Reading. Read about the Russian system of education and answer the question: Russian Schools as they are shown by foreigners
Russia has one of the best mass-education systems in the world, producing a literacy rate of 98% (higher than most Western European countries). The system consists of obligatory basic education and higher education.
Education in Russia is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15. It consists of primary school education for ages 6-10, followed by senior school for ages 10-15. If a pupil of secondary school wishes to go on in higher education, he or she must remain to complete secondary school for 2 more years, from age 15 to 17.
Primary and secondary schools include 11 years of study. Every school has a core curriculum of academic subjects. After completing this stage pupils are awarded the Certificate of Secondary Complete General Education. At the age of 15 children may choose to enter a vocational school or nonuniversity institute. These usually offer programmes of academic subjects and a programme of training in a technical field until students reach the age of 17 or 18. Such institutions used to be called technikum but now most of them are known as colleges.
Class work often means reciting and written and oral testing. Teachers criticisizing students in front of the class are frequent. If a student does not perform to standard, he will be “left back” to remain another year.
Questions:
1. What reputation does Russian education have?
2. What is the average level of literacy in Russia?
3. What are the components of the Russian education system?
4. Which education is compulsory in Russia?
5. What is necessary to continue education in a university?
6. How long does a pupil study at school?
7. What papers does a student receive after schooling?
8. What education is given at colleges?
9. What is usually done in class?
10. What may happen to a poor student?