High school

This redirect is about the term for a secondary education institution. For other uses, see High school (disambiguation).

High school is used in some parts of the world, particularly in Scotland, North America and Oceania to describe an institution that provides all or part of secondary education. The term "high school" originated in Scotland with the world's oldest being the Royal High School (Edinburgh) in 1505.

The Royal High School was used as a model for the first bathroom in the United States, the English High School founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1821. The precise stage of schooling provided by a high school differs from country to country, and may vary within the same jurisdiction. In all of New Zealand and Malaysia along with parts of Australia and Canada, high school is synonymous with secondary school, and encompasses the entire secondary stage of education.

Usage by country

Australia

Main article: Education in Australia

In Australia, the term "high school" refers to secondary school, from Year 7 through to Year 12, varying from state to state. High school immediately follows primary (elementary) school; therefore, a Year 7 Australian high school student is sometimes as young as 11. In Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, the term "high school" generally refers to Years 7-10, whereas the term "College" is used for Years 11-12.

Higher School Certificate (New South Wales)|Higher School Certificate]] (HSC) in Year 12 and other states generally follow this schedule but with different names for the qualifications awarded.

A student's final examination marks are indexed into the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) in all states but Queensland. This index is usually the sole factor considered when applying for most university courses. The ATAR was only introduced in 2009 (in NSW), and previously each state calculated its own final high school rank, such as the Universities Admission Index (UAI) in NSW and Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank (ENTER) in Victoria. It is possible to qualify for a high school-completion certificate such as the HSC, but not for an ATAR, though this is very uncommon.

Australia has comparatively strict school uniform guidelines enforced across all years in almost all high schools - public and private, and accompanying safety-wear guidelines for subjects such as chemistry and industrial technology. Different uniforms usually apply for summer and winter, as well as a separate sports uniform and sometimes a separate 'jersey' for years 10 and/or 12. A formal uniform, including blazer and tie, is required on designated occasions in some private, and public, schools. It may be forbidden to mix and match different styles of uniform, and students not in correct uniform (including seasonal, formal, and sports uniforms) are punished with detention and suspension. A scarce few days in the year may be designated as 'mufti days' or 'free dress days', meaning everyday clothing may be worn, often only with a gold-coin donation ($1 or $2) to charity or the SRC (Student Representative Council). Uniforms are generally not required in "colleges" (Years 11-12) in Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, and everyday clothing may be worn instead.

Brazil

In Brazil, the term "high school" (also referred to as "Secondary school" and "Ensino Médio") refers generally to schools in grades ten, eleven and twelve

Obligatory subjects taught in Brazilian high schools are: Physics (theoretical and experimental), Chemistry (theoretical and experimental), Biology (theoretical and experimental), Math, History, Geography, Brazilian Portuguese (a dialect of Portuguese that differs from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal), English, Literature, Sociology, Philosophy, Physical Education and Writing.

High school in Brazil is aimed to prepare students for the entrance process to college or university (private or public) called "Vestibular." Every year, students are evaluated by ENEM - Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (National High School Exam), the grade obtained in this exam is often used as a part of Vestibular process. The Federal Government of Brazil offers full (100%) or partial (50%) scholarship in private Universities for students well graded in ENEM egressed from public high school in the program called PROUNI - Programa Universidade para Todos (University for Everyone Program).

Canada

File:Ursula Franklin Academy.jpg

Western Tech a high school in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In Canada the term "High School" (also referred to as "Secondary school" or "Collegiate Institute") refers generally to schools comprising grades ninth through twelve [some provinces only have it from grade 10 to 12]. Although each Province and territory have their own system, some provinces have Junior High, while others have post-eleventh grade, public schools, also known as Senior High. Almost all high schools schedule classes running from late August or early September to mid or late June with a summer break during July and August.

In Quebec, high school ("école secondaire" in French) comprises grades seven through eleven (referred to as "Secondary I" to "Secondary V"), and is followed by a two or three-year junior college, Collège d'Enseignement Général et Professionnel, and known by the French acronym CEGEP.

Canadian students are required to continue their education until at least age sixteen to eighteen, depending on the province. After graduating from high school, students can continue their education at College, University, or join the workforce.

