THE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND

Transcription

1 THE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND SCHOOLS AND DIPLOMAS by Joanna Jung-Miklaszewska translation Ewa Kolanowska WARSAW 2003 Original title: System Edukacji w Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej. Szkoły i dyplomy Both language versions of the publication are available on the Internet at

2 This document is published by the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange Polish NARIC/ENIC Biuro Uznawalności Wykształcenia i Wymiany Międzynarodowej ul. Smolna 3, Warszawa [email protected] This publication has been elaborated with the financial support of the European Commission 2

3 Contents Contents... 3 Introduction System of education and its legal basis Public and non-public schools Compulsory education The Central Examination Commission Nursery schools Primary schools and gymnasiums year primary school (before the implementation of the Act of 999) year primary school (after the implementation of the Act of 999) Gymnasium Post-primary general education schools (since 200 post-gymnasium schools) year General lyceum (before the implementation of the Act of 200) year general secondary school (liceum ogólnokształcące) (after the implementation of the Act of 200) Vocational education Basic vocational school Basic vocational school before the implementation of the Act of Basic vocational school after the implementation of the Act of Secondary vocational schools (until the year post-gymnasium schools) Secondary vocational schools (before the implementation of the Act of Post gymnasium (vocational) schools after the implementation of the Act of Schools of arts Schools of music Schools of music before Schools of music after Schools of arts Schools of fine arts before Schools of fine arts after Schools of ballet Secondary schools for teachers and teacher training institutions Secondary schools for teachers and teacher training institutions before Secondary schools Teacher training institutions Teacher training institutions after Schools for adults Higher education institutions Higher education institutions before the year Higher education institutions after Legal basis Management of higher education institutions State and non-state higher education institutions Structure of studies Admission requirements Study programmes (fields of study and curricula) Diplomas and professional titles awarded by higher education institutions Academic degrees and degrees in the field of arts The academic title and the title in the field of arts Bibliography Annex. Framework timetable for the 6-year primary school (Forms I to VI) Annex 2. Framework timetable for Forms V and VI in the 6-year primary school Annex 3. Framework timetable for Form VIII in the 8-year primary school Annex 4. Framework timetable for the gymnasium Annex 5. Framework timetable for the general lyceum Annex 6. Framework timetable for the basic school offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8- year primary school curriculum

4 Annex 7. Framework timetable for the vocational lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum Annex 8. Framework timetable for the technical lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum Annex 9. Framework timetable for the technical school and lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum Annex 0. Framework timetable for the technical school and lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the basic school curriculum Annex. Framework timetable for the post-secondary school Annex 2. Framework timetable for the post-secondary school offering courses designed as a followup to the curriculum of the general or technical lyceum Annex 3. Specimens of certificates and diplomas Annex 4: Disciplines of science (art) in which universities and research institutions may award academic degrees in Poland

5 Introduction This study provides basic information on the system of education in Poland, focusing in particular on its subsequent stages which include schools providing education on respective levels. Produced by the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange, the study is addressed primarily to similar structures, these operating in many countries under the name of ENICs/NARICs. Hence, efforts were taken to include information which may facilitate the work of these centres in the area of equivalence and recognition of certificates and diplomas awarded by various types of schools. The study contains general information on the legal basis for the functioning and management rules of educational system in Poland as well as the statistic data on a current number of establishments existing on particular levels of education. The description of the educational system is the most important part of this study. It takes into consideration both the assumptions of the reform which is currently being implemented (since the year 2000) and the characteristics of types of schools existing within the frameworks of the previously functioning structure. Thus as regards the current educational system this study contains the presentation of compulsory education, which means: 6-year primary schools, 3-year gymnasium (lower secondary school) as well as upper secondary schools and higher education institutions. Whereas as regards the period before the year 2000 we can find in this study a description of: 8-years primary schools, different types of post-primary schools and higher education institutions. This description, covering both the current and former structure of the educational system, due to the above mentioned reasons, focuses on such information concerning respective types of schools as: admission requirements, the duration of education in years, information about curricula, the type of certificate or diploma obtained as well as further education options. It also gives an insight into the conditions of applying for academic degrees and documents confirming the award of such degrees in our country. This study contains also numerous appendixes such as: current framework timetables in respective types of compulsory and post-gymnasium schools, patterns of diplomas of completion of education in different types of schools, list of higher education institutions and fields of study which are provided in these HEIs as well as disciplines of science in which the academic degrees are awarded. 5

