A CLOSER LOOK ON THE

EDUCATION SYSTEM OF
SELECTED COUNTRIES
JOHN LORENCE D. CAMACHO
Facilitator
 INTRODUCTION
This Lesson will take you to the different countries of the world:
(Australia, China, Japan, South Africa, United Kingdom, the United States of
America, New Zealand and the Philippines)
This countries will provide examples of the different educational systems in
particular parts of the Globe.
The various educational systems will give you baseline information on what
kind of education prevails in these selected countries. The presentation of
information should be taken as objectively as possible with no intention of
making a comparison to find out which one is better.
As a future teacher, you shall be guided by UNESCO’s principle that
Education is for all and that this education is anchored on the Five Pillars
which are:
 FIVE PILLARS OF EDUCATION BY UNESCO

1) Learning to know,
2) Learning to do,
3) Learning to Be,
4) Learning to live together,
5) Learning to Transform.
 AUSTRALIA
Basic Education
• Primary Schools six years
• High School six years
• College or university three to six years.
High school is divided into junior high school (year 7- year 10) and senior high school
(year 11- year 12) but these vary from state to state. During the junior high school studies,
most Australian students decide what to do after high school. Students who intend to go to
college or university entrance examination. Other students may get a job after year 10 or go to
a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) College to learn technical skills.
The entry age of compulsory education is 6 years old and exit age, 15 years old. Primary
education is provided by government and non- government primary schools. The length of the
program is six years for 6 years old to 12 years old children. However, in most states, children
start primary school at the age of 5 when they enroll in preparatory or kindergarten year.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-AUSTRALIA
After the primary school, the junior secondary level which is for
four years comes next. The age level of children in this level is
from 12 to 16 years old. At the end of the junior secondary
level, a Junior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 10
Certificate) is awarded. The government, non-government Co-
Educational Comprehensive/Multi-Purpose High School
provides junior secondary level of education.
A senior secondary level is provided for two years after the
junior secondary level. Students are from 16 to 18 years old in
this level. Senior secondary level is no longer compulsory
education. It is being offered by government and non-
government providers. A senior Secondary Certificate of
Education (Year 12 Certificate) is awarded at the end of the
senior secondary level.
From the primary to the secondary levels, most students are
enrolled in government schools which operate under the direct
responsibility of the State or Territory Education Minister. The
federal government provides supplementary financial support.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-AUSTRALIA
Higher Education in Australia
The main purposes of Australia Higher Education are:
1) to enable individuals to develop their capabilities for
effective participation in the workforce, for constructive
contribution to society and for personal growth and
fulfillment;
2) to advance knowledge and understanding;
3) aid the application of knowledge and understanding for the
benefit of the economy and the society;
4) enable individuals to adapt and learn, consistent with the
needs of an adaptable knowledge based economy at the
local, regional and national levels;
5) contribute to democratic civilized society. Australian
universities are autonomous self-accredited institutions
established by Federal, State or Territory legislation
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-AUSTRALIA
Higher Education in Australia
Academic year in Australia begins in March and ends in November. The long vacation
comes from December 1 to February 28 of every year. The language of instruction is
English.
University level studies begin with the undergraduate level. To be admitted, a senior
secondary certificate of Education is required. The main stage of university education
leads to a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate studies lasts between three years, (Arts,
Science, commerce) four years (Education, Engineering) five years, (Veterinary Science,
Dentistry, Architecture) and six years (Medicine and Surgery) fulltime. Arts and Sciences
usually offer either a bachelor degree (pass) obtained in three years or a Bachelor’s
degree (Honours) obtained in four years. An honours degree normally required for
university level second stage: postgraduate studies.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-AUSTRALIA
Higher Education in Australia
• A graduate with bachelor’s degree can proceed to a one-year to Two-year
post graduate course leading to a postgraduate diploma. A student who has
qualified for a bachelor’s degree (honours) may proceed to a master’s degree.
This degree may be obtained after one year (pass degree) or two years
(honours degree) of full time study.
• A student who has qualified for a bachelor’s degree (honours) may proceed
to study for a doctorate usually Ph.D., higher doctorate in science (DSsc) or
Humanities (DLitt) upon submission of published work are awarded the
degrees.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-CHINA

