Primary and secondary education
Primary Education
Primary education or elementary education (초등학교 , Chodeung Hakgyo) lasts 6 years (Grade 1-6), is
free and intended for pupils aged 6-12. Pupils can enter a primary school (kuckmin hakgyo) between
the ages of 5 and 7. The school year is 34 weeks long. Since 1997, English has been offered as a
subject from Grade 3 onwards. The Seventh National Basic Curriculum was established by the Korea
Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) and is currently being reviewed. From Grade 3 onwards
the standard primary curriculum consists of the following subjects: Korean language arts, ethics, social
studies, mathematics, science, practical course, physical education, music, art, foreign language
(English), independent activity and special activity. More information can be found on the KICE and
MEST websites. See under Addresses.
Secondary Education
Lower secondary education (중학교 , Junghakgyo) can be taken at a middle school (junior high school),
and constitutes the initial years of secondary education. This stage in the educational system is
included in compulsory education. It has a nominal duration of 3 years (Grades 7-9) and is intended for
pupils aged 12/13 to 15/16. Admission is granted without entrance examination. The curriculum
consists of the same subjects as in Grades 3-6, but with different subject matter for the practical
course in Grades 8 and 9: technical education for boys, and home economics for girls. After
completion of the programme, pupils are awarded the Junior High School Diploma (Jung Hakgyo
Chorupchung).
Upper secondary education (sometimes also called high school education) (고등학교, Godeung
Hakgyo) covers the final years of secondary education and lasts for 3 years (Grades 10-12). The
programme is intended for pupils aged 15-18. There are various types of high school: general high
schools, vocational high schools, science high schools and special high schools, which include foreign
language schools and art high schools. There are costs associated with attending high school
education (school fees).
For entrance to a high school, pupils must pass an entrance examination. Admission policy is very
competitive. Students for vocational high schools may indicate their preferred school, whereas children
who wish to attend a general high school are assigned a school in their area. Admission to a
vocational high school may be granted by means of an entrance examination and/or the pupil’s list of
marks from middle school.
Although Grade 10 still consists of the subjects from the National Basic Curriculum, as of Grade 11
pupils can choose between three subject clusters: humanities, sciences or vocational training. At the
end of the programme, the Godeung Hakgyo Jolupjang (High School Certificate) is awarded. More
information on secondary education is available on the MEST website. See under Addresses.
In terms of level, a High School Certificate (고등학교 졸업장, Godeung Hakgyo Jolupjang) obtained
from a general high school is comparable to a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands.
Science high schools (과학고등학교, Gwahak Godeung Hakgyo) are primarily geared towards
particularly talented pupils in the natural sciences. Pupils can complete a 3-year upper secondary
education curriculum in 2 years, and then be admitted to a prestigious higher education institution
without an entrance examination. Research is a focus in the programme, and exchange and
collaboration activities take place with prestigious foreign secondary schools, research centres and
universities. Science high school pupils are also successful in Olympiads for their subject areas.
In terms of level, a High School Certificate (고등학교 졸업장, Godeung Hakgyo Jolupjang) obtained
from a science high school is comparable to at least a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands.
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