6 . System of education and its legal basis The legal basis for the school education system in force is provided by the Act on the School Education System of the 7 th of September 99, including later amendments,. In accordance with the above-mentioned Act, the school education system comprises: nursery schools, including integration divisions and special nursery schools; primary schools, gymnasiums, general and vocational post-gymnasium schools, including integration divisions, and special schools, sports schools, sports championship schools and schools of arts; educational establishments, extra-school activity establishments, including artistic centres as well as continuing education and practical training establishments which offer possibilities to acquire and develop general knowledge and professional/vocational qualifications, to acquire skills, to form and develop interests or abilities, and to take part in various leisure activities; psychological and educational guidance services and other specialist services which provide children, young people, parents and teachers with psychological and educational support, and which guide pupils in their choice of study options and an occupation; educational and correctional education establishments which organise care and education for children and young people entirely or partially deprived of parental care, and other establishments responding to the needs in the area of support and care for children and young people; adoption and care centres which initiate and support various substitute forms of family education; voluntary labour corps; initial and in-service teacher training institutions and establishments; educational libraries. This study covers only the establishments referred to in the first two components of the school education system. Until the end of the school year 998/99, the school education system was organised within the following structure: nursery schools, 8-year (compulsory) primary schools, post-primary schools: 3-year basic vocational schools, 4-year general secondary schools (średnia szkoła ogólnokształcąca), vocational secondary schools 4-year technical and vocational secondary school, 5-year technical vocational school, lyceums and equivalent schools, 2-2,5-year post-secondary schools (including schools which require only the certificate of completion of secondary education, and those where the requirement for gaining access is the maturity certificate). 6

7 As from the st of September 999, in accordance with the Act of the 8 th of January 999 including Provisions for the Reform of the School System, a reformed compulsory school structure has been implemented which comprises the following types of school education institutions: 6-year primary schools, 3-year gymnasiums, The process of the implementation of the reform of the post-gymnasium school system, spread over several stages was initiated on st of September 2002 and will last till September Thus on st of September 2002 in accordance with the Act of 2 November 200 amending the Act Teachers Charter, Act on School Education System as well as the Act - Provisions Introducing the Reform of the School System the following types of post gymnasium schools were established: 2-3 year basic vocational schools (zasadnicze szkoły zawodowe) 3-year general secondary schools (licea ogólnokształcące) 3-year specialised secondary schools (licea profilowane) 4-year technical secondary schools (technika) However the supplementary schools for graduates of basic vocational schools will start to function on st of September 2004, which means: 2-year supplementary general secondary school (szkoły uzupełniające dla absolwentów zasadniczych szkół zawodowych) 3-year supplementary technical secondary schools (technika uzupełniające) On the other hand the vocational schools for the graduates of general secondary schools will start to function on st of September 2005, which means: Post-secondary schools of the duration of education no longer than 2,5 years. Thus, until the year 2005, the education covering the graduates of gymnasiums and 8-year primary schools, which were functioning till the year 2000, will be provided within the structures of previously existing different types of post-primary schools as well as in newly established post-gymnasium school institutions. 2. Public and non-public schools Pursuant to the Act on School Education in force, primary schools, gymnasiums and post-gymnasium schools may all be public or non-public. The turn of the 80-ties and 90-ties saw the establishment of a considerable number of non-public schools; hardly known in Poland previously (with few schools of this type run by religious orders and the PAX association), these schools were set up by various associations and private persons. Non-public schools are established and administered by legal or natural persons, and public schools by public administration and local government agencies. According to the definition given in the School Education Act, a public school is an establishment which: provides free education within framework timetables; recruits pupils on the basis of the general access principle; employs teachers holding qualifications which are defined in separate legislation; implements: curricula which are based on the core curriculum for general education and, in the case of vocational schools, also the core curriculum for training for a given occupation or a given branch of vocational education; 7

