High school

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For the highest form of classical riding, see High School Dressage (horse).

High school or secondary school is the name used for the last segment of compulsory secondary education in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Hong Kong, India, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, the People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is preceded by primary education.

In the non-English speaking world there exist the words Hochschule, hogeschool, högskola, høgskole, højskole in German, Flemish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish respectively. All these literally translate to high school in English, but they all refer to institutes of tertiary education.

Australia

Main articles: Education in Australia, List of schools in Australia, Queensland state high schools

High school is a term used for secondary schools in Australia. In Victoria the name was officially changed to secondary college in the early 1990s, however some of the adult population refer to the period as "high school". In the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania high school is 7-10, and students go to matriculation college for 11-12.

In some states TAFE institutes/colleges offer high school equivalent courses, usually undertaken by adult students who left school without completing/undertaking Year 12 leaving certificate requirements. There are also private commercial education facilities offering Year 12 leaving certificate courses, often to students wishing to improve on their High School results in order to obtain entry to, or better placement opportunities at, university.

The exact length of secondary schooling varies from state to state, with high schools in New South Wales and Victoria serving years 7-12, and Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia serving years 8-12.

It is compulsory to attend school until the age of fifteen in all states and territories except for Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, where attendance is compulsory until age 16 and Tasmania, where attendance is compulsory until age 17.

The matter of compulsory attendance has been complicated by various initiatives at Commonwealth and State level to ensure that young people are in school, training or employment. There are calls to replace compulsory attendance age with compulsory achievement requirements, meaning that students must complete their final year level rather than being able to leave at reaching "leaving age". There are also calls to make attendance to the end of year 12 mandatory.

Canada

Main article: Education in Canada

Secondary schooling in Canada differs depending on the province in which one resides. Normally it follows the American pattern; however, in Quebec, high school is from Secondary 1 to Secondary 5 (grades 7 to 11[link]). In Quebec most students follow high school by attending a CÉGEP, which is comparable to a two-year junior college and is obligatory for Quebec students wishing to go on to university in Quebec. Vocational CEGEPs are three years. Secondary schools in the most of the remaining provinces (except Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) consist of four grades from 9 through 12. The set up in Ontario is more or less similar to that in the United States.

In Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, a secondary school is called a "senior high school", which teaches grades 10-12. A middle school is called a "junior high school", and teaches grades 7-9. Most senior high schools simply have "high school" in their name, without including the word "senior". If not stated, the term "high school" usually just refers to a "senior high school". British Columbia uses a system similar to Alberta (grade 8-, 9-, 10-, or 11-12, depending on regional school boards). In some sections of British Columbia, high school lasts from grade 8-12, with elementary school being from kindergarten to grade 7, while in others a Middle School from grades 6-8 is implemented.

Historically several provinces had two secondary education programs. High schools were to prepare students to enter the workforce while collegiate institutes prepared students for university.

Mainland China

Main article: Education in the People's Republic of China

In Mainland China, high school (gaozhong or 高中) refers to years 10 to 12. Broadly, it includes both the college-bound "regular high schools" (普通中学) and technical high schools (职业高级中学/中学专科/中专), although informal usage refers to the first. Students at regular high schools may be further divided into two streams at the 11th year, with different emphasis: social/humanities (wenke or 文科) and science/engineering (li-ke or 理科). This division is similar to that in lycée général (see secondary education in France). The National College Entrance Examination is administered differently between these streams.

Hong Kong

Main article: Education in Hong Kong

Secondary education in Hong Kong is largely based on the British schooling system. High school starts on the 7th year of formal education, after Primary Six, called Form One. Students normally spend five years in secondary schools, of which the first three years (Forms One to Three) are free and compulsory like primary education. Forms Four and Five students prepare for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), which takes place after Form Five. Students obtaining a satisfactory grade will be promoted to Form Six, who then prepare for the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) (colloquially the A-levels), which is to be taken after Form Seven. The HKALE and HKCEE results will be considered by universities for admission. Some secondary schools in Hong Kong are called "colleges." In some schools, Form Six and Form Seven are also called Lower Six and Upper Six respectiveli.

