after middle school – part ivafter middle school – part iv...i didn’t know much about my...

RReettuurrnniinngg ttoo PPoollaanndd......After middle school – Part IV

RReettuurrnniinngg ttoo PPoollaanndd......After middle school – Part IV

“Returning to Poland... After middle school – Part IV”

Publisher:Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad (OÊrodek Rozwoju Polskiej Edukacji za Granicà)02-729 Warszawa, ul. Rolna 175tel. 22 622 37 92, 22 629 36 42

Publication idea – Magdalena Bogus∏awska

Text – Ewa Pawlic-Rafa∏owska

Translation from Polish – Katarzyna Kubin

Illustrations – Jacek Wojtyra

Consultation – Joanna Ja∏osiƒska, Katarzyna G∏usek-Wojciechowicz

Quality assurance – Marian Mahor

Editing – Anna Kowalczyk, Ewa Kiedio

Printed by:J-PROPERTY03-936 Warszawa, ul. Zwyci´zców 20 lok. 2tel. 22 810 26 04

Publication available free of charge

© All rights reserved. Reprinting, copying and disseminating this publication in part or in whole for reasonsother than educational and non-profit is allowed only after having received permission from the publisher.

A publication of the Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad (OÊrodek Rozwoju Polskiej Edukacji za Granicà) realized as part of the project “Open schools – Support system for

migrant pupils”, which was implemented with the financial support of the European Social Fund.

On the threshold of adulthood... education after middle school

BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION...

● You have complete freedom in choosing your school – at this level of education schools arenot assigned to specific districts.

● You can choose between four different types of schools in your post-middle school education:

1

A Guide to Polish schools

Hi! My name is Kuba. Two years ago my family came back to Poland after living abroad formany years. My brother, Bartek, started middle school and I had to choose a high school. Itwas a big challenge for me. I was told that it was one of the most important decisions formy future. Even though I couldn’t really imagine what would happen in the next ten years,I knew that I needed to make the decision on my own. It’s my life after all. I asked myself:what school would interest me and meet my expectations?I didn’t know much about my options, so I started by looking for information about differ-ent types of schools, areas of study, and different schools’ requirements. I’m only sixteenyears old, so I also asked for advice from my parents and friends who I trusted and whoknew something about my different options. They helped me to choose a school that wasbest for me. Their advice and suggestions were let me make an independent decision. For the past two years I’ve been attending a high school with a general curriculum (ogólniakor liceum ogólnokszta∏càce). If I were to do it again, choosing a school would be much easier. Why? I’ve already done itonce. Now you are about to start this process.If you are also deciding about how to continue your education after middle school, maybemy advice will be helpful to you.I hope the information in this guide about high school education and the issues that I con-sidered before choosing to attend a high school with a general curriculum will be helpful toyou. Ultimately, the final decision of the best school for you is yours.

■ A high school with a general curriculum (liceum ogólnokszta∏càce)This kind of school gives students a broad spectrum of general knowledge. It’s the bestchoice for those who want to prepare for higher education in the university. These kinds ofschools will help you develop various subjects of interest ranging from the humanities, for-eign languages, math and IT, to biochemistry.This kind of school lasts for three years. If you decide to go to a high school with a general cur-riculum, choose one that allows you to specialize in the subject areas that interest you most.Schools expand the educational program to allow their students to specialize in the follow-ing subject areas: Polish, foreign languages, history, social studies, math, physics andastronomy, chemistry, biology, geography, cultural studies, technology and IT.What does it mean to specialize in specific subject areas (przemioty rozszerzone)? You willhave an expanded educational program and more class time dedicated to the subject areas,in which you decide to specialize.

Attention! Don’t choose a particular school and specialization based only on the name of the spe-cialization. For example, in one high school, a humanities specialization might meanthat the education focuses on Polish and theatre studies while in another high school,the humanities program might focus on Polish and history.

Check if the high school that you are interested in offers the specific subject areas that interest you.Ask for this information in the school secretariat. By choosing carefully, you can make sure that youwill learn specific subject areas either at a general or a specialized level according to your interests.Important! Completing a high school with a general curriculum does not give you specificvocational skills. Instead, you will be well prepared to continue your education in a profession-al school (szko∏a policealna, szko∏a pomaturalna) or at university.

