11-12 years old, while they are required to have a minimum knowledge German language. From the documents you need: a birth certificate of the child and data on success at school for the last two years.
The cost of studying in a private school with full board is from 10 thousand Euros per year.
Through the mouths of parents
Vladimir Sergienko, writer, public figure, father of 20-year-old Liza and 8-year-old Daniel (Berlin, Germany)
Our family moved abroad to Berlin after the breakup Soviet Union. Lisa studied at a public school, and Danya studies at a state gymnasium with in-depth study Slavic languages. The daughter's school was with bilingual teaching: German and Russian. This was the main factor for choosing a school, but it did not live up to our expectations: after 4 years of study, the child did not have sufficient knowledge of either Russian or German. For Data, the school was chosen on a different basis: proximity to home.
My children study for free. And private schools have different prices: from 200 to 1200 euros per month. The selection to such schools is on a competitive basis: they look at the “paying capacity of parents”. We did not pass through the competition to such a school, but we do not regret it. Friends say that they spend a lot of money, but such schools do not provide any special privileges (better safety for children, contacts with higher educational institutions) or special knowledge.
In a regular school we pay 34 euros for meals and 18 euros for milk. However, we refused milk: Data did not like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry milk. If the parents are unemployed, they can apply for state subsidies for these expenses, but this procedure is very humiliating and most simply refuse.
We don't have a school uniform. In German schools, it can only exist at the request of the parents.
In addition to school, children attend various circles. Their prices are different:
- music school (1 time per week) - 84 euros per month,
- judo - 20 euros per month,
- chess - 20 euros per month,
- in the lyceum (drawing, reading, general knowledge of music and conversation club) - 25 euros per month,
- Children's Museum Academy (1 lesson per week) - 150 euros for six months,
- swimming (once a week) - 150 euros for six months.
I'm not very happy with the German education system: the family spends a lot of money on investing additional education, the training schedule is not very convenient ( syllabus adjust to the “convenience” of teachers, and the child must get up at 5 in the morning so as not to be late for school).
For me, a school is not only an education system, but also a moment of psychological attitude towards a person. As for me, general education stronger in Ukraine. But psychologically the child is more comfortable in Germany.
Irina, mother of 11-year-old Daniel (Dortmund, Germany)
My family and I moved to Germany in 2000. Son Danya was born in 2001. I speak Ukrainian with Danya at home, but I could not find a Ukrainian-speaking kindergarten or school. The first years I lived on state support, but now I have a job that makes it possible to exist normally. After elementary school, Danya passed the exams and was recommended to the gymnasium - this best level schools in Germany. He is currently in 6th grade. To be successful in the gymnasium, Danya studied hard at home and got tired. Our high school is in another city. Danya gets to her by train. In addition, the son goes to additional sections: basketball and swimming. These mugs are funded by the state. We don't have uniforms at school. We do not collect money for repairs and gifts. All stationery for a child costs about 100 euros a year.
Education in the UK, study in England
Education in the UK has long been considered one of the best in the world and annually attracts thousands of students from abroad.Preschool education in the UK is not compulsory. Government agencies(so-called nurseryschools or nurseryclasses) accept children from 3 years of age. These are kindergartens or special groups with general education schools, classes in which are usually held 5 days a week for 2.5-3 hours. Children are taught to read, write, sing, recite poetry, and dance. Also included in the program are developmental exercises. fine motor skills, games for development abstract thinking. Children are taught to be polite and help each other. Special attention focuses on the development of the child's personality, his independence and self-confidence.
Public kindergartens in the UK are often overcrowded. Many alternative preschool educational institutions have been created so that everyone can get preschool education. These are private kindergartens, and groups based on private schools, various children's and family centers under the departments of social work, as well as volunteer children's centers based on colleges, universities and even enterprises.
Regardless of whether the child attended preschool or not, at the age of 5 she goes to school. At the same time, there is no need to wait for September 1, as in Ukraine: a first-grader enters school according to academic quarter following the birthday.
You can get an education in a public or private school, or at home. Approximately 94% of all UK students study in public schools. Private schools are not cheap pleasure, the cost of a year of study in them ranges from 2.5 thousand to 30 thousand pounds. At the same time, many private schools are "single-sex", and only 13-year-old boys are accepted to such traditional schools as Radley, Winchester, Eton and Harrow.
Compulsory education in the UK is divided into 4 key stages:
- Years 1 and 2 (students aged 5-7)
- 3-6 years of study (students aged 7-11)
- 7-9 years of study (students aged 11-14)
- 10-11 years of study (students aged 14-16).
In Scotland, the curriculum is not determined at the national level, but at the local level. Private schools can independently choose the list of subjects for study.
At the end of each key stage, students are tested. In the 10th grade, they choose 5-10 subjects, in which they purposefully prepare for exams for two years. At the age of 16, students take exams for a General Certificate of Secondary Education. This completes the compulsory secondary education.
Students who decide to go to university stay at school and study for the next two years in university preparation programs (A-levels or International Baccalaureate). Based on the results of the final exams, students are admitted to universities in the UK. There are no entrance exams to take.