The HKCEE and HKALE is equivalent to the GCE O-level (or GCSE) and the GCE A-level respectively.

As of Oct 2004, there has been heated discussion on proposed changes in the education system, which includes (amongst others) reduction of the duration of secondary education from seven years to six years, and merge the two exams HKCEE and HKALE into one exam. The proposed changes will be in effect within the next few years.

India

In India, high school, as such, does not exist: instead, 9th and 10th Grade (i.e., Classes IX and X) form part of a formal contingent course ending in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, or board examinations, at the end of Grade 10. 11th and 12th grade are considered part of "junior college" or "higher secondary school". This is actually a relatively intense pre-university program often at a separate institution, culminating in another round of board examinations, the Higher Secondary (School) Certificate (HSC) examinations. Also, the terminology depends upon the states and also upon the very school itself. E.g., in Uttar Pradesh and most other north Indian states, the term High School means Classes IX and X, leading to board exams in class X, and the term Intermediate means the Classes XI and XII, leading to the final board exam of schooling. Such a school leading to Class XII is often called "Inter college". In most Christian missionary-run and other privately-run schools, these terms Highschool and Intermediate are almost never used; instead, the Grades are referred to as from Class I to Class XII (such schools often run Grades from the entire 1st to 12th Class). Classes X and XII have all-India or all-state common Board exams, which have great significance in contemporary India. Earlier, the Class X and XII Board exams always included the syllabi of Classes IX and XI respectively. But now most Boards have dropped this additional burden, except for languages. The term "High School Certificate", often required by universities and government offices as a proof not only of educational qualification, but also of the proper name and date of birth, is the Board Exam's pass certificate of Class X.

Japan

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Main article: Secondary education in Japan

The Japanese word for a high school is kōtōgakkō (高等学校; literally high school), or kōkō (高校) in short. High school in Japan covers years 10 through 12, and it is not mandatory. Most Japanese pupils attend high school. High schools in Japan are referred to by MEXT as "upper secondary schools." However most English-language newspapers and sources use the term "high school". Many school boards also use "high school"; for instance Tokyo's metropolitan government uses "senior high school".

Malaysia

Secondary education, like primary education is now compulsory in Malaysia. Regardless, teenagers aged 13 attend Form One while students no longer need to pass an exam before continuing to Form Four. O-Level equivalent is required in order to graduate from Malaysian secondary schools. Malaysia now uses Automatic Promotion since 1996.

New Zealand

Main article: New Zealand Secondary Schools

In New Zealand students attend secondary school from Year 9 to Year 13, covering the ages from 13 to 18. Until recently Year 9 was called Form 3, and Year 13 was called Form 7, and these terms remain in informal use. Schooling is compulsory until the student's 16th birthday. Secondary school is colloquially known as "college".

New Zealand students used to have School Certificate (informally: School Cert) qualifications, this was changed to the current NCEA.

Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Main article: Education in South Korea

In South Korea, students from grades 10 through 12 attend high schools. A student may choose, however, the class he or she wishes to take for liberal arts. High schools in South Korea may also have subject specialty tracks. For example, university-bound students may choose to go to an academic science or foreign language specialty high school (Hangul:인문계 고등학교;Revised:Inmun-Gyae godeung hakgyo) ; while other students may choose a vocational track high school which emphasizes agriculture, commerce, or technical trade curriculums (Hangul:실업계 고등학교;Revised:'Sil-ub Gyae godeung hakgyo)

High schools are called 고등학교 (Revised: godeung hakgyo; McCune-Reischauer: kodŭng hakkyo), meaning high school.

Republic of Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland secondary school starts at the age of 12, and lasts five or optionally six years. After three years (age 15-16), every student takes a compulsory state exam known as the Junior Certificate. Typically a student will sit exams in 9-11 subjects; English, Irish and Mathematics are compulsory.

After completing the Junior Certificate, a student may continue for a further two years to take a second state exam, the Leaving Certificate, around age 18. Students typically take 6-8 subjects. Except in exceptional circumstances, subjects taken must include English, Irish and Mathematics. Leaving Certificate results directly determine admission to university via a ranking system managed by the CAO. More than 80% of students who complete the Junior Certificate continue to the Leaving Certificate.

