1st September marks the symbolic beginning of the new school year in many countries around the world. For many students, it is a day filled with emotions – from the excitement of reuniting with friends to the anxiety over the new challenges the school year will bring. However, this date is not universal across all countries. Educational systems worldwide differ not only in their calendars but also in their specific customs, priorities, and curricula.
Different Start Dates for the School Year
While 1st September is a common start date for the school year in many countries, such as Serbia and Russia, there are significant variations across the globe. In the Northern Hemisphere, most countries begin school in late August or early September, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the school year usually starts in January or February.
For instance, in South Korea and Japan, the school year begins in March and April, aligning with spring, a time of new beginnings in these cultures. In Chile, school starts on 1st March, while in Australia and New Zealand, children return to school in January or February, following their summer break.
Educational Systems Around the World: Interesting Facts and Differences
Japan: Discipline and Collective Work
The Japanese educational system is known for its discipline and collective spirit. One of the most striking aspects of Japanese schooling is the participation of students in maintaining cleanliness in the school. After lessons, students, along with their teachers, clean the classrooms, which is part of the curriculum aimed at fostering collective responsibility and respect for the community. Additionally, Japanese students often help each other with their studies, further strengthening the sense of togetherness and solidarity. Particularly interesting is the fact that children learn the multiplication table through play and drawing, rather than by rote memorisation, which helps with easier recall and the development of logical thinking.
United States: Flexibility in Education
The American school system offers considerable flexibility to students, especially when it comes to choosing subjects in high school. While some students may choose between different levels of mathematics or science, others may focus on arts, music, or sports. There are even schools, such as the Brooklyn Free School, where students decide how much time they will spend at school each day and which subjects will be part of their curriculum. Although this approach may seem radical, it is aimed at encouraging independent thinking and creativity among children.
Russia: Knowledge Day and School Tradition
In Russia, 1st September is known as Knowledge Day and marks the beginning of the school year. Regardless of the weather conditions, students across the country start school on this date, even in the coldest regions like Siberia, where lessons can continue even at temperatures below -50 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the Russian educational system retains traditional values but also includes innovations, such as the introduction of beekeeping classes in certain regions.
China: Intense Curriculum and a Nap Break
The Chinese school system is known for its rigour and intense curriculum, but also for an interesting practice that allows students to take a 30-minute nap during the day. This custom, known as “午休” (wǔxiū), is intended to improve concentration and establish a balance between learning and rest. Chinese students also have the opportunity to participate in additional activities during the day, such as chess or music, which are aimed at developing skills.
Finland: One of the Best Educational Systems
The Finnish school system is considered one of the best in the world. One of its characteristics is that children do not take exams until they are 12 years old, thus avoiding stress and pressure on young students. Instead, the focus is on learning through play and experimentation, which allows children to develop a love of learning from an early age. Finnish teachers are highly respected, and the education system itself is geared towards developing each student’s individual potential.
Subjects and Curricula: Diversity Around the World
Curricula around the world vary in the number and type of subjects that are compulsory for students. In many countries, mathematics and science are considered core subjects, but there are significant differences in the approach and teaching methods.
- Japan: In addition to mathematics, great importance is given to the study of domestic crafts and physical education. Students follow a strictly structured programme that also includes subjects on social values and morality.
- France: The French educational system is focused on rigour and academic discipline. Schools pay great attention to history, philosophy, and literature. In addition, school meals in France are considered an important part of the curriculum, with specially designed menus created by nutritionists.
- Kenya: In Kenya, the school system is divided into three terms, and parents pay tuition fees, although primary education is not compulsory for all children. The curriculum includes subjects such as mathematics, English, general knowledge, and physical education.
- South Korea: Here, the educational system is extremely competitive, with a large number of tests and exams. Mathematics and science are the main subjects, and students often attend additional private lessons after regular school hours to improve their grades.
School Admission and Final Exams
The process of school admission and final exams also varies significantly around the world. In most countries, there are final exams that are mandatory for all students, but their format and difficulty differ.
- Serbia: Admission to secondary schools in Serbia is based on the results of the “mala matura,” a final exam that includes tests in Serbian language, mathematics, and an elective subject. Students are ranked based on their results, which determines their ability to enrol in their desired schools.
- United States: In the USA, admission to high schools is not regulated by a national exam. Instead, students choose schools based on their interests and academic achievements, while some schools require specific entrance exams.
- Japan: In Japan, final exams are extremely important and determine the possibility of enrolling in desired high schools and universities. The exams are very strict, and the competition is fierce, often leading to stress among students and their families.
- Finland: In Finland, final exams are not emphasised as much as in other countries. Students take a matriculation exam at the end of high school, but it does not carry the same level of pressure as in other systems. The Finnish education system is focused on continuous assessment and encouraging students to develop their abilities throughout their schooling.
Conclusion
Educational systems around the world approach education differently, but they all share a common goal – to provide children with the knowledge and skills they will need for the future. The start of the school year represents a new chapter in the life of every student, full of challenges, learning, and growth. Despite cultural differences, education remains one of the most important aspects of society, and the first day of school symbolises the beginning of that important journey.