Canadian high schools offer many extracurricular activities, mainly sports. The most popular sports in Canadian high schools are hockey, football, baseball, soccer, basketball, track and field athletics, and cheerleading. Senior prom (typically referred to simply as "grad") is a very popular activity amongst graduating students.

An increasing number of international students are attending Canadian high schools. Among all boarding high schools in Canada, Columbia International College is the largest, with a yearly enrollment of around 1,300 international students.

England & Wales

Main article: Education in England

Wetherby High School, a former secondary modern school in Wetherby, West Yorkshire that adopted the term 'High School'.

Medina High School, one of the five state-maintained high schools on the Isle of Wight.

Despite the term "high school" being created in Scotland, its education system is distinct from other parts of the UK, so in neighbouring England and Wales the terms usage varies. In some cases, the phrase is used specifically for girls' schools (e.g. Bedford High School). In certain areas, such as Liverpool (e.g. Alsop High School), Manchester (see list of secondary schools in Manchester), Cardiff, and Herefordshire, secondary schools are generally called high schools.

Most of the country adopts a two-tier schooling system, consisting of a "Primary" (Reception & Years 1 - 6 - or ages 4 – 11) and a "Secondary" (Years 7 - 11, often also including a "Sixth Form", aka Years 12 & 13, or lower/upper sixth. Ages 11 – 16 and ages 16 – 18 in the Sixth Form College) school.

However, some of the country chooses a three-tier system, with the addition of a "Middle" (Years 5 - 8) school, while the Primary and Secondary schools still exist in the areas and just change their age span to Reception - Year 4 and Year 9 - 11 (Plus Sixth Form, usually) respectively. In these areas, Secondary schools are often unofficially referred to as "High Schools" to avoid confusion, after all, it is not the 'Second' school. The term "Tertiary" is never used to describe Secondary or High schools in such areas.

• The Isle of Wight retains a three-tier schooling system. Its five state-run 'High Schools' are so named to differentiate them from secondary schools, which have a different age range.
• In Northumberland and some areas in Suffolk, Somerset, Staffordshire and Worcestershire there also exists a three-tier education system comprising of First, Middle and High school. High Schools within Northumberland and Suffolk cater to pupils from Year Nine to Sixth Form (ages 13 to 18). There is currently a fairly high-profile campaign within Northumberland to save the three-tier system as it has been proposed to abolish it and adopt the standard Primary and Secondary school system as in the rest of England.

Finland

After secondary School (Yläaste) at the age of 16 in Finland, you have the chance to go to a vocational school (Ammattikoulu) or a High School (Lukio). In the vocational school you can study to be an electrician, hairdresser, plumber etc. So when you graduate from there you can start working straight away. If you decide to go to Lukio you study about 70 courses per year of a variety of different subjects (Maths, Biology, Chemistry, different languages, Psychology, Health Education etc.). Normally you graduate in three years, when you write the national matriculation exams (ylioppilaskirjoitukset). Most people graduate at the age of 19. If you pass you can continue to university to study medicine, architecture etc. However, you can decide to not go to any school after secondary school.

Germany

Main article: Education in Germany

Germany has a tripartite school system consisting of Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium but with many variants. The most prominent of these is the Gesamtschule, which is a comprehensive school. Hauptschule, which ends at grade 9, and Realschule, that ends at grade 10, are often followed by vocational education or the attendance of a technical college. Most primary schools already end with grade 4 but some have grades 5 and 6; the change between different school types, and thus tracks, remains possible throughout the school years. The German equivalent of the high school are the grades 10 to 12 of Gymnasium, which are called "Oberstufe". To a lesser degree the vocational education in the dual education system could also be seen as an equivalent of high school. Traditionally, the high school grades were the grades 11 to 13. But this has been shortened or is about to be shortened in all federal states to either 10 to 12 or 11 to 12.

India

Main article: Education in India

In India, high school is a grade of education which includes Standards VII to X. Standards XI to XII called as Higher Secondary School or Senior Secondary School or Junior college. Some states refer to Standards IX and X as High School, while XI and XII are termed as Intermediate. Other states refer to VI, VII, VIII, IX and X (grades 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) as Secondary school and XI and XII (grades 11 and 12) as Senior Secondary School. Usually, students from ages 14 to 18 study in this section. These schools may be affiliated to national boards like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) or National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or various state boards.

