The Canadian education system is administered by the respective government of each of the provinces. There is no federal educational structure, which does not prevent the Canadian education successfully, attracting to the country more and more students and students from other countries.
Structure of Education in Canada
Educational structure and curriculum in the different provinces of Canada are about the same, but each of them has individual features that reflect the specific needs of the region, as well as its historical and cultural heritage. 95% of children in Canada attend public schools, respectively, about 5% attend private schools charge. In some provinces, there is a separation of schools according to the religious and language preference. The courses are taught in English or French. Usually schools actively help foreign students adapt to a new language and culture, offering additional training in language.
How to Choose Secondary Education in Canada?
As a public sphere, education is financed by taxes and free for every child in all provinces. It is divided into primary, secondary and tertiary. According to the current legislation in the country, teaching in schools is up to 15-16 years, depending on the province (Manitoba children study up to 17 years, and in New Brunswick – 18 years). Secondary education, which opens the way for the children to university, depending on the province, involves training in 7-12 grades. Virtually all public high schools have a joint form of education for boys and girls.
All teachers have at least one university degree and additional teaching qualifications. With foreign students working teachers with relevant work experience , they possess the necessary procedures.
Secondary Education for Foreigners
Canadian schools traditionally take on foreign students between the ages of 12 and 18 who are offered high quality courses, and provides a comfortable and safe lodging, and a flexible visa system. International sector of secondary education in Canada is sufficiently developed largely due to the country’s reputation for safe and excellent developing environment. Over the last ten years in this sector recorded growth in demand from foreign students, which in turn led to an increase in the number of specially designed customized programs that contribute to obtaining as an educational and cultural experience.
Possible assistance to students from other countries everywhere is one of the attributes of many public high schools in Canada. In addition to core academic programs their schools offer international students English language courses and mentoring to the subject matter. In addition, special programs include the preparation for university, as well as for the naturalization test TOEFL.
International students can apply for training in a Canadian high school for a period of one semester (September to January or January-June) to the academic year (two semesters – September to June) or more academic years. It is important to note that if you plan to start training in September, to complete the paperwork in the institution is required before July 15. Consequently, when applying for the winter semester is important to complete all the formalities to 5 November.
Public or Private Schools?
Choosing between public and private schools, it is necessary to choose English or French-speaking region, and schools, as well as its type, size and location. If you want to specialize in a particular discipline, find out which schools offer advanced programs in this area.
During each semester, students study up to four subjects (eight per academic year). At the end of each semester conducted written examination. In the middle and end of each semester, students receive a list with the evaluations and comments. The program is completed, if the student studied for a full semester, passed the final exams and received assessments, allowing it to move further along the educational ladder. On graduation, international students can get high school diploma, which is issued in the event that the graduate meets the minimum requirements. Canadian high school diploma allows graduates to apply for entry into the North American colleges and universities.
Study in Canadian high schools interrupted on vacation for two weeks at the end of December (Christmas holidays) and for one week in March, students periodically rest during the long weekend (three days).
Where to live during semester?
Student accommodation is one of the most important components of study at local schools. The ability to communicate with native speakers in school and at home – one of the reasons why foreign students choose education in Canada. Students are encouraged to stay in dormitories or Canadian families. Accommodation in hostels helps children acquire life skills to further integrate smoothly into student life at the university, and “family” students feel that the way they’re learning about life and get a good language practice.
Usually host families are selected by special school staff, which constantly monitors the living conditions of the student, the family itself must comply with the most stringent requirements. All this is carried out in order to ensure that the parents of the student, that he is in a comfortable and safe environment, and the “host parents” are those people who are sensitive care of the child and support it. Students enrolled in boarding schools, usually lives in a room with people from other countries, which promotes understanding and familiarity with other cultures.
The total duration of secondary education in Canada is 12 years. From age 6 to 11 or 13 years, the so-called child attends Elementary School. In 6th grade (11 years), the student has a choice: to continue their education in the Elementary School until 8th grade and then go to a four-year High School, or after the sixth grade to go to Junior High School (7, 8, 9 classes) and then after the 9th grade in the Senior High School (10, 11, 12 classes). At the end of the training period one student passes the exam and receive a high school diploma.