■ High School with a specialized profile (liceum profilowane) This kind of school combines the benefits of a high school with a general curriculum and theopportunity to specialize in subject areas that are useful for a specific profession. After com-pleting a high school with a specialized profile, you will be able to take the high school finalexam and also have a general educational background, which allows you to continue your

2

After middle school – Part IV

education in a specialized field. In a high school with a specialized profile you do not learn skills for a specific profession, butyou do get a foundation that will help you continue your education in a professional school(szko∏a policealna, szko∏a pomaturalna), where you can specialize in a specific profession. You can also apply to university after completing this kind of school.

If you decide to attend this type of school, you can choose among the following specialized profiles:

Chemistry and environmental studies:environmental protection, chemistry analysis, biochemistry, medicine.

Economics and administration:public administration (on local or national level, the courts, taxes,etc.), office administration, educational administration, archival work,accounting, management and coordination, trade.

Electronics:telecommunications, control systems engineering and robotics, metrology, computer systems.

Electrical engineering:electrical machinery, power electronics, atomic energy, hydroelectricity.

Textile and design:spindling, weaving, knitting, textile and clothe conservation, textileproduction, leather-work, tailoring, shoe-making.

3


Environmental studies:construction and architecture, geodesy, road and rail systems, sanitation and engineering, land development, geology, geophysics,hydrology, meteorology, mining, drilling, environmental protection.

Forestry and woodwork:forestry, woodwork and weaving.

Mechanics and production:mechanical engineering, metalwork, metallurgy, casting, welding,mechanical engineering, construction of machinery.

Mechanical engineering:control systems engineering, robotics, motor engineering, optoelectonics, medical technology and equipment, power electronics,micromachinery.

Agriculture:agriculture and animal husbandry, fishing, gardening, bee-keeping, vet-erinary medicine, food production.

Social:medical care, social work, penitentiary, employment safety andhygiene, job counseling.

4


Transport:water and land transport.

Services industry:gastronomy, hotel and tourism, cosmetics, hairdressing.

Information management:library and information science, photography, audiovisual equipment,multimedia technology, database systems, computer design.

■ Technical college (technikum)This kind of school lasts for four years, which is longer than the high school educationdescribed in the previous two points. Why?The reason is that besides general educational subject areas, students in this kind of school alsostudy subject areas that are specialized in a specific profession. During the educational program,you will also have internships, which will help you better understand a specific profession. Tech-nical college prepares you for the final high school exam and to continue your education at uni-versity. Upon graduation, you will have the skills to work in a specific profession and, if you passthe final professional specialization exam, you will also have a professional title.

Attention! Check the psychological and physical requirements as well as the health warnings forthe professions that interest you. For example, you may not be able to work in some pro-fessions if you have allergies. Take these issues into consideration when you make achoice of professional specialization.

5


There are over 100 possible professions that you can specialize in. Before you make a final decision, consider the current situation on the labor market in orderto avoid unnecessary stress after graduating and to ensure that your skills and qualificationswill give you plenty of job offers to choose from.

■ Basic vocational school (zasadnicza szko∏a zawodowa)Education in this kind of school lasts 2 or 3 years. Similarly to the technical college, students gainpractical skills and knowledge for a specific vocation. Students receive information about the rangeof information covered and the number of hours of classes before they begin their education. After completing a basic vocational school students receive a certificate. In order to receive the title of a specific profession, students must pass an external examthat is organized by the District Examination Commission. Students can also choose to continue their education in a 2-year supplementary high schoolwith a general curriculum (uzupe∏niajàce liceum ogólnokszta∏càce) or in a 3-year supple-mentary technical college (technikum uzupe∏niajàce).

Students can specialize in the following professions during their studies in a basic vocational school:

6


Work with concrete

Automobile metal worker

Woodworker

Pastry artist

Roofer

Automobile electro-mechanic

7


Electrician

Hairdresser

Bookbinder

Chef

Varnish and lacquer specialist

Painter

Automobile mechanic

Detail mechanic

Road repair mechanic

Machinery installation

Electricity installation

Mechatronics installation

8


Telecommunications andnetwork installation

Sanitary equipmentinstallation

Mason

Cutter

Baker

Flooring specialist

Butcher

Sales personnel

Carpenter

Upholsterer

Finishing work in construction

Chimney specialist

How to choose a high school?

When making your decision, you should consider several important personal characteristics:● Your interests and strengths: in other words, what you’re good at,● Your talents,● Your grades,● Your motivation to study,● Your health,And also● Information about the professions you’re interested in (ex. requirements, possibility of

gaining the right qualifications).