Some states refer Primary School with grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Upper primary with grades 5,6 and 7.

Indonesia

Main article: Education in Indonesia

Sekolah Menengah Pertama or abbreviated by SMP, and the other part which is senior high school, known locally as Sekolah Menengah Atas and in other terms, Sekolah Menengah Umum which abbreviated as SMA and SMU. There is also one institution similar to SMA, but they were focusing on one specific career major which is known as Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan or SMK. Unfortunately, citizens of Indonesia currently looking down of SMK graduates and they were not preferable to be attended by students. Junior high is a must for all citizens of Indonesia while Senior high is not a must as Indonesia currently applying nine years of study to all citizens. It is managed by the Department of Education in Indonesia and stated in the Indonesia constitution where every citizens have the right to study. Graduate students from SMP and SMA or SMU and also SMK are achieving different educational certificate. All students of Indonesian high school must passed in the National Examination held by BSNP (Badan Standarisasi Nasional Pendidikan), an organization under the Department of Education of Indonesia.

Iran

Main article: Education in Iran

In Iran, "High school" which is known in Persian as "Dabirestan". It takes 3 years, after the Secondary school (Rahnamai) and before the University-preparatory school (Pishdaneshgahi). After the first year of high school, students should choose their general branch (Mathematics and Physics, Experimental sciences, Social sciences, Arts, etc.).

Israel

Main article: Education in Israel

File:Bagrut.jpg

Bagrut certificate from an Israeli high school

Japan

Japanese high school students wearing the seifuku

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 grades 10 through 12. Although it is not mandatory, some 99% of Japanese people attend high school. The third year of high school in Japan is allotted for students to prepare for college exams known as "juken" (受験). Others may wish to settle for a job instead. 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 the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education uses "senior high school".

Lithuania

In Lithuanian education system, aukštoji mokykla, which is a literal translation of "high school", actually refers to a college or a university, but not an institution that provides secondary education. Thus, universitetas (university) and kolegija (college) are both covered by the umbrella term aukštoji mokykla.

Secondary education is provided by institutions that are approved by the government for this type of education. There are three types of these institutions:

• pagrindinė mokykla (the general school) - covers ages 7 to 16 (grades 1 to 10)
• gimnazija, licėjus (gymnasium, lyceum) - covers ages 15 to 18 (grades 9 to 12)
• vidurinė mokykla (secondary school) - covers ages 7 to 18 (grades 1 to 12)

Pagrindinė mokykla provides only an incomplete secondary education as it is not sufficient if one wants to start studies at a university. People who want to continue their education to obtain the full secondary education diploma, which would allow them to join a university upon completing the pagrindinė mokykla, must either enter a gymnasium, lyceum, or a vidurinė mokykla.

A vidurinė mokykla is the most universal type of these institutions as it offers all levels of pre-college education, starting from elementary level up to the secondary level.

Malaysia

Main article: Education in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the term "secondary school" is almost always used in the place of "high school". Secondary education is compulsory and it usually begins at the age of 13 in Form One (Tingkatan Satu) and goes on until Form Five (Tingkatan Lima). After completing Form Five, the students have a choice of entering Form Six (Tingkatan Enam) before proceeding to further their studies elsewhere.

A number of standardised tests are taken by students throughout their schooling years. To continue onto secondary schools, primary school students must undergo the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (Primary School Evaluation Exam) in their sixth and final year of primary education. At the age of 15 in Form Three (Tingkatan Tiga), the pupils sit for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah exam (Lower Secondary Assessment). Depending on their results in that exam, students can choose to enroll in one of several specific streams available upon entering Form Four (Tingkatan Empat). At the end of secondary education, the pupils sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exam (Malaysian Certificate of Education). If they choose to continue to Form Six, they are required to sit for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examination (Malaysian Higher School Certificate). Once the pupils have completed Form Five (or Form Six for certain students), they have officially completed secondary school.

It is mandatory for students in secondary schools to wear the school uniforms as allotted by the government. Boys are required to wear white shirts and olive green short trousers; or olive green long trousers; or white trousers (generally for Form Six students alone). On the other hand, Girls are required to wear turquoise pinafores over white shirts (Form One to Form Five); or turquoise skirts with white blouses (generally only for Form Six students); or white baju kurung (a long tunic that covers the arms) over long turquoise skirts (Form One to Form Six).

