The different perceptions of secondary school across the globe puzzle people when they think about education beyond elementary schooling. With every country having a different schooling system, it is difficult to bifurcate what grades come under secondary education or if secondary school is similar to middle school or high school.
Due to a lack of clarity and information, the parents of late primary schoolers usually make less informed decisions about secondary studies. Hence, we bring you this comprehensive guide to clearing the air about secondary education and its grades.
The Concept of Secondary School
Secondary schools function as a crossroad between primary schooling and higher studies. It’s like a link between primary education and higher schooling or vocational studies.
The classes and subjects that come under secondary school vary depending on the kind of educational system, your country follows. Secondary schools are known to enhance the holistic growth of children through their all-around knowledge approach. They equip students with academic skills and also help build a practical attitude.
Usually concerned with children between the ages of 12 and 18, secondary education sometimes encompasses both middle and high school. The initial years of secondary education are termed ‘Lower Secondary’ and the latter years are termed ‘Higher Secondary’, depending on the kind of courses provided.
Lower secondary schools focus on teaching subjects like English, mathematics, science, history, and more, whereas higher secondary schools focus on specified courses and specializations that would help the student in their future goals. The subjects also depend highly on which grade you are in.
Grades Under Secondary Education
There are mainly two grade ranges that come under secondary schools. Most secondary education is given in either of these windows. These grade ranges subsequently affect student’s career trajectories after graduation. The two time periods are as follows:
6th to 10th grade
In this system, the middle school is a part of secondary education, teaching classes from 6th to 10th. This window helps the students clear all their basics and prepares them for the options they can choose after this.
After completing secondary school, students can join the military or workforce, or they can opt for an apprenticeship. Furthermore, if they are willing to join college, they’ll need to complete their high school, including 11th and 12th grades, first.
9th to 12th grade
This is the second system, where the 6th to 8th grades are considered middle school. After finishing the 8th standard, students are enrolled in secondary school, which includes 9th to 12th grades. In this system, the students don’t get the option of joining the military or the workforce after finishing 10th grade.
In its curriculum, the students also receive basic training to join the workforce after their higher education. Apart from the extensive courses of study, secondary schools also help prepare for standardized tests like SATs, ACTS, or other exams. Once completing secondary education, i.e., 9th to 12th grades, students can directly apply to colleges, join the army, or join the workforce to kick-start their careers.
Is Secondary School the Same as High School?
In some countries, secondary school and high school, are used synonymously and only differ in terms of nomenclature. However, in other countries, secondary schooling is given separately before high school. In the latter case, the middle school is part of secondary school education.
For a broader understanding, here are some of the key differences between secondary and high schools:
| Secondary School | High School |
| Secondary school prepares you for high school. | High school is the preparation age for college and university. |
| Subjects taught in secondary school education are less specialized and more generalized (science, math, English, history, etc.). | The subjects are chosen by students to gain in-depth knowledge about a particular stream (medicine, arts, business, etc.). |
| Secondary schools usually use a letter grading system. | High schools use a numeric scale for evaluation. |
| Extracurricular activities done in secondary schools provide an opportunity for students for personal growth. They can include leadership and management skills, pressure handling, and communication skills, etc. | Here teachers, mentors, and counselors help with admission applications, college essays, and sitting through admissions and interviews. |
Different Countries and Their Secondary Education
Countries other than the United States of America have different approaches to what they deem secondary school or secondary education. While some countries may differ based on the grades involved, others vary on the kind of academic pursuits, the students are choosing after completing their secondary schooling. Let us discuss some other major models of secondary schools.
USA Model
In this model, the students in grades 6th to 12th are considered to be in secondary school, but as soon as they reach the 9th grade, they are referred to as being in high school. In the USA, attending secondary school is compulsory; after completing it, children can either join the military, go to college, or directly enter the workforce.
The high school level of education in the US is equivalent to the secondary education of any English-speaking country. Canada also follows the same system. However, in Quebec, the high school ranges from 7th to 11th with post-secondary options.
UK Model
UK’s education system classifies kids aged 12 to 16 in the lower secondary category and those aged 16 to 18 age in the upper secondary category. The lower secondary curriculum is given in Lyceum and Grammar schools.
After completing the secondary school course, the students receive a key qualification called the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). After succeeding in this, they’re free to pursue all kinds of higher and vocational studies.
Australian and New Zealand Model
The education model in these countries on the shore is quite different. Here, schooling is compulsory until 10th grade. The level of education from 6th to 10th is called secondary schooling, and grades after that are called senior secondary.
Students, after completing their secondary education, can join the workforce or do an apprenticeship. Furthermore, they can continue to pursue their senior secondary education and then go to college.
South African Model
The South African model of schools only has compulsory education until the 10th grade and after that, students are directly enrolled in college. In most countries in South Africa, secondary school, high school, and college mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. This includes classes from 8th to 12th grade.
Finland Model
The educational system of Finland is very different from that of other countries. They are providing free tuition, free meals, and a nature-rich environment. Finland focuses on growing a child’s cognitive learning and socializing skills.
The compulsory education of primary school ends after 9 years, and students can choose to go to 4 years of secondary school to experience both high school and junior college level knowledge. If they wish to study more, they can attend college, university, or vocational school.
Indian Model
The Indian school model of education classifies grades 6th to 10th as secondary school. Students graduating in the 11th grade will be considered a part of high school.
Graduating from secondary school, students in India are given more freedom as to where they want to take their education. This is done by letting students pick the subjects they want to study in high school.
Career Opportunities After Secondary and High-Level Education
Multiple pathways can be taken after graduating from secondary and high schools. Once you complete your secondary education, you can opt for any of the following options:
- Continue with higher education and fill out college and university applications.
- Take up Vocational studies to get more practical training.
- Go for an apprenticeship and gather some professional experience under a mentor.
- Enter the workforce and get a job.
- You can join the military and serve your country.
Read Also: 5 Prominent Careers That Benefit College Students And Communities
Conclusion
Different countries follow different schooling systems. Despite their differing schooling systems, they all are focused on making education more comprehensive and the all-round development of their children. Secondary education holds immense significance, as it paves the way for the future endeavors of students.
FAQs
Ans:
The 10th class is called Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or high school, and the 12th class is referred to as Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Intermediate-level. In India, there is a senior and senior secondary school system.
Ans: While in most countries, the age to be in high school ranges anywhere from 14 to 18 years. Some countries may have different systems, like the UK, with high schoolers from ages 16–18.
Ans: In Nepal, grades 9th to 12th are for secondary-level education. They are divided into 2 categories, i.e., lower secondary (9th&10) and upper secondary (11&12). The School Leaving Certificate (SLC) exams at grade 10 are conducted first, followed by the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) examination taken at the end of 12th grade.
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