Education

1. Let’s talk about education. What can you tell me about the system of education in Belarus? Each citizen of the Republic of Belarus is guaranteed the right to get education. The multilevel system established in the country allows exercising the right to the full extent. Education in Belarus is free and compulsory from age 6 to 15 and the system is well administered. The majority of girls and boys come to school for the first time when they are 6 years old. The first four years of school are devoted to acquiring basic skills and habits of writing, reading, count; mastering primary knowledge of the nature, society and man; getting acquainted with principles of personal hygiene and healthy way of life. Thereafter pupils go on to basic secondary school for 5 years culminating in a certificate of basic education at age 15. The curriculum continues to be academically based and universal across the state.

When students enter senior secondary school level they are faced with a raft of choices regarding the route of education they wish to take. They may remain in the academic stream for 3 years at gymnasiums. They may attend vocational classes at lyceums for 2 years. Or they may train at a strictly practical level at colleges and obtain a trade.

A network of institutions throughout Belarus provides refresher courses and reskilling opportunities in a country where ongoing education remains a priority. Fees are charged and there is little central control.

Altogether there are 57 higher educational establishments, of which 43 are state owned (28 universities, 8 academies, 1 institute, 5 higher colleges, 1 higher school), 13 are private and 2 are run by religious organizations. Every establishment occupies its particular niche in training of highly qualified staff for various branches of national economy. In total about 300,000 students are enrolled.

2. Does your school differ from any other school you know? I don’t think so, but I know exactly that gimnasiums of our districts provide pupils with more profound level of secondary education.

3. Ask me what problems I had when I was a student. Did you visit all lessons in the university? Did you get a scholarship? Have you got any problems with passing the exam?

4. You are talking with a British student. What would you advise him/her to do to prepare for an exam well? To give up watching TV and sitting in front of the computer display and to sit down and work hard with the exam materials.

5. Today some young people want to study abroad because they believe that the level of education is higher there. Would you do the same? Our system of education is based on theoretical preparation of students to their future career. At the same time studying abroad guarantees a good training of practical skills. So I’d prefer to study abroad.

Билет 6.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-13