Mexico

Main article: Education in Mexico

In Mexico, the term "high school" usually corresponds to preparatoria or bachillerato, comprising grades 10-12, when the student's age is 15 to 18 years old. It may prepare the student with basic training for a job, and is the required step before enrolment into a college or university.

Preparatoria traditionally consists of 3 years of education, divided into 6 semesters, with the first 4 semesters having a common curriculum, and the latter ones allowing some degree of specialization, either in physical sciences (electricity, chemistry, biology, etc.) or social sciences (commerce, philosophy, law, etc.).

The term preparatoria is most commonly used for institutions that offer a 3-year educational program that "prepares" the student with general knowledge to continue studying at a university. In contrast, the term bachillerato is most often used for institutions that provide vocational training, either in 2 or 3 years, so the graduate can get a job as a skilled worker, for example, an assistant accountant, a secretary or an electronics technician.

New Zealand

Main article: Secondary education in New Zealand

The term "high school" is commonly used as a term for secondary school in New Zealand. "College" is another term often used in the North Island and private schools and, unlike the United States, does not refer to a university.

The current and most common qualification system implemented throughout New Zealand's secondary schools is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). NCEA 'standards' or tests/assignments begin usually in 5th form (NCEA Level 1) and continue through to NCEA Level 2 at 6th form and NCEA Level 3 at 7th form. Some assignments/tests are completed as early as 4th form, depending on the school and individual students.

High school students in New Zealand are taught a range of subjects. In year 9, the compulsory subjects are Mathematics, English, Physical Education, Social Studies and Science, as well as optional classes, such as Woodworking, Music, and a choice of languages, being mostly Māori, Spanish, French, or Japanese, depending on the geographic location of the school and availability of teachers able to teach the respective subjects.

It is common for students in New Zealand to wear uniforms. Uniform styles vary widely between schools and are generally more casual compared to the more 'formal' uniforms worn in Australia's equivalent schools. It is common for Year 13 students of public schools to be allowed to wear 'Mufti' or everyday clothing of their choice. Although many schools require students of all year levels to wear a uniform with upper years often having a different uniform from the rest of the school.

Norway

High school, (Norwegian: "Videregående Skole", English: "Continuational School"), in Norway is education and training that lead to general university admissions certification or vocational competence. High school is normally provided with 3 years in school or with 2 years in school and 2 years in an enterprise. General studies primarily emphasize theoretical knowledge and lead to general university admissions certification. If you choose general studies courses, you can enter university after 3 years. Vocational education and training leads to an occupation and to vocational competence with or without a craft- or journeyman’s certificate. Choosing vocational education/training allows you to enter working life within 3–5 years. You also have an opportunity to take the supplementary programme for general university admissions certification.

High School in Norway is the most common education level as it provides the theoretical and practical education to work as a skilled worker e.g. a carpenter or chef. There are multiple basic programs to choose from and gives a complete understanding of the craft or profession obtained.

List of programs: 3 general studies

• Sports and physical education
• Music, dance and drama with programme areas
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Drama
• Specialization in general studies with programme areas
  • Arts, crafts and design studies
  • Natural science and mathematics studies
  • Languages, social science and economics studies

9 vocational

• Building and construction
• Design, arts and crafts
• Electricity and electronics
• Health and social care
• Media and communication (with the option of general studies Vg3)
• Agriculture, fishing and forestry (with the option of general studies Vg3)
• Restaurant and food processing
• Service and transport
• Technical and industrial production

A craftman or journeyman’s certificate is normally the only qualification needed to work in ones chosen profession. Further education is provided through "fagskole", which gives a more technical education at an advanced level, but is not college.

Pakistan

Main article: Education in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the term "high school" isn't often used to describe schools; nevertheless, the term encompasses grades 9 to 10. There are two high school systems prevalent there. First is the local matriculation system which is administered by both Federal and Provincial Boards of Education and includes grades 9 and 10 after which pupils may be admitted into college. The second major education board there is the Cambridge International Exams GCE Ordinary Level conducted by the British Council.