The most populous country of the world is

China. With over 200 million students
attending public schools taught by over 9
million teachers in the elementary, junior,
and senior high schools, it is the largest
educational system of the world (Wang,
1996; Nanjundiah, 1996). The education
system is highly centralized. The course
syllabi are written by scientists and
professors hired by the National
Educational Commission.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-CHINA
The subject matter and instructional
contents are uniform for all. The first six
years of school make up the primary
grades which is devoted to
development of cognitive skills, and this
is followed by another six years of high
schools. Class size ranged from 40 to 60
students and the students have to cover
all topics in order to pass national
examinations. Students wishing to
attend university must pass one of the
two versions of the National University
Entrance Examination.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-CHINA
• The quality and reputation of the school will depend on the number of
students passing the examination (Changbin, 1995; Kwang, 2000)
• Educational, one of the fundamental Chinese traditions entered to a new
era of deep transformation after 1949. Education was used as a vital tool
for centralization and unification of the country. The new educational
system include:

1. six years of primary education

2. Three years of junior middle school, three years of senior middle school
3. Six years of university
4. Varieties of technical and vocation schools.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
The Japanese education system is
highly centralized and is
administered by the Mombusho or
Ministry of Education. The school
system from kindergarten through
university serves about million
students, with about ten percent
going to the university. About one
third go to the private schools and
the rest are enrolled in the public
of national school system (Abner,
2002)
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
The Japanese educational
system is sometimes seen
as a model of how
operate schools. The
system gives a mental
picture of obedient, quiet
school children sitting on
their desks, listening to
the teacher and working
hard to pass various
entrance examinations.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
• In 2005, a book Japan in the 21st century: Environment, Economy and society
states:

“Japan’s educational system produces students who perform far better on

international examinations than Americans do, and Japanese students are
indisputably among the best in the world in solving mathematical equations…
Youngsters are well behaved, envied around as law-abiding: Japan’s low crime
rates are well known and widely envied around the world. But what is even more
striking than the lack of crime is the overwhelming civility; graffiti and vandalism
are rare and school sports team not only bow to each other before the game but
rush over to the opposing team’s stand after the game to pay their respect.”
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
Basic education
The Japanese educational system is divided into five basic levels:
kindergarten, elementary school (six years) lowers secondary school (three years)
upper secondary (three years) and university (usually around four years).
• In Japan, education is free and compulsory for children 6 to 15 years.
• Classes are large and teaching methods is usually lecture. Japanese students spend
243 days in a year in school.
• The school calendar is year-round with some breaks between sessions. Standard
curriculum includes Japanese language, social studies, math and science along
with art, music, home economics, physical education, and the most emphasis
being given to learning the Japanese language.
• Lower secondary schools cover grade seven, eight and nine. Men compose two-
thirds of the teachers in this level. Class size average 38 and the periods are fifty
minutes long.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
Basic education
• Upper secondary schools offer academic, technical and vocational
programs.
• The first year courses included Japanese language, English, Science
and Math.
• Vocational course includes information processing, navigation, fish
farming, ceramics and business English.
• The upper secondary schools are ranked based on their success in
placing graduating students into prestigious universities.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
• Higher Education in Japan
• Junior colleges by women who want to pursue
courses stress home economics, nursing,
teaching, humanities and social science. There
are various universities that students can attend
in Japan. Private institutions make up 80% of
university enrollments although the public
schools have the most prestige.
• To get into the universities (there are more than
500) the student must take two exams; the first
one is a national achievement test and the
second one is given by the university itself. The
competition is quite fierce and some students
who fail the test will take another year to study
and prepare to take the test again. These
students are called Ronin, which meant samurai.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-JAPAN
• 60% of the universities have graduate schools, but only seven percent of university graduate gets
Master's degrees. At the doctorate level, students enroll in medical programs and the humanities.
• Japanese education relies upon examinations to determine which schools the student will go to next,
resulting in a push by students and parents (usually mothers) for their children to study very hard for
the test so that he or she can get into the best schools. The entire educational system seems to be built
on a principle that if you do well in exams, you will get into good schools or universities and
automatically into a good life-time job.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-SOUTH AFRICA

