The Education System
in Poland

BASIC INFORMATION
>The education system in Poland is centrally managed by:
• the Ministry of National Education
• the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
> Compulsory education in Poland starts at the age of 5 and lasts until
the person reaches 18 or finishes Lower Secondary Education.
> The school year is divided into two semesters.
It starts on 1st of September and lasts until the last Friday of June.
> One lesson lasts for 45 minutes.
> The teachers can choose the textbooks from a list approved by
the Ministry of Education. They are free to decide the teaching
and assessment methods and introduce innovative teaching methods.

> NURSERY 1-3 years of age
> PRE-PRIMARY DUCATION
(KINDERGARTEN) 3-5 years of age
For children aged 3-4 pre-primary education is
voluntary and is subject to parental decision.

> PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION
5 years of age
Since 1 September 2011 all 5 year olds are
obliged to complete a year of preparation for
primary education in kindergartens or other
pre-school institutions.
COMPULSORY EDUCATION

> PRIMARY EDUCATION
6/7 -13 years of age
6-year primary school is divided into 2 stages:
STAGE I
It covers grades 1-3, and is called integrated teaching.
At this stage all subjects with the exception of foreign language teaching
and religious education are taught by one teacher: mother tongue
education, natural sciences education, mathematical education, technology
education, education in music and arts, computer education, physical
education
STAGE II
It covers grades 4-6. Teaching at this stage is performed by different
teachers and arranged in following subjects: Polish language, History and
civics, modern foreign languages, Mathematics, Natural science, Music/
Art, Technology, Computer classes, Physical education, lessons with class
tutor.

> GIMNAZJUM - LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION
13 - 16 years of age
It is compulsory for all pupils. They learn: Polish language, History, Civic
education, 2 Modern foreign languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, Geography, Art/ Music, Technology, Arts class, IT, Education for
safety, Physical education, lessons with class tutor. One of the aims of
Gimnazjum stage is to identify the abilities and interests of the pupils and
to help them make a rational choice of a further education route.

> UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION
post-compulsory education
between 16 and 18-20 years of age
After gymnasium students cane chose one of the following schools:
3-year general upper secondary school - It prepares its graduates for higher
education, social life, active participation in culture, employment and family
life.
4-year technical upper secondary school- Graduates obtain the certificate
which confirms that they have completed secondary general education and
generally oriented vocational education.
2 or 3-year basic vocational school The graduates of this type of school
having passed the examination may obtain a diploma confirming their
vocational qualifications.

ASSESSMENT, PROGRESSION AND QUALIFICATIONS
The assessment of the knowledge and skills of pupils throughout the
school year remains at the decision of teachers.
Assessments are made on the basis of regular written and oral tests.
The results obtained at the end of each semester must be approved by the
teachers’council of each school.

The external evaluation system in
compulsory education consists of the
following external tests and
examinations:
At the end of the 6-year primary school
(age 13) – general, obligatory test. The
skills required in core curricula are
examined.
At the end of the 3-year lower secondary
school (age 16) – general, obligatory
examination, the results of which are
indicated on the leaving certificate. The
results of the test together with the final
assessment of the pupils’performance
determine the admission to upper-
secondary schools.

The matura examination at the end
of post-compulsory education
entitles pupils for admission to
higher education.
It is made up of two parts: external
written (prepared and assessed by
Examination Commissions) and
internal oral (assessed by school
teachers).
MATURA

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