There is an optional year in many secondary schools in Ireland known as Transition year, which some students choose to take after completing the Junior Certificate, but before starting the Leaving Certificate. This year includes no exams, instead focusing on broadening horizons. The year is often structured around student projects such as producing a magazine, charity work, running a small business, etc. Regular classes may be mixed with classes on music, drama, public speaking, etc. Programs vary from school to school.

In addition to the main school system, Ireland has a parallel system of vocational schools, which place less focus on academic subjects. There is also a prominent movement known as Gaelscoileanna where every subject is thought through the Irish Language.

Singapore

Main article: Secondary education in Singapore

Based on results of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), Singapore's students undergo secondary education in either the Special, Express, Normal courses or the Integrated Programme which was implemented in 2004. Both the Special and Express are 4-year courses leading up to a Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) 'Ordinary' - 'O' level examination. The difference between Special and Express is that the former's mother tongue language (English and Mother Tongue) are taught at a higher level (more difficult).

The Normal course is a 4-year course leading up to a Singapore-Cambridge GCE "Normal" - "N" level examination, with the possibility of a 5th year followed by a Singapore-Cambridge GCE "Ordinary" - "O" level examination. It is split into "Normal (Academic)" and "Normal (Technical)" where in the latter students take subjects that are technical in nature, such as Design and Technology.

After the second year of a secondary school course, students are typically streamed into a wide range of course combinations, making the total number of subject they have to sit for in "O" level six to ten subjects. This includes science (Physics, Biology and Chemistry), humanities (Elective Geography/History, Pure Geography/History, Social Studies, Literature, etc.) and additional mathematics subject at a higher level, or "combined" subject modules.

Co-curricular activities has become compulsory at the Secondary level, where all pupils must participate in at least one core CCA, and participation is graded together with other things like Leadership throughout the four years of Secondary education, in a scoring system. Competitions are organised so that students can have an objective towards to work, and in the case of musical groups, showcase talents. [link]

Taiwan

Main article: Education in the Republic of China

The secondary education in Taiwan includes junior high school, senior high school, vocational high school, military school, and complete high school. The traditional secondary education institutions were established in "Japanese colonial time." Today, they include many features from the United States.

After six years in elementary school, the rules state that children must enter junior high school, or their parents may be fined. There are three grades in junior high. Children who achieve the third grade can choose to enter senior high school, vocational high school, or complete high school. If children want to continue their formal education, they must sit for an exam. Generally speaking, the grade to enter high school and complete high school is highest, while it is lower to go on to vocational high school and military school.

Senior high school has three grades. Graduates from senior high school often continue on to university. Vocational high school has three grades as well. Children who complete vocational high school can then enter a technological university. Complete high school is like that of American high schools, in that it has grades seven to grade twelve.

There are also international schools such as Taipei American School (TAS) and Taipei British School (TBS). These schools are from grade 1 to grade 12. English is spoken during all courses. Since the curriculum concurrs with the corresponging country's curriculum, graduates from these international schools generally do not stay in Taiwan for their undergraduate degree.

South Africa

Main article: Education in South Africa

In South Africa, high school begins at Grade 8 (the eighth year of education). Students study for five years, at the end of which they write what is known as "matric" (officially the Senior Certificate to be changed to the National Senior Certificate in 2008) If enough passes are attained on the higher grade (subjects can be on either a Higher or Standard grade), they may progress on to university.

An alternative examination is possible in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams. They are set up by a board, representing many private schools.

United Kingdom

Main article: Education in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, high schools are secondary schools which offer secondary education. High schools are classed as either grammar schools, comprehensive schools or academies. Most are comprehensive schools, while the older ones are usually grammar schools. Academies (previously known as city academies) are a new type introduced by the current Labour government. The major distinction is in who runs them and where their funding comes from.