• Basic Education in South

Africa Formal education in
South Africa is categorized
into sectors or levels. These
sectors are closely linked to
particular levels: namely,
1. Public ordinary school
education,
2. Independent school
education,
3. Special school education,
4. Technical college education,
5. Teacher training and
university training.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-SOUTH AFRICA
A public school may be an ordinary public school or a public school for learners with special
educational needs. The levels are pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher education.
The General Education and Training corresponds to Level 1 of the National Qualification
Framework (NQF) and is divided into three phases: foundation (Grades R-III) intermediate
(Grades-VI) and senior (Grades VII-IX).
As a rule, children start primary education is divided into junior primary (Grades I-III) and
senior primary (Grades IV-VI). Is the last stage of compulsory education and will lead to
General Education and Training Certificate. Further Education and Training (FET) or senior
secondary education (Grades X-XII) is not compulsory.
At the end of Grade XII, students sit a public examination leading to senior Certificate.
Technical secondary education which generally lasts for three years are offered in technical
centers, high schools and vocational schools.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-SOUTH AFRICA
The eight learning areas that form the basis of all basic education up to the
Further Education Training (FET) Certificate are:
1. Language, Literacy and Communication
2. Mathematical Literacy, mathematics and Mathematical Science
3. Natural Science
4. Technology
5. Human and Social Science
6. Economics and Management Science
7. Arts and Culture
8. Life Orientation
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-SOUTH AFRICA
a. Higher Education
• Tertiary and higher education correspond to level 5-8 of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) which
is more advanced than the Senior Certificate.
• Institutions of higher education include colleges, technikons and universities.
• Most colleges of education offer a three-year programme leading to the Diploma in Education (four years
higher diplomas).
• Nursing colleges and hospital schools of nursing offer year course leading to a diploma.
• Agricultural colleges offer one year certificate, two-year higher certificate and three year diploma courses.
• Technikons also offer bachelor’s (four year course) masters and doctoral degree programmes in technology.
• Master’s degrees (magister technologiae) usually require a minimum of one year of study, the doctorates
(Laureatus in Technology/ Doctor Technologiae) at least two years.
• An honours degree requires one additional year of study. A master’s degree is obtained after one or two year
of study and a minimum of two years for a doctorate.
• One school year consists of forty-one week (196 school days) which is divided into four terms. Other relevant
sectors of the educational structure include special education, private education or independent schools,
adult and non- formal education and HIV/AIDS education.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-UNITED KINGDOM
In England, education is compulsory for
children ages 5-16 years old. Most
children attend primary schools until
they are eleven and the transfer to
secondary schools. In the primary school
the subjects are taught by the same
teacher for a year before moving on to
the next teacher and next grade level on
the next year.

• Basic Education in United Kingdom

• The national curriculum core
subjects include English,
Mathematics, and Science. Each key
level has definite emphasis that
gradually becomes more advanced
as the level progresses.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-UNITED KINGDOM