8 a framework timetable; complies with the rules for pupil assessment, grading and progression, and for setting examinations and tests as laid down by the minister responsible for school education and education; offers the possibility of obtaining state certificates and diplomas. In order to be granted the above-mentioned powers of a public school, a non-public school is required to: implement curricula based on the core curricula referred to above; apply the rules for pupil assessment, grading and progression, and for setting examinations and tests, except entrance examinations, as referred to above; keep a record documenting the course of the teaching process as defined for public schools; in the case of a vocational school: provide training for occupations as defined in the classification of occupations for vocational education or other occupations as approved by the Minister of National Education; employs compulsory subject teachers holding qualifications defined for public school teachers. 3. Compulsory education According to the Act on School Education, as from the school year 999/2000, education is compulsory until the age of 8 (inclusive). Compulsory education starts at the beginning of the school year in the calendar year when the child reaches the age of 7 and lasts until the end of education in the gymnasium, though not longer than until the age of 8. From the school year 999/2000, the duration of compulsory schooling is extended by year; previously, compulsory education comprised the period between 7 and 7 years of age and related to the completion of education in the 8-year primary school. At parents request, primary schools may also enrol children who reach the age of 6 before the st of September and have achieved psychological and physical maturity required to start school education. The decision on earlier admission to primary school is taken by the school head, following consultations with psychological and educational guidance services about the level of the child s development. From the school year 999/2000, compulsory education is completed by attending a 6-year primary school, a 3-year gymnasium and a post-gymnasium school, whether these are public or non-public institutions. The requirement to complete compulsory education is also applicable to children with special educational needs. 4. The Central Examination Commission The Central Examination Commission was established on the virtue of the Act on Education System in order to prepare and organize a new system of external assessment of pupils educational achievements. It functions in the cooperation with 8 Regional Examination Commissions: The Central Examination Commission implements the following tasks: Preparation and improvement of the external examinations system, Development of drafts of the examination requirements standards, Establishment of uniform, for a given education level, sets for a test or examination in a given school year, Setting dates of examinations, Coordination of the activities of the Regional Examination Commissions in order to ensure uniformity and quality of tasks implemented by these authorities, 8

9 Analysing the results of tests and examinations in the national scale and reporting to the Minister of National Education and Sport on the level of pupils achievements on respective levels of education, Development and dissemination of in-service teacher training curricula in scope of diagnosis and assessment, Keeping the register of the examiners of the Regional Examination Commissions, Development and improvement of electronic system of examination data processing for the Regional Examination Commissions Inspiring scientific research and innovations in the field of assessment and examination. The reform of the educational system, which has been implemented in our country since 999, has also included the introduction of a new, coherent and more objective system of assessment of pupils educational achievements. A new solution in this scope is - apart from internal assessment (in schools) - external assessment provided by the educational authorities. The internal assessment of pupils educational achievements in schools is understood as teachers recognition of the level of pupils progress in acquisition of knowledge and skills in comparison with the educational requirements resulting from the curricula as well as the formulation of the assessment. It includes: establishing the educational requirements and providing students and parents with the information about them, current assessment and semester grading according to the scale and in forms adopted in a given school, providing grading exams, carrying out end-of year assessment at the end of a school year (semester) and establishing the conditions under which pupils may improve their final marks. The external assessment should allow to provide a diagnosis of pupils achievements, to monitor the level of education in schools and to provide objective and comparable information on the quality of school work and to review implemented curricula. The external assessment includes: A test in the 6 th grade of primary school called a test on the level of interdisciplinary skills acquired by pupils and defined in the requirements standards An examination in the 3 rd grade of gymnasium called the gymnasium examination covering the skills acquired by pupils within the scope of the humanities, mathematics and natural science, defined in the requirements standards. An examination confirming vocational qualifications - called the vocational examination, which is a form of assessment of the level of knowledge and skills acquired by pupils within the scope of a given occupation, defined in the requirements standards which constitute the basis for providing examination confirming pupils vocational qualifications; it consists of a written and practical part; Maturity examination (egzamin maturalny) - is a form of assessment of the level of pupils general education; it checks knowledge and skills defined in the examination requirements standards; it consists of a written and oral part. However the examination requirements standards are developed with regard to so called core curriculum for the respective levels of education - it means the canon of basic teaching contents. 5. Nursery schools Pre-primary education institutions form a part of the school education system. They organise care and education, thus complementing family education. They also play an important role in compensating environment-related disadvantages, this being achieved through various educational tasks which are designed to support the development of children and to help them prepare for school education. 9