The table below lists the equivalent high school year systems used in the United Kingdom:

Scotland	England, Wales	Northern Ireland
Primary 7	Year 7	Year 8
Secondary 1	Year 8	Year 9
Secondary 2	Year 9	Year 10
Secondary 3	Year 10	Year 11
Secondary 4	Year 11	Year 12
Secondary 5	Year 12 Lower Sixth First Year College	Year 13 [ Post 16] Lower Sixth
Secondary 6	Year 13 Upper Sixth Second Year College	Year 14 [Post 16] Upper Sixth

In England and Wales, Years 7-11 are commonly known as 1st-5th Form in private schools.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Main articles: Education in England, Wales, Northern Ireland

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, students usually transfer from primary school straight to high school at age 11. In a few parts of the UK there are middle schools for ages 9 to 13 (similar to American middle schools), and upper schools for ages 13-18. It is uncommon, but sometimes secondary schools (particularly in South West Wales) can also be split into 'Upper' (ages 13-16) and 'Lower' secondary schools (ages 11-13).

Education is compulsory up until age 16, and schooling can continue for a further 2 to 3 years after that. Traditionally the five years of compulsory secondary schooling from ages 11 to 16 were known as "first year" through to "fifth year," but were renamed a decade ago to Year 7 through to Year 11 (Year 8 to Year 12 in Northern Ireland). After Year 11 a student can opt to remain at school, transfer to a college, or to leave education and seek work. Those who stay at school enter Years 12 and 13 (Years 13 and 14 in Northern Ireland). These years are traditionally known as the Sixth Form ("Lower Sixth" and "Upper Sixth"), and required students to specialise in three to five subjects for their A Levels.

This is an unusually specialised curriculum for this age group by international standards, and recently some moves have been made to increase the number of subjects studied. There are also vocational qualifications aimed at this age group. After attaining the relevant A Level qualifications the student can enter university.

Scotland

Main article: Education in Scotland

In Scotland, the education system is slightly different from that in the rest of the United Kingdom. Although both school systems allow for thirteen years of education, pupils transfer to Scottish secondary schools after their seventh year of primary school (known as Primary 7; pupils are usually eleven or twelve years old at the end of this year) - a year later than elsewhere in the British Isles. In England and Wales, Year 7 is normally the first year of secondary school.

It must be noted that sixth form colleges do not have an equivalent in Scotland; S5 and S6 are always part of secondary school. The vast majority of Scottish pupils take Scottish Qualifications Certificate qualifications provided by the Scottish Qualifications Authority instead of GCSE and A-levels. Generally, most pupils take Standard Grades in S4, Highers in S5 and S6 and, for those who wish to remain at school for the final year, Advanced Highers (formerly CSYS) in S6. Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 qualifications - roughly equivalent to General and Credit Level Standard Grades respectively - can also be taken in lieu of any of the aforementioned qualifications. Pupils can go to university at the end of S5, as Highers provide the entry requirements for Scottish universities where degrees are normally at least four years long. Those who want to go to university in England, or intend to study popular courses such as Medicine or Law, are often required to take a sixth year.

United States

Main article: Secondary education in the United States

In the United States, high schools generally consists of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, although the inclusion of grade 9 varies by school district. Students usually graduate from high school in the year of their 18th birthday if they were born between January 1 and August 31, or in the following year if they were born between September 1 and December 31, except in New York (where all students usually graduate in the year of their 18th birthday) and California (where students usually graduate in the year of their 18th birthday if they were born between January 1 and November 30, or in the following year if they were born between December 1 and December 31). A few American schools still incorporate grades 7 through 12, but the norm is usually either grades 9-12 or grades 10-12. For purposes of the GPA and subject requirements used for college admission, grade 9 is usually considered the first year of high school regardless of whether the student is in the last year of a 7-9 junior high program, or the first year of a 9-12 high school program. High school is generally defined as being grades 9-12, while "secondary" school, or "secondary" education refers to grades 7-12. Secondary Education teachers are certified to teach grades 7 through 12.

About 90% of American students complete high school.[link][link] A high school diploma or GED certificate is usually required for entrance into a two or four-year college or university and to other post-secondary education programs.

As a practical matter, while laws in most states mandate school attendance at least until graduation or age 16, enforcement of the truancy laws is sporadic. Conversely, students who have failed a grade may remain in high school past the age of 18. In general, students over 18 attend alternative high schools, with the end result being attainment of a GED. State laws vary on the cut-off age for students to receive free public education services. Students in New York state can attend regular public schools until the age of 21.

 

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