1. Foundation Stage this is included in the national

curriculum which covers children aged 3-5 years, but
does not have a strong mandate as to what needs to
happen during these years of schooling as it is not
yet mandatory.
2. Key Stage One it includes children aged 5-7 years and
year groups grades 1-2. It mandates core subjects
including English, Mathematics, and Science and non-
core foundation subjects as design/technology, history,
art/design, music and physical education. Other
statutory areas are religious education, the format of
which is decided by local education authorities (LEA’S)
or by the faith in which the school was founded.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-UNITED KINGDOM
3. Key Stage Two it includes children aged 7-11 and year groups 3-6. It mandates the same core and
non-core foundation subjects, with more emphasis on more difficult topics and the addition of sex
education to additional statutory areas which is left up to the policy of school governors (school
board).
4. Key Stage Three it includes children aged 11-14 years and year groups 7-9. It mandates the same
basics in Key Stages One and Two, but adds Foreign Language, and Information/ Communication
Technology to the mix while adding appropriate difficulty to the core subjects.
5. Key Stage Four it includes those aged 14-16 and year groups 10-11. It covers the statutory
program that must be taught to all students. Most schools include in their core curriculum courses
that lead to qualifications in each of the five subject areas which are English, Math, Science,
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Physical education.
6. Post 16 Education it is not mandatory in England. Students can either continue education or
enter working world. Some secondary schools go beyond the 11-16 mandates to 11-18 and the
student may stay there. If the high school does not offer these ‘Sixth Form’ extra years, the student
may go to a “Further Education College” (FEC).
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-UNITED KINGDOM
7. The following certificates or diploma can be awarded in the Post 16
Education.
• General Certificate of Education (GCE), a level comprising advanced
subsidiary (AS) and A2, each of these usually containing three assessed
units.
• Vocational Certificate of Education (VCE) --- a level, dealing with the
more applied aspects of the subject; they are available in three, six,
and twelve unit sizes; they replaced the advanced o General National
Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs).
• Foundation and Intermediate GNVQ are widely used 16-19.
• Key skills qualifications at levels 1-4 of the National Qualifications
framework
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-UNITED KINGDOM
• In 1992, the binary divide in the higher education system was abolished.
• Former polytechnics became universities enabling them to award their own
degrees.
• Divisions continue to label pre-1992 universities as the “old” universities and
the former polytechnics as the “new” universities.
• Universities are not only concerned with the undergraduate and postgraduate
teaching.
• Higher education system in the UK needs to include reference to the Open
University as a major provider of the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
for adults.
• The Open University pioneered the way for opening access by offering greater
flexibility for adult learners through distance learning programs.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-UNITED KINGDOM
• Students studying at a university for their first degree are called “undergraduates”.
• Once a student has graduated, he/she becomes a “graduate” of the university.
• Ordinary degree programmes in the UK universities are usually 3- year courses.
• Undergraduates completing these programmes successfully are awarded either a Bachelor
of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) degrees are not permitted to place B.A. or [Link]
after their names.
• Master’s degree is usually achieved after two more years study following an Ordinary or an
Honour degree.
• The students are awarded M.A. or [Link].
• A doctorate is normally awarded after several years (three year’s full time) of research under
the direction of a member of a department of a possession of a doctorate and the
presentation of a doctoral dissertation or thesis.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
➢The levels of education in the U.S. are similar to those in other countries.
There are public and private colleges, schools and universities in the United
States.
➢The public schools are funded, in part, by a city, and/or state and/or federal
government.
➢Students living in the city or state pay less tuition because some tax money is
used to subsidize the tuition.
➢Non-US residents would pay more, since they would not be residents of the
city or state where the college or university is located.
➢Private colleges and universities are supported primarily by tuition and private
contributions. All students must pay the same tuition no matter where they
come from.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
• Basic education
• Pre-primary education types of school providing this education are kindergartens,
nursery schools, preschool programmers, and child/day care centers.
• -Age level is 4-6 years old and the duration is 2 years.

• Primary education- elementary school- there is varied levels of schooling in the primary
education.
• Grades 1-4- children are from ages 6 to 10.
• Grades 1 to 5- children are from ages 6 to 11
• Grades 1-6- children are from ages 6 to 12
• Grades 1-7- children ages 6 to 14
• Transitions to junior high school
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
• Middle school education Grades 4-6, 5-7, or 6-8. -Age level is from 10-14
• Length of the program is 3 years.
• Secondary education high school Grades 7-12 or 8-12
• Ages 12-18 years old
• High school diploma is awarded 2 levels
• Junior high school  Grades 7-8, 7-9, or 8-9 Ages 12-14 years old
• Senior high school  Grades 9-12, or 10-12 Ages 14-18 years old.

Duration of compulsory education is from entry of 6 years old to exit of 18

years old.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
• Higher education in the U.S. begins at the post-secondary education.