Through the mouths of parents
Sergey, father of 12-year-old Olesya and 11-year-old Leonid
My children went to school in Glasgow (UK) at 4 years old. This is the best private school in Scotland. Children eat at school, but I can’t say exactly how much it costs: it’s just that children have the opportunity to choose food and the price depends on it. We have a school uniform, and it is in almost all schools. We don't buy books, and preparing for school costs somewhere between 200 and 400 pounds. Of course, having the funds, you can arrange children in the best school.
My children also studied in Kyiv in a private school with English language teaching. I cannot say in which country the education system impresses me more. It seems to me that in Britain everything is aimed at preparing children for adulthood. There is not a single familiarity and nepotism here, there are no bribes.
What is the difference schools abroad and studying in them from Ukrainian schools? This question often arises among parents who think about for their children. It should start with what secondary education in Europe, Canada and the USA differs from ours in its duration and structure. Without going into details, let's say that secondary education abroad children receive for 12 - 13 years. It is precisely because of the differences in the system of secondary education that our certificates are not recognized by most European countries and require nostrification. However, the distinguishing features school education abroad are not only formalities. There are a number of fundamental differences. They are what make many parents choose for their children. studying at school abroad.
Studying abroad. Advantages of secondary education
- Personal development. This is what the main emphasis is placed on in the system of European education. In schools in Europe, as well as in schools in America, schools in Canada, it is not customary to stuff children with encyclopedic knowledge, to force them to cram what they do not yet understand. Here, children learn to think, formulate their thoughts, lead a discussion, argue their opinion.
- Understanding processes in practice. In schools Western Europe educational process designed in such a way that the child was interesting and understandable. Everything that you can try to do in practice, see with your own eyes, touch and feel, children will see, try and do. They will grow plants, cook food, spend different experiences and experiments. Studying abroad is really interesting!
- Interesting electives. Often in schools in Europe, children are offered one or more compulsory electives to choose from. The same can be said about schools in Canada and the United States. That is, the school abroad makes sure that your child's leisure time is filled with interesting and educational activities.
- Language preparation. Obviously, studying in one of the schools in Western Europe, the USA or Canada, your child will perfectly master at least English. Will speak it without an accent, which is extremely important for integration into the country of possible future residence. In addition, the child will additionally learn one or two foreign languages. Add to this already existing knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian. As a result, we get a future specialist who is quite competitive in the labor market.
- Integration and adaptation. We often hear the phrases “our mentality” or “European mentality”. We explain their success and our inability to accept European values and reach European standards of life by mentality. So, to become a European, you need to live, grow, mature, and therefore study in Europe. And the sooner your child begins to live in a European society, the more likely it is that your child's mentality will be European.
- European Certificate of Secondary Education. A certificate obtained in one of the schools in Europe, as well as in schools in Canada and the USA, is recognized by the whole world. With such a certificate, your child can enter any university. And this does not require additional comments.
Secondary education abroad is free. Is it possible to?
Yes, in most public schools abroad your child may study for free. It would seem that everything is simple. And this is true if you have the opportunity and reason to travel with a child for his studying at school abroad and live there permanently. Most parents don't have this option. Therefore, speaking of secondary education abroad usually we mean boarding schools abroad where a child can live and eat, where there are adults who are responsible for him. Many have heard about private schools in England. But this is a rather expensive option. At the same time, there are more affordable options for schools in Germany, Holland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Cyprus, where a boarding house is also organized for children, but the cost is not as high as in English schools.
What are the options for studying abroad for free?
- Public schools abroad subject to permanent residence in the same country of one of the parents or legal guardians.
- Public boarding schools. Education here will be free, but you will have to pay for a boarding house. Accommodation and food for a child will cost, on average, 500 Euros per month. For example, one option is public boarding schools in Germany. In such schools, as a rule, children are admitted from the age of 14.
- State lyceums and technical schools for admission after grade 9. For example, your child can enter one of the lyceums and technical schools in Poland after the 9th grade. Education will be free, and accommodation and meals in the hostel will cost 100 - 120 Euros per month.
Private schools abroad. What are the benefits?
Private school abroad has a number of additional options.
Firstly, you can choose the language of instruction. Often people choose English school abroad but not in England. Such private English schools there are in Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Holland and other European countries. Education here will be built on the principle boarding schools in England but the cost won't be that high.
Secondly. Safety in private schools abroad organized on the highest level. This is, as a rule, a closed territory, the presence of numerous curators and educators, video surveillance cameras, security.
Third. Small classes. IN private school abroad classes are made up of a small number of children. This has a number of obvious advantages.
Fourth. The presence of an extended list of electives. In addition to standard extracurricular activities, private boarding schools children can choose such uncommon electives as, for example, horse riding, tennis, golf, etc.
Fifth. Teaching Staff. The salaries of teachers in private schools abroad are higher than in public ones. Schools value their reputation, fight for places in the rankings, and are proud of their successful graduates. That's why teaching staff in private schools are often more qualified than in public schools.
Take care of the successful future of your children today. choose secondary education abroad.