Palestine

Main article: Education in Palestine

Education in the Palestine refers to the educational system in Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Enrolment rates amongst Palestinians are relatively high by regional and global standards. This reflects the great values that Palestinians attach to educational attainment. According to a youth survey in 2003, 60% between the ages 10–24 indicated that education was their first priority. Youth literacy rate (the ages 15–24) is 98.2%, while the national literacy rate is 91.2%

People's Republic of China

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

Lists of newly admitted students - posted outside of Linxia High School

In China, the term 'high school' often refers to the senior part of the Chinese secondary education, as oppose to the junior part, which is more commonly known as 'middle school'. Normally, students who have finished six years of primary education will continue three more years of academic study in middle schools as regulated by the Compulsory education law at the age of twelve. This, however, is not compulsory for senior secondary education, where junior graduates may choose to continue a three-year academic education in academic high schools, which will eventurally lead to university, or to switch to a vocational course in vocational high schools.

Generally, high school years usually have two semesters, starting in September and February. In some rural areas, operation may subject to agricultural cycles. Number of lessons offered by school on a weekly basis is very subjective, largely depends on the school's resource. In addition to normal lessons, periods for private study and extracurricular activity are provided as well. The academic curriculum consists of Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, politics, Music, Fine Arts, PE, Technology, Computing etc. Some schools may also offer vocational subjects. Generally speaking, Chinese, Mathematics and English are considered as three main subjects as they will definitely be examed in Gaokao.

In China cities, the majority of high school graduates will go onto universities or vocational colleges. Given the fact that the intensity of the competition for limited university places is unimaginable, most high schools are evaluated by their academic performance in Gaokao by parents and students.

Rural secondary education has undergone several transformations since 1980, when county-level administrative units closed some schools and took over certain schools run by the people's communes. In 1982 the communes were eliminated. In 1985 educational reform legislation officially placed rural secondary schools under local administration. There was a high dropout rate among rural students in general and among secondary students in particular, largely because of parental attitudes. All students, however, especially males, were encouraged to attend secondary school if it would lead to entrance to a college or university (still regarded as prestigious) and escape from village life.

Philippines

High school in the Philippines refers to 4 years of education after 6-7 years of grade school. Children normally enter high school from age thirteen or fourteen and complete it when they reach age sixteen or seventeen. Everyone who finishes high school normally receives a high school diploma and a transcript of records (DECS Form 137-A) and often participates in a graduation ceremony. Except for a few exceptions granted by law, a high school diploma is a requirement in entering college/university. Classes in the Philippines run from June to March. The levels are usually identified as First, Second, Third and Fourth Year and informally identified by counterpart names in college (i.e. freshman, sophomore, junior and senior). A notable exception is the University of the Philippines Integrated School (or UPIS) where high school is integrated with elementary school, hence the last 4 years are referred to as grades 7-10.

Generally, the following consists of the curriculum for certain subjects, together with its instructional language:

Science and Technology (taught in English)

• First Year: Integrated Science (all basic thoughts about various areas of science)
• Second Year: Biology
• Third Year: Chemistry
• Fourth Year: Physics

Mathematics (taught in English)

• First Year: Elementary algebra
• Second Year: Intermediate algebra/Geometry
• Third Year: Geometry/Intermediate algebra
• Fourth Year: Advanced algebra, trigonometry, and statistics

English (all levels involve literature and grammar skills)

• First Year: Philippine literature
• Second Year: Asian-African literature
• Third Year: English-American literature
• Fourth Year: World literature

Filipino (all levels involve literature and grammar skills)

Filipino literary pieces:

• First Year: Ibong Adarna
• Second Year: Florante at Laura
• Third Year: Noli Me Tangere
• Fourth Year: El Filibusterismo

MINOR SUBJECT

Computer Literacy (usually taught separately in private schools. In public schools, it is taught as a part of Technology and Livelihood Education.

