What is the outcome of the Netherlands meeting?

Our proposal for a European Secondary Education System

At the Comenius Students Conference 30 March – 6 April 2011 we compared the different education systems of the involved nationalities (UK, Fr, D, It, Nl).

We have discussed the following themes:

·      Subjects

·      Tests

·      Level of education

·      A day at school

·      Dress code

·      Ways of learning:

     Computer learning

     Independent learning

     Class learning

     Books

     Projects 

Common Framework for European Education (CFEE)

There is a combination of Basic Education (primary education) and Middle Education in one building. Middle Education has different teachers for different subjects.

If a student has a result above average, he/she has, in the first two years of secondary education, the possibility to change level between High, Middle, Low.

There will be different buildings for levels (H, M, L together) and practicals.

Portfolios will be a part of the evaluation (P).

Tests

There will be a test and an evaluation of the portfolio (T+P), before starting secondary education to set levels.

Tests at set times in school year (the school year is divided in 4 periods, at the end of each period there will be tests for compulsory subjects).

Practice Exams at the end of course / stage of education

Compulsory Subjects

Languages:   English (international language)

                     Own language (if English choose another language)

                     Third language – depends on school / country

Maths

History         Local, National, European, World

Science

PE / Sports

Information Technology (IT)

Optional Subjects

They are choosen at 12 years old and include Art, Music, Social Studies,

D.T., R.S. etc

Uniform and dress code

Uniform is compulsory in primary education (according to the traditions / country)

No uniform in secondary education but a dress code is adopted.

Learning styles

Use of IT – access to education sites including You Tube but not Facebook etc.

Independent learning increasing as you get older (20% to 50% or more).

Variety of learning including class / group and project work.

Use and availability of computers and books

Individual student laptops.

Ideal school day

Lessons to last one hour.

6 lessons a day.

No double lessons.

After 2 lessons there is a break.

Lunch break depends on country / school.

End of the day depends on breaks given during the day.

School holidays

13 weeks a year.

Holidays depend on country (weather / traditions etc)

Tutors / tutorials

 All students to have personal tutors for support etc.

Work experience

Compulsory to the curriculum but set to countries own rules.