What is the right school for you?A rigorous high school is a dream for many students (and their parents!). Is this the rightchoice for everyone? If you can develop your interests, if you have study skills, are hardworking and motivated to learn – then a rigorous school is the ideal option for you.If it will be hard for you to meet such high expectations, studying in such a school will bevery stressful and it will probably not motivate you to study.High school means three or four years of studies. If you don’t make your choice carefully,this period of your life will be very difficult.If you want to avoid a bad situation, choose a school that suits your abilities and yourinterests.

Nearby or maybe a bit further away?The location of the school with regard to your place of residence is an important criterionfor selection of your high school. But it can’t be the decisive factor. If the school that meetsyour expectations is located in a part of the city that is far from where you live or is in a dif-ferent town altogether, it might be worth the travel to get the education you want.

Can I change schools?

If after you start school you decided that you made the wrong choice, you can still changethe course of your education.

9


● If you are enrolled in a high school with a general curriculum and are taking a specializa-tion, but you decide that you want to change the specialization, then you will have tomake up any differences in the program of studies between your old specialization and thenew one.

● If you decide to change schools but continue with the specialization that you selected, youshouldn’t have too much extra work to make up, but the new school will accept you onlyif there are free spaces available.

● If you change the type of school (ex. from a technical college to a high school with a gen-eral curriculum), the differences in the educational program are significant and you willhave to make a big effort to make up the differences.

Every change in your course of study will require additional work from you. For this reasonit’s a good idea to seriously consider your decision. On the other hand, if your interestschange and you are certain about changing your school, don’t hesitate – the additional effortwill be well worth it.

Where to look for information about schools?

Parents and teachersShould you ask them for help? Of course! Making a decision about your high school is veryimportant and it will affect your future. Support from your parents, teachers, friends and oth-ers around you who might have more experience than you will be very helpful. Take advantageof their guidance. Make sure to make independent decisions and don’t be alone in the process!

Szkolne foldery i ulotkiFlyers and pamphlets can be a good source of information but even if something in themappeals to you, don’t base your decision solely on these sources. There’s no reason to sus-pect that schools exaggerate in their promotional material, but advertisements never givea full picture. In order to avoid disappointment, read all the information in thepamphlet/flyer. Pay attention to whether courses are offered free of charge and require afee. Sometimes this information is not included in the pamphlets and flyers. Careful read-ing and consideration will be to your benefit.

10


It’s great if the school has a diverse offer of extracurricular activities, but they are not themost important. Remember that your priority is getting a good education! Think carefullyabout how many extracurricular activities you can realistically participate in when most ofyour time should be focused on your courses (and your high school exam).

RankingRankings of schools have become popular in recent years.

What kind of information do they provide?You can only get limited information from rankings. The ranking results take into consideration different aspects of the schools, ex. some con-sider the results of school competitions, others the results of students’ final high schoolexam (increasingly this is the most popular criterion).

Is it possible to choose a good school based on ranking results? If the ranking is your only source of information – definitely not.A school can be good for one student but bad for another. People who are ambitious andwork hard need a different kind of school than those who don’t work hard. The same is the case for specializations. For someone who plans to study at the PolytechnicUniversity, specializing in math is ideal, which is not the case for someone who is interest-ed in the humanities.A good school is one that meets the expectations and interests of a specific student.

Attention!Be careful in how you consider school ranking results. Check the criteria that were used torank the schools. You should choose a school based on your interests and capacities. If you’reuncertain, seek advice from a job counselor (in the school or in a psycho-pedagogical clinic).

The schoolIn order to confirm the information that you gathered in different places (pamphlets, flyers,etc.), you should visit the school that interests you. During a visit, you can check everything

11


12


on your own and ask about the details of what the school has to offer. You can also get a feel-ing for the school (even if it is only a feeling, it gives you an idea of what it will be like inthe school). You can plan to visit the school during open visiting days or orientation days. During your visit, ask a lot of questions about the issues that are important to you. This isabout your future!

Places where you’ll find detailed information about educational opportunitiesafter middle school:● Directly at the schools (with the school director),

● In the Educational Department of the local government offices (urzàd gminy, urzàd mias-ta, starosta powiatowy),

● In the Voivoid Department of Education (Kuratorium OÊwiaty).

What should you check about the school that interests you?

When you visit the school you that hope to enroll into, ask about:

● The student: teacher ratio in the classroom,

● What are the conditions for foreign language study (and vocational courses)?Are students divided into groups? If yes, how many students are in a group?

● What are the resources available in the gym and computer laboratory?

● Do students have an influence on school-life and how?Ask about the student government, school newspaper, school radio.