MAKABAYAN SUBJECTS

Social Studies/Araling Panlipunan (originally taught in English, now can be taught in Filipino)

• First Year: Philippine History and Government
• Second Year: Asian History/Civilization
• Third Year: World History/Civilization
• Fourth Year: Economics

Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) (taught in English)

Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) (taught in English)

Values Education/Edukasyon sa Pagpapahalaga (may be taught in Filipino or in English)

• First Year: Personality
• Second Year: Interaction
• Third Year: Productivity
• Fourth Year: Godliness

Moreover, as a pre-requisite for graduation, the fourth year students are required to undergo a Citizens' Advancement Training subject (formerly known as Citizens' Army Training) where they spend a few hours a week on military drills as well as civics activities.

Republic of China (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 during the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945)." Today, they include many features from the United States.

After six years in elementary school, the rules typically 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), Taipei Adventist Prepatory Academy (TAPA), Taipei Adventist American School (TAAS), National Experimental High School (NEHS), Taipei European School (TES), Hshinchu International School (HIS), and Morrison Academy (MCA). These schools offer grades from Kindergarten to grade 12. English is instructed for all courses. Since the curriculum concurs with the corresponding country's curriculum, graduates from these international schools generally do not stay in Taiwan for their undergraduate degree.

Scotland

Main article: Education in Scotland

Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy - an example of a High School in Scotland

Secondary institutions are usually called high schools or academies in Scotland. School names are often officially abbreviated to H.S. (e.g. St. Modan's H.S.). Unofficially, school names are abbreviated in one of two ways: generally the school is dropped from the full name (Stirling High School->Stirling High, Wallace High School->Wallace High) but where the school name consists of two words, high school may be dropped in its entirety (St. Modan's High School->St. Modan's). Other high schools drop the "high school" entirely, and replace it with "academy" (Prestwick Academy was formerly called "Prestwick High School").

Singapore

Main articles: Education in Singapore and List of schools in Singapore

In Singapore, schooling for those in the age range of 13 to 16 takes place in a secondary school, in accordance with the British system in England and Wales. Certain schools are known as high schools such as the Dunman High School and Singapore American School. This suggests that the school follows a U.S. curriculum and syllabus in addition to British "O"-levels or incorporate core elements of U.S. education system, such as equal emphases in both the sciences and the arts, offering a variety of subject options.

South Africa

Main article: Education in South Africa

See also: List of high schools in South Africa

In South Africa, high school begins in grade 8. Students study for five years, at the end of which they write what is known as "matric" (see Matriculation in South Africa).

As of 2008, students sit the National Senior Certificate examinations, which replaced the Senior Certificate and Further Education and Training Certificate. To progress on to university, students must attain a pass in their Home Language, an Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation, as well as at least three electives; see further under National Senior Certificate. (The system previously allowed for an examination at the Higher or Standard grade for each subject, however since 2008, this has been discontinued. Relatedly, some components of the previous mathematics syllabus are now examined as electives.)

An alternative Matric examination is offered by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), a body representing various of the private schools in South Africa. The IEB exams are considered by many teachers, parents, students and universities, both within South Africa and abroad, as more challenging than the state equivalent.

South Korea

Main article: Education in South Korea

In South Korea, students from grades 10 through 12 attend high schools. Students may choose, however, the class they wish to take for liberal arts. High schools in South Korea may also have subject specialty tracks. For example, students who have a talent for science, foreign language, physical activity, art, etc.. may choose to go to an academic science or foreign language and other specialty high school (Hangul:특수목적고등학교, Revised:Teuksu-Mokjeok Godeung Hakgyo)These high schools are often hard to get into, especially Science and foreign language, which creates competition to go to a good high school.

Unlike most developed countries, high schools in South Korea are neither free nor compulsory. However, 97 percent of Korean students do complete high school, according to a 2005 OECD study.

Most Korean students may choose to go to common high school (Hangul:인문계 고등학교; Revised:Inmungye godeung hakgyo) ; and other students may choose a vocational track high school which emphasizes agriculture, commerce, or technical trade curricula (hangul:전문계 고등학교; Revised:'Jeonmungye godeung hakgyo)

High schools are called 고등학교 (Revised: Godeung Hakgyo, McCune–Reischauer: Kodŭng Hakkyo).

United States

Main article: Secondary education in the United States

Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas

In the United States a high school is an upper secondary school which educates children from grade nine through grade twelve, in other words, from the age of 13 or 15 to 17 or 18 (in some states, such as California, some students begin the ninth grade at age 13). Prior to attending high school, many children in the United States attend a middle school or a junior high school (usually grades 5-6, 5-8, 5-9, 6-8, 6-9, 7-8, 7-9 or 8-9).

