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Schools in Ukraine
The majority of schools teach in Ukrainian, but tuition is also available in Russian, English or French in some.
Every school decides how many schooldays it has - five or six each week. The day starts at 8 or 9 a.m. and one lesson lasts for 45 minutes.
There are 12 years of compulsory education. The first stage is the elementary school which lasts 4 years. It teaches pupils basic skills in Mathematics, Languages, Biology, Geography and several other subjects. The second stage takes 5 years and provides deeper knowledge and skills in science and humanities subjects, mother tongue and foreign languages. The first and second stages form the basic education for everyone, lasting 9 years. After successful completion of the basic education and passing the final examinations, students receive certificates of general secondary education. The third stage lasts three years. There is a limited group of subjects, which are chosen by students in preparation for their further studies at university.
Most schools offer various hobby groups such as theatrical or choreographic activities. Youths get the opportunity to enter the labour market, studying in institutions of vocational training. There is also community service such as planting trees, flowers, etc.
Teachers in Ukrainian schools try to create a homely atmosphere for pupils. Every class is assigned to one teacher who is responsible for parents meetings, administration of attendance, organization of trips etc. For example, students usually go to visit another town or go to the mountains during winter.
Many of the teachers have as much as 40 years experience. They should be respected and admired for their dedicated work which they do for very low salary. One teacher when asked why she likes working in a school answered that it is like a hobby and the best thing for her are discussions with her pupils where she finds out their opinions and thoughts.
Foreigners often criticize Ukrainian schools claiming that children get stressed there. I don't agree with them. Yes, teachers demand that students learn a lot of material and make them contribute to every lesson but they do so in the effort to give them quality education.
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Ukrainian Academy of Pedagogic Sciences
Bastionna Street 9
Kiev
phone: +38044 290 0804
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Ministry of Education of Ukraine
Pobedy Avenue 10
Kiev
phone: +38044 226 2442 |
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