10 Pre-primary education is provided for children between the age of 3 and the start of education in the first year of the 6-year primary school. It is organised in nursery schools, which are separate establishments, or in nursery divisions based at primary schools (the so-called 0 classes ). 6-yearolds have the statutory right to receive one year of pre-primary education which prepares them to start primary school education. The responsibility for ensuring that children may exercise this right rests with local government authorities (the municipality, i.e. gmina). In case a gmina does not enable the child to benefit from this right, parents may appeal to the voivode (i.e. the head of province-level authorities). At present, 97% of 6-year-olds are enrolled in the pre-primary preparatory year, offered in both nursery schools and school-based nursery divisions. Nursery schools (przedszkola) are divided into public and non-public institutions. Public nursery schools are managed and financed by gminas. A contribution towards the costs of nursery school maintenance is also provided by parents who pay for their children s stay extending beyond 5 hours per day and for meals. The nursery school is statutorily required to offer children at least 5 hours of free teaching and educational activities per day. Public nursery schools use curricula based on the core curriculum for pre-primary education as approved by the Ministry of National Education and Sport, i.e. a set of basic developmental competencies defined for children in this age group. Non-public nursery schools may be established and administered by legal and natural persons on the basis of an entry in a register held by the competent kurator (i.e. the head of local educational authorities) who is also responsible for pedagogical supervision. These institutions are financed mainly by parents. A nursery school administered by a natural person may apply for the status of a public nursery school and, subsequently, for a grant to finance its activities which is awarded from the gmina budget. Non-public nursery schools are required to implement a core curriculum. Children with special educational needs, between the age of 3 and 7 (the start of school education), though not longer than until the age of 0, may attend special or integration nursery schools. Preprimary education for children with special educational needs is not compulsory; this is only a right which they are free to benefit from on a voluntary basis. Special nursery schools follow curricula which are recommended by the Ministry of National Education and Sport for mainstream nursery schools. Different arrangements are applied only to nursery schools for mentally handicapped children, those with hearing impairments and those with multiple disabilities. On the basis of a relevant Ministry of National Education regulation, in addition to special nursery schools, integration nursery schools and divisions have been organised since 993 where children with special educational needs are placed together with those developing at the normal pace. Pre-primary education. Statistical data (school year 200/2002) Total number of institutions Total number of pupils Total number of teachers Pre-primary institutions, incl.: nursery school divisions based at primary schools

11 6. Primary schools and gymnasiums year primary school (before the implementation of the Act of 999) Between the school years 948/49 and 965/66, primary school (szkoła podstawowa) was a 7-year school which together with a 4-year general lyceum constituted an -year cycle of general education, with subsequent years forming a single stream from Form I to Form XI. Primary school was extended to 8 years pursuant to the Act of the 5 th of July 96 on the development of the education system and, as justified in this law, with a view to ensuring that pupils are better prepared to continue their education and to obtain vocational/professional qualifications. As part of the reform, new curricula were introduced in Forms V to VII, and Form VIII was organised in the school year 966/67. This school was the basic component of the Polish school system. Eight years of primary school were covered by compulsory education. The completion of primary education was documented by the certificate of completion of education in the primary school (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły podstawowej) which provided access to further stages of education in various post-primary schools. Until 99 primary school was a uniform structure in terms of its curriculum. This means that primary education was provided in accordance with the same curriculum and the same textbooks in schools throughout the country. As part of changes introduced subsequently, teachers may now implement various curricula which are only based on a core curriculum, i.e. a prescribed set of common contents, as approved by the Minister of National Education and Sport The first three years of education (beginning learning) were designed as an induction stage, because pupils could acquire basic knowledge and skills necessary for further education. The remaining years were devoted to general education within various subjects, these corresponding to the basic academic disciplines (e.g. history) and the areas of human activity (e.g. music; the framework timetable for Form VIII in the 8-year primary school is attached in the annex). In spite of these underlying aims, education was subject-based even in the beginning learning years. The last class of those graduating from the 8-year primary school left this structure in the school year 999/2000. This year is simultaneously the first year for the introduction of the 6-year primary schoolas it was already mentioned- which together with the 3-year gymnasium constitutes a compulsory education cycle. Moreover, 8-year primary schools organised vocational training classes for pupils who completed only Form V or VI by the age of 5 and did not demonstrate potential for completion of primary education in the prescribed time. In addition to the types of mainstream primary schools described above, the other structures which existed and still exist at this level are special (7- or 8-year) primary schools for children with special educational needs. Most of special schools follow the same curriculum as mainstream schools, the only exception being schools for mentally handicapped children, children with hearing impairments and those with vision impairments.