These higher education institutions are classified according to the following

categories:
• Research universities (I and II) - Comprehensive doctorate granting
institutions that have extensive theoretical and applied research in a wide
variety of programs.
• Doctorate – granting universities (I and II) – Universities offering
comprehensive studies but awards Doctorate in limited fields or areas.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
• Master’s (Comprehensive) universities and colleges (I and II) – Institutions offering
academic and professional programmes at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels but do not
award research doctorate.
• Baccalaureate (Liberal Arts) Colleges (I and II) - Institutions offering Bachelor’s degrees but
not higher.
• Associate of Arts colleges- they offer academic and professional or occupational studies at
the Associate Degree level including public community colleges and public and private
junior colleges.
• Professional school and the other specialized institutions- institutions that offer only one or
few related courses in the professional or academic with degree levels from associate to
research doctorates.
• Postsecondary vocational and technical schools- institutions offering short non-degree
training programs of less than two years duration, leading to certificates or diplomas in
occupational specialties.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
• Post-secondary education- there is no real age categories for post-secondary
education. American students starts college right after completing high school
(About 60% of all students who graduate from high school enter college at some
point in their life), Junior and technical colleges are designed to be 4- year programs
at the undergraduate level. In reality, the average American takes over 6 years to
finish a four year degree. The reason is that more than 50% of college freshmen do
not know what major or specialization they wish to study. Also many students work
to pay for college expenses. Thus, they may take fewer classes in order to work.
• Vocational and technical schools operate at either the high school or junior college
levels. They teach skills such as secretarial, auto-mechanics, photography, and
nursing.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-USA
• College and University education- a college usually has a Bachelor’s (4 year)
program. A university may be composed of several colleges. Universities often have
graduate programs as well.
• For most purposes, a Bachelor’s degree from a college is equivalent to a Bachelor’s
degree from a University, so that the two words “college” and “university” mean
the same thing to most Americans.
• Generally, the value of degree is a reflection of how society views the particular
college or university. From a bachelor’s degree a student can proceed to a graduate
program for master’s degree or a doctorate degree. For non-residents of the US, a
TOEFEL IS required and a Graduate Record Examination or GRE is must.
• Classes begin in September and end in June of every year. The language of
instruction is English.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand education system is a world-class, modern and responsive. It combines proven,
traditional principles of education with innovation, creativity and fresh thinking to produce
learners and citizens equipped for the 21st century.
• Basic Education in New Zealand
• School is compulsory for all children in New Zealand from age 6-16. Children are eligible
from free education if they are New Zealand citizens or residents, or if they qualify as
domestic students. The average number of students to a teacher in every classroom is 18-1
in primary schooling and 15-1 in secondary schooling in state schools. There are three types
of schools in New Zealand; State-funded; State integrated; and Private
• There is a national curriculum which is set out as a learning requirements for all state
schools. In the basic education there are key competencies and shared vision, principles and
values.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
The core subjects include:
• English
• Health and Physical Education
• Language
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Science
• Social Science
• Technology
• The Arts

Secondary schools may add other subjects such as accounting, art

history, media studies and specialized science and language studies.
There are five competencies covered by the national curriculum.
• Thinking
• Using language, symbols, and texts-different ways to communicate
and understand information
• Managing self-a “can-do” attitude
• relating to others-being able to listen, see different points of view
and share ideas; and
• Participating and contributing-big a group member and including
others.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
• The national curriculum includes a vision for the young people to be
confident, lifelong earners. It also requires the importance of different
cultures to value:
• Excellence (aiming high and sticking at it)
• Innovation, inquiry and curiosity (thinking, exploring and creating)
• Diversity (different cultures, languages, and backgrounds)
• Respect (for themselves, for others, for human rights)
• Equity (fairness and justice)
• Community and participation (taking part)
• Ecological (caring for the environment)
• Integrity (being honest and responsible)
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand levels of Education

Schooling level Years/Grades Age

Early Childhood Pre-school Birth-5years
Primary School Years 1-8 5-13
Intermediate school Years 7-8 11-13
Not always applicable as some primary school
include these years

Secondary schools Years 7-13 11-17 or 18

Also known as college/High School/Grammar
School

Tertiary University similar 17 onwards

Also includes institute of technology and
Polytechnics
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
• Primary school New Zealand law requires all children aged 6 years and over to be in schools. Most begin as
they turn 5 years old. For the first three years in primary education, one grade level each year, children are
moved to another five more years before going to secondary school.
• Secondary schools Students progress through five levels and must stay until age 17-18. In the first two years
of secondary, grade 9 and 10, all students learn English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Studies,
Arts, Physical Education and Health Education. Optional subjects in the first two years of secondary schools
may include Economics, History, Geography, Electronics, Sewing, Keyboard skills, drama, and journalism,
French, Japanese and Maori. In the last 3 years of secondary school, there is a wide range of subjects to
choose from. Years 12 and 13, the last two years, may suit overseas students who wish to progress to tertiary
education in New Zealand. There is a National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCAE) in New Zealand’s
national qualification for secondary students. There are three NCAE qualifications:
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
• School Term the New Zealand school year is divided into four terms for
primary, intermediate and secondary schools. Students have six week summer
holiday break and three two- week breaks between each of the four terms.
The exact dates change from year-year. School day usually begins at 9:00 am
and ends at 3:00 pm or 3:30 pm.
The terms are:
• Term 1- Early February until mid-April
• Term 2- Late April until the beginning of July
• Term 3- Mid-July until later September
• Term 4- Mid-October until Mid-December
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
• Universities in New Zealand
• There are 8 government-funded universities in New Zealand and all have
internationally respected academic and research standards.
• A university education is open to anyone who meets the common standards
prescribed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). However
universities often have higher entry criteria for specific courses like medicine,
dentistry  Students can work towards bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as
well as diplomas at various levels.
• The academic year for Universities start in March to November however, there are
also courses in the universities that start in July.
• Summer semester courses maybe available.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
• Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
• State-owed Offers courses that are equivalent in merit to those offered as degrees in
universities. There are 20 polytechnic and technology institutes in the country. They also
offer short term courses that may be begin any time of the year.
• Colleges of Education in most cases are merged with regional universities. Course content
and start dates are synchronized with the Universities. There is a close relationship between
the Colleges of Education and the Ministry of Education in the in-service training of
teachers which are available on site or on-line. Short term courses are being offered for the
professional development of teachers. There is a very strong program to develop
indigenous culture and education. Most College of Education have extended their services
to public schools in their areas. The public school teachers also in the development of the
pre-service teachers by acting as mentor during their teaching practicum.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-NEW ZEALAND
Private Training Institutions and English Language Programs
There are around 800 private education providers in the country,
many of which are offering short-term English language courses.
Some also offer courses in specific areas like business, computing
and design.
These private training institutions are registered and accredited by
New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-PHILIPPINES
As you learn about education in other countries, it would be best to also know, the kind of
education that we have in the Philippines. With the bold reform taken by the Department of
Education, this section will introduce the basic information on the current implementation of some
K to 12 Curriculum and the forthcoming higher education programs.

