EE – Education in Europe

Education in Lithuania In Lithuania educational system is divided into the following stages: Pre-school education General Education Vocational Education Higher Education Adult Education There are public and non-public educational establishments. Public establishments are founded and supported by the Government of Lithuania. Non-public establishments are formed by individuals or religious organizations. They must acquire a license issued by the Ministry of Education and Science. This license guarantees that non-public schools provide qualification acknowledged by the state. Administration of education is carried out by Ministery of Education and Science and regional departments of Education.

Lithuania Educational system and types of educational institutions Pre-School Education Pre-school education means care of children under 3 years of age and teaching of 3-6 years old children according to special program. Kids attend nurseries, kindergartens, schools-kindergartens and pre-school groups. In Kuršėnai there are 3 nurseries-kindergartens and one pre-school group at our school.

Lithuania Educational system and types of educational institutions General Education There are three stages of general education: Primary, forms 1- 4, pupils aged 7-11 Lower secondary, forms 5-10, pupils aged 11-17 Upper secondary, forms 11-12, pupils aged 17-19 General education is carried out in different types of schools. Most popular are secondary schools attended by pupils aged 7-19 from the 1st up to the 12th form. But these schools will be changed into gymnasiums and basic schools in several years as we are undergoing a school reform. There are also primary schools for the 1st - 4th forms and basic schools for the 5th-10th forms. There are lots of gymnasiums as well. These are schools that provide extended subject-directed general education. They have different system of classes (pupils aged 15-19 attend 1st - 4th gymnasium classes). Also there are schools for juniors (for those pupils who can not or do not want to attend other schools) and special schools for disabled pupils.

Lithuania Educational system and types of educational institutions Vocational Education Vocational schools give not only elementary professional qualification but also knowledge of general school level. Most often pupils who finished 10 forms at general schools enter vocational schools. But senior people can study at vocational schools as well and acquire worker’s profession. Studies last for 4 years. Most popular professions are hairdressers, dressmakers, mechanics, builders, carpenters, etc.

Lithuania Educational system and types of educational institutions Higher Education Higher Education in Lithuania is provided by colleges and universities. Only pupils who finish secondary school and have Maturity Certificate (Brandos Atestatas) can enter colleges and universities. Colleges are institutions of higher non-university education. Studies usually last for 3-4 years and are oriented on more practical subjects. Universities are establishments which provide higher education. They include three stages of studies: bachelor’s, master’s and scientific degrees. They provide high level theoretical education.

Lithuania Educational system and types of educational institutions Adult Education Adult education in Lithuania aims at promoting an approach of life long learning within the society and the development of opportunities for continuing education. Lithuanian Association of Adult Education (LAAE) was established. Senior people are invited to study at universities, colleges and vocational schools, and attend courses and seminars.

Lithuania Compulsory Education Compulsory education starts at the age of 7 Compulsory education ends at the age of 16 It is provided by basic and secondary schools and gymnasiums. Pupils can also study at schools for juniors and special schools. Our Government pays a great attention to compulsory education and use special measures to ensure that every child can attend schools.

Admission to different educational institutions and examinations Parents decide themselves if they want to let their kids attend nurseries, kindergartens and pre-schools groups but general education is compulsory and at the age of 7 all children must start attending schools. At the end of the 4th form pupils take a test and receive a Certificate of Primary Education, then they all go to the 5th form. All pupils must study at school till they are 16. At the end of the 10th form they take a test and receive a Certificate of Basic Education. After that pupils may leave school, go to vocational schools or continue studies in secondary schools and gymnasiums. At the end of the 12th form all pupils take the most important final exams and if they pass them successfully, they receive Maturity Certificates (Brandos Atestatas). Then they can enter colleges and universities. If they do not have Maturity Certificates they can’t enter colleges or universities.

Grading System 10: excellent 9: very good 8: good 7: sufficient 6: satisfactory 5: weak 4: very weak 3-1: bad Pass/fail level: 4 in general schools 5 in universities and colleges Lowest on scale: 1 Pupils at primary forms do not get marks. Their teachers describe their achievements and write them down into their Achievement Books. Some teachers use letter system: A – a great progress, S- a medium progress, M – a minimal progress O – no progress at all. At secondary schools, colleges and universities mark system 1-10 is used.

Secondary Education Age:7-19 School uniforms: most schools do not have uniforms except for some gymnasiums. Financial aids: Pupils do not pay for coursebooks but must buy workbooks and other material (pens, pencils, exercise books, etc) themsleves. Pupils who live far away from school and must take a bus do not pay for it. Some pupils receive free lunch at school but others have to pay.

School Rules Pupils’ main duty at school is learning. Pupils must obey school rules and laws of the Republic of Lithuania.  They must respect teachers, school staff, parents, senior people and each other. Lessons at school start at 8 clock. School building is opened at 7.30. Pupils mustn‘t be late for lessons or play truant. Pupils can leave lessons only with teacher‘s permission.   Pupils have to be dressed in clean and tidy clothes. Pupils have to leave their jackets and coats in the cloakroom. They are not allowed to wear caps, trainers and sports clothes at school except for physical education lessons (before entering school gym pupils have to put trainers and sports clothes on). Pupils mustn‘t smoke, drink, use drugs or misbehave in any other way at school. Pupils are allowed to bring only those things to school, which are necessary for the lessons. They are not allowed to bring any valuables, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and guns. Pupils must save school equipment, books, furniture, etc. During the lessons mobile phones must be turned off. It is strictly forbidden to eat, chew gum, make noise or misbehave in any other way during the lessons. During the breaks pupils are forbidden to run in the corridors, sit on the windowsills or play on the stairs.

Organization of school year 2005-2006 Starts on September 1st . Will be finished on June 21st . School leavers and primary form pupils finish earlier. Autumn holidays - from October 31st to November 7th . Christmas holidays - from December 24th to January 9th . Easter holidays from March 21st -27th .

Basic curriculum Ethics or Religion The Lithuanian Language First foreign language (English, German, French, Spanish etc.), starts in the 2nd form Second foreign language (English, German, French, Spanish etc.), starts in the 6th form Mathematics Biology History Geography Physics Chemistry Computer Science Art Music Technologies Physical Education

Extra-curriculum activities At every school there is a number of extra-curriculum activities that pupils can choose from. They include such subjects as: sports (basketball, football, karate, judo, etc.), drama, dancing, art, painting, singing, etc. Pupils attend those lessons after school, take part in different competitions, etc

Main school events September 1st celebration European Day of Languages Teachers’ day Christmas carnival Independence Day 100-Day Party (when there are only 100 days left till the final exams for the 12th formers) Europe day Last Bell Day Graduation Day

Projects and other activities Schools in Lithuania are encouraged to take part in different projects such as Socrates Comenius, etc. Lithuanian Schools have been very active in such international projects as Life-Link, Sping Day in Europe, etc. Also there are lots of regional and national projects going on and schools often take part in them. Every year there is a great number of different competitions organized, such as Maths, Computer Science, Translation, Poetry, Photography competitions, etc. Teachers also organize trips and various festivals for pupils.