12 year primary school (after the implementation of the Act of 999) In the school year 999/2000, the former primary schools were transformed into 6-year primary schools. The 6-year primary school provides education for children aged 7 to 3. This stage of education is designed to enable children to acquire basic skills and to educate them in close co-operation with their parents. Educational activities of the school are concentrated around the general education core curriculum, i.e. the so-called canon of basic teaching contents. Teaching is divided into 2 cycles: an integrated cycle (Forms I to III) and a block-based cycle (Forms IV to VI). In Forms I to III, education is not arranged in subjects. Activities take place according to a plan defined by the teacher of a given division. Teaching hours and breaks are set by the teacher in accordance with pupils activity. The weekly load for this cycle comprises 22 to 25 teaching hours (the framework timetable for the 6-year primary school is attached in the annex). Pupils in Forms I to III are awarded mainly descriptive marks, except traditional marks for religion or ethics. Progression to the next year requires positive assessment of learning achievements. In Forms IV to VI, some activities are arranged as corresponding to the division into traditional subjects, such as the Polish language, mathematics and physical education, and other activities cover groups of subjects (e.g. history and society). The total weekly load in Forms IV to VI is 26 to 28 teaching hours. The timetable specifies only the minimum number of teaching hours to be allocated to individual subjects and subject blocks. The number of hours per each subject is determined by the school itself, with schools being free to make such decisions as 20% of the total number of teaching hours are left to the disposal of the school head. From Form IV of the primary school, pupil achievements are assessed at the end of each semester according to the scale ranging from to 6, where 6 is excellent, 5 very good, 4 good, 3 satisfactory, 2 sufficient, and fail. At the end of education in the 6-year primary school, pupils take a competence test. It covers reading skills, writing skills, reasoning skills, the ability to use information, and the ability to apply knowledge in practice. This is a national and compulsory test.it which is set and marked by Regional Examination Commissions. The test has been organised since the year It is not used for selection purposes, but only as a source of information about the level of pupil achievements. Those graduating from the 6-year primary school are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the primary school (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły podstawowej) which provides access to the gymnasium. In addition to mainstream 6-year primary schools, 6-year special primary schools have been established. Most of them follow the same core curricula as those in mainstream schools, the only exception being establishments for the above-mentioned groups of children and young people. Until 992, primary schools were managed by kurators who acted as central government representatives at the level of voivodeship (the largest administrative unit). In 992, the responsibility for primary school management was taken over by local governments (gminas). Primary education for children and young people. Statistical data (school year200/2002) Number of schools Number of pupils Number of teachers Total, incl.: public schools

13 6.3. Gymnasium The gymnasium (gimnazjum) was introduced in the school year 999/2000 as a compulsory general education school with a duration of 3 years, and is therefore designed for young people aged between 3 and 6 years. All primary school leavers continue their education in the gymnasium. Education in the gymnasium is divided by school subjects (the framework timetable for the gymnasium is attached in the annex). One of the aims of this cycle is to identify the abilities and interests of the pupil, and thus to facilitate his/her choice of a further educational pathway. The total weekly load for individual gymnasium years is 28 hours (periods). Within the hours to be freely allocated by the school head, the school may organise practical vocational training. These activities are organised for pupils who do not demonstrate potential for completion of education in a gymnasium within the prescribed time. In addition to the type of gymnasium described above, special gymnasiums have been established. Curricular differences in this case are the same as between mainstream and special primary schools. Education in the gymnasium ends with an examination which covers knowledge and skills in humanities, mathematics and natural sciences. This examination is compulsory, though its result does not determine the pupil s progression to the next year. The result obtained in the examination is given on the final school certificate. It informs the school (the gymnasium and the post-gymnasium school chosen by the pupil), parents and the pupil himself/herself about the level of the latter s achievements, and above all it should guide the choice of a further educational pathway. The examination, set by Regional Examination Commissionshas replaced entrance examinations to secondary schools, held for 7- and 8-year primary school leavers before the establishment of the gymnasium. The examination ending the third year of education in the gymnasium has been organised since the year Gymnasium leavers are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the gymnasium (świadectwo ukończenia gimnazjum) which provides access to further education in post-gymnasium schools, that means: 2-3 year basic vocational schools, 3-year general secondary schools, 3-year specialised secondary schools and 4-year technical secondary schools. Gymnasiums for children and young people. Statistical data (school year 200/2002) Number of schools Number of pupils Number of teachers Total, incl.: public gymnasiums Post-primary general education schools (since 200 post-gymnasium schools) year General lyceum (before the implementation of the Act of 200) It is a secondary school providing general education at the end of which pupils may be awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości). As an institution of 4-year education it will function till the year At that time the last class of general lyceum graduates, who were enrolled on the basis of the certificate of completion of education in the 8-year primary school (until year primary school) and the results of entrance examinations organized by a given school, will leave this structure The entrance examination was a test covering knowledge and skills acquired in a primary school 3