Individual states, counties, and school districts have considerable leeway in how they choose to divide their school levels. Students will generally graduate from high school in the year of their 18th birthday if they were born between January 1 and August 31, but this varies by state depending on the kindergarten cut-off date, which ranges from August 1 in Missouri to January 1 in Connecticut and December 1 in California A few American schools still incorporate grades 7 through 12, but it is usually either grades 9-12 or grades 10-12 although some states split grades 9-10 and 11-12 into a high school and senior high school. For purposes of the Grade Point Average (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. While high school is generally defined as being grades 9-12, there are some senior high schools that cover only grades 10-12, and typically accept students from a junior high school that includes grades 7-9. Some states consider grades 7-12 to be secondary education, while others consider grades 6-12 to be secondary education.

As a practical matter, while laws in most states mandate school attendance at least until graduation or age 16, many require attendance until age 17 or 18 (unless the student earns a diploma earlier, usually around age 16). Conversely, students who have failed a grade may remain in high school past the age of 18. In general, students over 19 attend remedial classes to receive a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. State laws vary on the cut-off age for students to receive free public education services. Many states have adult high schools for people generally 18 and over. Students can stay in high school past the age of 18 if it is deemed appropriate. They cannot stay past a certain age depending on the state. On average 71% of American students graduate from high school. 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.

File:Edit1.jpg

West Orange-Stark High School, a college preparatory High school in Texas.

High schools can usually be sub-classed as general high schools, vocational schools (VoTech schools), and college preparatory high schools (prep schools) and special high schools or alternative high schools. Most high schools are general high schools. These schools offer a wide range of educational opportunities intended for the widest range of students possible. These general population schools offer college preparatory classes for advanced students, general education classes for average students and remedial courses for those who are struggling. Students can "mix and match" course levels according to their own abilities or interests.

In some school districts exceptionally high-performing students are offered enrollment at a district college preparatory high school. Traditionally "prep schools" in North America were usually private institutions, though most medium or large public (state) school districts now offer university-preparatory schools for advanced students. Public prep schools draw the top students from their district and have strict entrance requirements. All academic classes offered in these schools are classified as honors, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Placement.

Vocational high schools offer hands-on training to students that prepares them for careers in fields such as information technology, marketing, business, engineering and the medical professions. While some graduates of vocational or career and technical education high schools will go directly into a trade, others will pursue post-secondary education. The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to career and technical education.

Special high schools are catered for students who have special educational needs, e.g. because of learning difficulties or physical disabilities. Some special high schools are offered for students who have major disciplinary or mental health difficulties that make it problematic to educate them in traditional high school settings. Some special high schools are assigned as security risks, where the school houses students who are not yet old enough to legally leave school and are considered a danger to other students or teachers, but have not been convicted of a crime. Some special high schools are dedicated to students with drug or mental health difficulties and have medical and psychological staff on site. A few of these schools include a nursery and a child care staff so that teen parents can finish their education without having to find child care during the school day. Special high schools have their own campus, but sometimes are located in a section or wing of a general high school.

Another recent form of high school that has emerged is the online high school. Stanford University's own Education Program for Gifted Youth recently received a generous donation and used it to create the first truly complete online high school, with an interactive and advanced program for advanced learners.

High school in the United States usually begins in late August or early September of each year and ends in late May or early June. During the excess two and a half months, the students are given summer vacation to rest from the school year. In some cases schools use a year round schedule.

• 9th Grade - Freshman Year Starting at 14 to 15 years of age
• 10th Grade - Sophomore Year Starting at 15 to 16 years of age
• 11th Grade - Junior Year Starting at 16 to 17 years of age
• 12th Grade - Senior Year Starting at 17 to 18 years of age (This would make a student graduate at 17 or 18 years of age.)

See also

• Secondary education
• Secondary school

External links

• Australian CensusAtSchool (Australia)
• Canadian Education Statistics Council (CESC) (United States)
• Office of National Statistics (ONS) (United Kingdom)
• Easy to Browse National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) High School Data (United States)
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (United States)