● Does the school offer scholarships?

● What quality of resources are available in the library?

13


● Does the school organize interesting trips, activities?Social life is also important.

● Does the school have a pedagogue or psychologist?If you have a serious problem that you can’t manage on your own, the help of such spe-cialists (who are discrete) can be crucial.

● What kind of extracurricular activities does the school offer?Check which ones are free of charge and which ones require fees.

● Does the school have a cafeteria and/or a snack bar where you can eat a warm meal or buycheap sandwiches.

Recruitment● Enrollment into the first year of your education after middle school is done according to

the criteria defined in the School Statute. They include for example:- Your grades in Polish and three other subject areas as well as the total number of points

that you can earned during your studies,- Your overall achievements,- The total number of points earned on the final exam after middle school based on the

information in your transcript.

● The Voivoid Department of Education (Kurator OÊwiaty) sets the recruitment dates anddeadlines for submitting your application.

● It is possible to submit your application electronically in most schools.

Middle schools register their pupils in an electronic system. Each pupil receives a login nameand password, which allow them to select the school and specialization they would like topursue after middle school (the system allows you to select up to three options – firstchoice, second choice and third choice).

● If you choose to study in a bilingual program, you will also have to take a language test,which is designed in accordance with the school’s internal criteria.

● The school director enrolls students (who completed their middle school education inPoland) in the first year of school in accordance with criteria defined by the school com-mission for recruitment-qualification. In the case of students who studied abroad, the director makes the decision about enroll-ment independently.

● If you studied abroad, you will be enrolled in the school based on your transcript (or cer-tificate) from the school that you attended abroad and your last transcript issued by aschool in Poland. The director will consider the sum number of years of education thatyou completed.

● If you do not have the above mentioned documents, you will be enrolled to the appropri-ate educational level based on an interview with the director (and teachers if necessary).

● If you cannot do the interview in Polish, it will be carried out in the language that youknow.

14


If the number of pupils interested in a given school or specialization exceeds the number ofavailable places, those who receive lower exam results are automatically assigned to theirsecond (or third) choice. If you attended middle school in a different city or country fromthe location of the post-middle school education that you applied for, then you should per-sonally (in the company of your parent/guardian) submit your application documents direct-ly at the school.The director of the school makes the decision about your acceptance. If you apply to a schoolor specialization during the course of the school year, the director also makes the decisionabout your acceptance.

15


Attention!Consult your school by telephone or during a personal visit about the kinds of docu-ments that you will need to submit in your application. Some schools have applicationforms that you will need to complete. Ask about the necessary documents in the schoolsecretariat.

In school

If you have difficulty with the Polish language (understanding written text and/or whenothers speak) and/or if you have to make-up differences between your previous school’sprogram and your new school’s requirements (knowledge and skills) in different subjectareas, your school will organize make-up lessons for you.

Additional Polish language classes Not less than 2 hours per week(obligatory for foreign nationals and Polish – not longer than 12 monthscitizens returning from abroad)

Additional catch-up lessons from specific 1 hour per week (not more than 3 hours subject areas (obligatory for foreign nationals per week) – not longer than 12 monthsand Polish citizens returning from abroad)

Outside of class...

Every student will be able to find something for themselves in the school’s rich offer ofextracurricular activities. Those interested in athletics can take part in various sport activities(depending on the school’s resource and possibilities), those with artistic talent (ex. music,dance, recitation, theater, film), those who like the sciences or history or foreign languages– everyone will find something that interests them.If you are very interested in a specific subject area and you are good in it, you can try to

Not just studying

16


In high schools and technical colleges, the last year is very different from the previous ones.At the end of the year students in these schools will take the final high school exam – theone that is the most important and that can be decisive for your future. Good exam resultsmean you have a chance to be accepted to your dream university. If you have poorresults…you will have to have a “plan b”. In order to avoid this situation, most students begin to intensively prepare for the high schoolexam in September in the subject areas that they choose. Those who are less nervous waituntil after the senior prom (studniówka) before they begin to study for the exam.The senior prom…an exceptional party that high schools and technical colleges organizearound 100 days before the high school exam, usually in January. Why 100 days? Probablybecause this length of time is considered sufficient to carefully review the material that iscovered on the high school exam and thus to get a good result. The 100th day before theexam is considered the last day to enjoy youth and the last time students participate in asocial event under the supervision of adults. For all these reasons, this party is exceptional.Afterwards, it’s only study, study, and…exams.Until recently, the senior prom was organized in the school, but more and more often, theyare also organized outside the school.Preparations for the senior prom usually take several months, starting with September thesenior prom (and the high school exam) are a big topic of conversation among students.

compete in school or inter-school competitions. Such students take part in special prepara-tory classes.High schools and technical colleges also offer preparatory lessons for the high school exam,during which pupils can review and develop their knowledge in a specific subject area.Attention! Not all extracurricular activities are free of charge. Before you sign up, check ifyou will have to pay a fee.

