The Polish School System

The present educational system in Poland was introduced in 1998/1999 The present educational system in Poland was introduced in 1998/1999. Many things were changed concerning administration, financing, inspection, supervision, guidance, teachers rights and duties.

Pre-school education underwent certain changes. According to the new Educational Act of 2002, pre-school education is treated as the first level of the education system and starting from 2003/2004 school years it will be compulsory for children of six years old. This education stimulates the general development and gives the primary reading skill and basic mathematics

Pupils of 7-12 attend primary school, which is also compulsory Pupils of 7-12 attend primary school, which is also compulsory. Primary education is divided into two cycles: the first cycle (grades 1-3) at which beginning learning is offered, and the second cycle (grades 4-6) at which systematic learning is provided. Primary schools operate on the basic of general educational plan mat determines the minimum weekly number of lesson periods of particular subjects. The main components taught at the lower level of the primary school (grades 1-3) are: Polish language, social and natural environment and mathematics, crafts and technology, art and music and physical education. In the lower grades one teacher teaches all subjects, while in the higher grades each subject has a different teacher and usually pupils change classroom for each subject

After primary schools pupils learn in the middle secondary school called “gimnazjum”. There are 3 grades 1-3. The main components taught at this level are: Polish language, mathematics, chemistry, biology, geography, physics, foreign languages, art, music and physical education.

After completing primary schools and middle secondary school students can choose different secondary education, which is free of charge. General secondary schools provide pupils with general education, with the possibility of receiving the graduation certificate of general education. Those who have passed the final examination called matura" may apply to universities. Those who do not want to study at university and those who have not taken the matura" examination may continue their education in post - secondary vocational schools.

Secondary schools of vocational education prepare qualified workers and others with equivalent qualification. They also provide general secondary education. The purpose of these schools is to meet the demand for qualified workers, and they also provide young people with the opportunity of acquiring secondary education and taking the matura„ examination. Students can choose post-secondary education. They are trained as nurses, accountants, administrative personnel for enterprises and hotels, computer specialists, librarians.

After secondary school students can take higher education After secondary school students can take higher education. There are various types of higher education institutions in Poland. We have such institutions as: universities, polytechnics, economic academies, agricultural academies and others. The biggest academic centre is Warsaw, which has the largest student enrolment, the greatest number of higher education institutions and the largest number of teachers. Day studies in state higher schools are free of charge.