Education in Russia

Every citizen of our country has the right to education. This right is guaranteed
by the Constitution. It is not only a right but a duty too.
Children start school at the age of 7 in Russia. The course of studies at school is
11 years now: 4 years of primary school and 7 years of secondary school. Children
under the age of 6 are taken to crèches and nursery schools.
There is a wide choice of schools nowadays: state schools, private schools,
lyceums and gymnasiums. The majority of schools is free of charge, but in some
parents have to pay for the education of their children. Though it is generally not a
demand, most children can already read and write when they start their school: this
makes education much easier for them.
In primary schools there are 3 or 4 lessons a day, they usually are Reading,
Writing and Ari´thmetic. A lesson lasts 40 minutes. During the first term children get
used to learning and adapt to school regulations. Beginning with the second term of
the first year at school children also take Handicrafts, Drawing and others. The list of
subjects under study is further extended during the second, third and fourth years.
At primary schools all lessons are usually conducted by one teacher.
Every boy or girl must get secondary education. There is a wide variety of
subjects under study, and teachers specialize.
After finishing 9 forms of a secondary school young people can continue their
education in the 10th and the 11th form. They can also go to a technical school,
college where they study academic subjects and receive a profession. A college gives
general knowledge in academic subjects and profound knowledge in 1 or several
subjects.
After finishing a secondary, vocational, technical school or a college, young
people can start working or enter a university. Universities train specialists in
different fields. A course at a university usually takes 5 years. Students of universities
get scholarships.
At the end of their final year at college, university or academy they take final
examinations and get a diploma. Besides, they can take postgraduate courses in the
chosen field.