17


At the end of your post-middle school education

High school exam (matura) – this exam is offered one time per academic year. It beginsin May and ends in September. Students complete the exam in their school. The high schoolexam is not obligatory, but you cannot continue education at the university level withoutcompleting the high school exam. The better your exam results, the higher your chances ofbeing accepted into a good university and your chosen discipline.

The core subject areas on the oral part of the high school exam include:● Polish (preparation of a presentation on a specific topic) ● A foreign language● An ethnic minority language if you are graduating from a school or a program that teach-

es an ethnic minority language.

The core subject areas on the written part of the exam include:● Polish language (basic level)● Math (basic level)

Legend has it that you can ensure success on your high school exam if you wear somethingred to the senior prom…just in case because even if it doesn’t help, it definitely won’t hurt.Just before the senior prom begins, there is a buzz in the air, the room slowly fills up withpeople, everyone looks their best, beautiful gowns, new hairstyles, trendy suits and theflashing eyes – it all makes an incredible impression.The prom begins with the Polish national dance – the polonaise, which the seniors practicefor several weeks before the prom. It’s very impressive.Everyone present, including the high school seniors, the teachers and parents, are alwaysmoved to see the seniors (almost adults now) move in the steps of such a graceful dance.Then the school director officially opens the party and…the fun begins.The party usually lasts until the morning hours…”It’s an amazing party! Now we just haveto pass the final exam,” remember the seniors.

● A foreign language (basic level)● An ethnic minority language if you are graduating from a school or a program that teach-

es an ethnic minority language.

Furthermore, the high school exam can be taken in no more than six additional subjectareas per year. Both your choice of supplementary subject areas in the exam and your examresults for each subject area will influence your chances of being accepted to university.Detailed information can be found on the Central Examination Committee’s website.

Vocational school exam – for graduates of vocational schools and technical colleges.It is offered only once per academic year between June and August. If a student does notpass the exam, he/she can take it again but in the following academic year.

It consists of two parts:● Written (which has two parts),● Practical.

Students who receive a satisfactory amount of points on both parts of the exam receive adiploma that confirms their qualifications to work in a given profession. Like the high school exam (matura), the vocational school exam is not obligatory, but passingthe exam provides you with a diploma, which increases your chances of finding employment.

Attention! Detailed information about the exam requirements for different kinds of profes-sions in specific vocational schools, technical schools and supplementary high school pro-grams are available on the Central Examination Commission’s website.

18


I hope you choose a school that will help make your dreams come true! Good luck!

What should you know? – Advice for parents/guardians

Dear parent or guardian, Your child is beginning life in a new school, in a newcontext. You should know the following about the Polish educational system:

● Education in Polish public schools is free of charge.

● The right to education applies in equal measure to Polish citizens and to foreign natio-nals regardless of sex, nationality, legal status (ex. pupils have the right to education evenif their parents are undocumented migrants in Poland).

● All aspects of the education system in Poland are strictly regulated by law. Children arerequired to attend school at the beginning of the school year when they turn 6 years ofage and they must attend school until they complete middle school.

● Pupils who are foreign nationals are also required to attend school in Poland. They canbenefit from the educational system in the same way as Polish citizens.

● Students who are not Polish citizens have the right to benefit from public school educa-tion in Poland after the middle school level on the same conditions as Polish citizens untilthey reach the age of 18 or until they complete high school level education.

● Pupils who are Polish citizens and completed primary school abroad are assigned toa grade level in Polish schools based on their transcript from the school where they studied abroad and/or based on their last transcript from a Polish school. Based on thesedocuments, the Polish school will know the sum number of years of education that thepupil completed.

● Pupils who are foreign nationals are accepted into middle school based on:- A transcript or other document that confirms that the pupil completed their education

abroad or indicates their level of education achieved abroad; or

19


- A transcript or other document issued by a school abroad, which confirms that the childattended school abroad and indicates their grade level or educational level and statesthe sum number of years of education that they completed.

