A Visit to a Russian School
Amongst the many views of extravagant buildings, crisp landscapes, lovely waterways, systems of locks and dams, clean cities, twenty-hour days and gorgeous sunsets, we were allowed to spend a few moments at the sweetest little school in a quiet quaint town in Russia. In a simple building, a day of summer school was adjourning. I was so excited to meet the Russian children. I couldn’t wait to find out how this meek little school ticked. The group of 30 tourists were lead into a classroom where a lovely Russian teenage girl read her practiced speech in English. The room was small but fit all of us in the seats quite nicely and we listened intently. Many questions followed about the daily regime of the children as well as their parents. Everyone was interested in education as we are all a part of it.
After we left the classroom, we were shown to the even more minute multipurpose room to watch a skit and learn about the arts that children of this school learn. The art teacher spoke in Russian so an interpreter was needed. Children are learning to make items from their rich history to continue traditions. The school is located in Kirillov where one of the oldest museums of Russia exists. Visitors were allowed to purchase the art of students. We purchased a green and white lace piece created by a young boy in the school.
What did I learn about the Russian Educational System? The system is set up by the state and is free to everyone. Private schools have been established in the last few years. Compulsory education begins at age 6 in kindergarten, then primary school for four years, general education for five years and then secondary education for two to three years. Russian general education is aimed at the moral, emotional, intellectual and physical development of the student. Students are in school about 34 weeks with breaks similar to the American School System. School is in session from September 1 to beginning of June. The system aims to develop abilities that will help students make good life decisions. There is a state test in June after general education is completed to determine whether the student will be admitted to secondary general education, vocational education or to non-university level higher education. Students have access to iPads daily at all levels.
Students that make the best grades in secondary education get to continue into college for free and it continues to be free while their grades stay good!
Kirillov, City in Russia