Basic Education(K-12)
The K-12 basic education in the Philippines consists of Kindergarten, 6 years of Elementary, 4 years
of Junior high school, and 2 years of Senior high school. Kindergarten became mandatory in SY
2012-2013. The teaching in Kindergarten is built around six domains. From Grade 1-10 is a core of
academic subjects taught using the spiral progression approach. The subjects from Grades 1-10 are
the Languages (Mother Tongue, Filipino, and English), Math, Science, Social studies, TLE, MAPEH.
Mother Tongue is used as the medium of instruction from K-Grade 3 and is taught as a subject only
in Grades 1, 2 and 3. Science as a subject is taught only beginning Grade 3. TLE is taught starting
Grade 4 until Grade 10.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-PHILIPPINES
Basic Education(K-12)
• In Grades 11-12, the subjects are Languages (Filipino and English), Math, Science, Social studies
combined with TLE-Career Pathways.
• The focus in Grade 11 and 12 is on the specialization subjects that equip the learner for the
career path of his/her choice.
• These career paths come in 3 tracks- academic, techvoc and sports and arts. Those college bound
choose the academic specialization.
• Basic Education in the Philippines (K-12)  those who wish to continue the TLE specialization they
had in Grade 9 and Grade 10 may choose the techvoc track. Another track can be sports and arts.

• Elementary Education is concerned with the learners’ mastery of basic skills and competencies.
Secondary education is geared towards the consolidation of these knowledge and skills mastered at
the elementary level and is focused on equipping the learner with employable gainful skills or
preparing him/her for middle level skills development or higher education.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-PHILIPPINES
The new Philippine Basic Education ladder is shown in the chart below:
Level of Schooling Age (years) Description

Kindergarten 5

Grade1 6

Grade2 7 ELEMENTARY (6 YEARS)

Grade3 8

Grade4 9

Grade5 10

Grade6 11

Grade7 12

Grade8 13

Grade9 14 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL(4 YEARS)

Grade10 15

Grade11 16

Grade12 17 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL(2 YEARS)

 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM- PHILIPPINES
Higher Education in the Philippines
• Students who graduate in high school consisting of four years may proceed
to colleges, universities or technical vocational institutions, which are
classified as higher education institutions.
• Higher education institutions are supervised by a government agency
called the Commission on Higher Education or CHED.
• Majority of the higher education institutions in the country require entrance
examination for admission to college degree programs.
• Most college degree programs are four years for baccalaureate degrees.
Other highly specialized field like medicine and law take around eight years to
complete.
 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-PHILIPPINES
• Higher Education in the Philippines For technical vocation education or post-
secondary education, there are two-year courses.
• Most of the college degree programs require passing a licensure examination for
the specific profession. (Nursing, Dentistry, Medical Technology, Medicine,
Engineering and Teaching).
• The examination are given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) while
for law, the examination is given by the Supreme Court.
• After completing the bachelor’s or baccalaureate degrees, courses in the master’s
program of two years and doctoral program for three years are offered by
authorized colleges and universities.
• Most of these institutions have admission requirements for the specific degrees.