● If a foreign national child cannot present such documents, they are accepted to the schoolbased on an interview carried out by the school director and with the participation of ateacher or teachers (if necessary).

● If the child does not know Polish, the interview is carried out in a language known to thechild.

● The director makes all decision regarding assigning children to a specific grade levelabove the first grade of primary school. Their decision is based on documents and opin-ions about the child’s previous education and current educational level.

● Your child (both in the case of foreign nationals and Polish citizens) has the right to addi-tional Polish language lessons, which help gain fluency in Polish on a level sufficient toallow the child to fully participate in mandatory classes (no less than 2 hours per weekand for a period no longer than 12 months).

● If your child completed a different educational program in their school abroad, he/she canbenefit from additional make-up classes (individually or in small groups) that are focusedon a specific subject area (1 hour per week for each subject). Attention! The total sum of additional classes (make-up classes and Polish language class-es) cannot exceed 5 hours per week.

● Children can benefit from psychological-pedagogical support aiming to address his/herindividual needs that are associated with their personal and educational development. Parents, teachers, advisors, specialists in the psychological-pedagogical clinic, assistantsfor Roma children, teachers’ assistants can all request that your child receive such spe-cialized support.

20


● With the approval of the local district authorities, the school director can collaborate withan official diplomatic institution of a given country or a consulate or an associationfocused on educational and cultural activities for a specific nationality. These institutionscan organize language lessons in the school as well as lessons on the cultural and nation-al background of the foreign national children. Organizing such lessons is possible upon request and on condition that at least sevenpupils in one primary or middle school have the same national background. In schoolsspecializing in the arts and humanities there must be at least 14 foreign national pupilsof the same nationality. Lessons can be organized for up to 5 hours per week..

● Financial support to pupils is available based on the Act on the Educational System andits aim is to ensure equal access to education regardless of the pupil’s socio-economicbackground. Support can be offered in several different ways:- Full or partial compensation for the costs of education, including supplementary les-

sons that are offered outside of the official educational program,- Full or partial compensation for costs resulting from educational activities outside the

school (ex. educational trips),- In-kind support related to the child’s educational needs (ex. purchase of textbooks),- Full or partial compensation for costs associated with studying outside of the child’s

district of residence.

Advice:

● Remember that selecting a school and then the first weeks (maybe even months) in schoolwill be an emotional experience for your teenager.

● Support your child in selecting a school. Help your child collect as much information as pos-sible about potential schools so that they can make the best choice. Before your child makesa final decision, carefully consider what is offered by the schools that interest you and yourchild. Make suggestions and share your opinion about the best option. Encourage your childto visit the schools (ex. during orientation or open visiting days). Remember that youshouldn’t make the choice for your child. Your child should make the final decision.

21


22


● If your child concludes that they made the wrong choice – don’t panic. Help your childunderstand how they can correct their mistake.

● If there are any problems, talk to your child’s advisor/pedagogue or the school counselorin order to support your child and help them resolve their problems.

● Find out what the teachers expect from you as the parent/guardian, share your concerns(if you have any) about your child’s education, and work together with the teachers todevelop a communication system that will ensure your child’s best interest.

Mandatory external test for pupils that complete primary school

II level of education – grades IV–VI (3 years)

PRE-SCHOOL (preparation for education)

PRIMARY SCHOOL (from 6 or 7 years of age – I and II level of education – 6 years)

I level of education – grades I–III (3 years)

mandatory education until l16 years of age non-mandatory educationmandatory education until 18 years of age

Mandatory external examination for pupils at the end of middle school

MIDDLE SCHOOL (III level of education – 3 years)

POST-MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION (IV level of education – choice of school)

HIGH SCHOOLwith a general

curriculum(3 years)

HIGH SCHOOLwith a specialized

profile(3 years)

VOCATIONALSCHOOL/TECHNICAL

COLLEGE(4 years)

BASIC VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

(2–3 years)

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

External examination

HIGHER EDUCATIONStudies toward the first degree

Studies toward the second degreeOr PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL (1–2.5 years)

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

External examination

SUPPLEMENTARYVOCATIONAL

SCHOOL(3 years)

SUPPLEMENTARY HIGH SCHOOL with

a General Curriculum(2 years)

HIGHER EDUCATIONStudies toward the first degree

Studies toward the second degreeOr PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL (1–2.5 years)

DIAGRAM OF THE POLISH

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

YOU ARE HERE➡

www.powroty.otwartaszkola.pl

after middle school – part ivafter middle school – part iv...i didn’t know much about my...

Documents