14 within the scope of Polish language and literature, mathematics, and a subject chosen by the applicant. General lyceums enrol young people aged between 5 and 9 years. The general lyceum prepares its graduates for higher education, social life, active participation in culture, employment and family life. These aims are achieved through the proper selection of teaching contents tailored to pupils abilities and interests. Courses in the lyceum are organised within several branches or sections, these including: mathematics and physics, humanities, biology and chemistry, ecology, general education, sports, etc. One of these sections is chosen by the pupil at the start of education in the lyceum. It is, however, possible to change the section if it turns out that the original choice does not correspond to the pupil s abilities and interests. The concept of specialised education is not followed by all lyceums. Some of them, in particular non-public lyceums established after 989, use independent authors curricula, developed for a given school and approved by the Ministry of National Education. Curricula adopted by lyceums take into account the core curricula defined by the Ministry of National Education, i.e. the minimum set of knowledge and skills which a pupil in this age group should be able to demonstrate. Education is divided by school subjects which correspond to individual academic disciplines. The total weekly load ranges from 3 hours (periods) in Form I to 25 hours in Form IV (the framework timetable for the general lyceum is attached in the annex). In specialised forms, i.e. those belonging to a specialised section, more time is allocated to the so-called major subjects, which determine the character of the section, than to other subjects. Moreover, some general lyceums have bilingual divisions where the first foreign language is used, in addition to the Polish language, as the language of instruction for activities organised within some of the subjects. The types of mainstream general lyceums described above exist in parallel with 4-year special general lyceums for young people with special educational needs. These schools follow timetables and curricula designed for the mainstream lyceum, and additionally provide correctional and remedial education. At the end of a 4-year course in the lyceum, pupils may take the maturity examination (matura), also referred to as the matriculation examination, which comprises written examinations in two subjects (the Polish language as compulsory, and another subject to be chosen by the pupil) and oral examinations in three subjects (the Polish language, a foreign language and a subject chosen by the pupil). Pupils take all examinations in their own school, before an examination board which is composed only of their school teachers. Those who have been successful in all of the prescribed examinations are awarded the maturity certificate of the general lyceum (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum ogólnokształcącego). This document is the minimum requirement for gaining access to higher education institutions. It does not, however, grant any vocational qualifications. The maturity examination is not compulsory. Those who have not taken this examination obtain the certificate of completion of education in the general lyceum (świadectwo ukończenia lyceum ogólnokształcącego), provided that they have successfully completed education at this level. This certificate allows its holders to continue their education in post-lyceum which have the status of secondary vocational schools, or to take up employment, even though this certificate does not confirm any vocational qualifications. 4

15 year general secondary school (liceum ogólnokształcące) (after the implementation of the Act of 200) It is a school, which started to function in September From 2005 it will replace the 4-year general lyceum which will operate by then. Its basic objectives and tasks remain unchanged. However the shorter duration of education is a result of the prolonged duration of compulsory education from 8 years in primary school to 9 years in 6-year primary school and 3-year gymnasium. The formula of maturity examination (egzamin maturalny), which from 2005 will cease to be an internal examination set and assessed in a school. Instead it will consist of an internal part taken in a school and an external part organised in a school but assessed in the Regional Examination Commissions.. The internal part will be an oral examination, covering the Polish language and a modern foreign language. The external part will be a written examination which covers three compulsory subjects (the Polish language, a modern foreign language and mathematics) and one subject to be chosen by the graduate. The graduates obtain the certificate of completion of education in the general secondary school (świadectwo ukończenia liceum ogólnokształcącego), which will confer them neither rights to gain access to higher education institutions nor vocational qualifications. Whereas these graduates who have passed the maturity examination obtain the maturity certificate of the general secondary school (świadectwo dojrzałości lyceum ogólnokształcącego) General lyceums for young people. Statistical data (school year 200/2002) Total number of schools Total number of pupils Total number of teachers General lyceums, incl.: public general lyceums Vocational education 8.. Basic vocational school 8... Basic vocational school before the implementation of the Act of 200 Until the early 90-ties, basic vocational schools enrolled ca. 65% of those leaving 7- or 8-year primary schools. This figure decreased in the last decade to ca. 50% as a result of the efforts undertaken to restructure the post-primary education sector, which consisted in closing down basic vocational schools as offering education within narrow vocational branches. These schools were gradually replaced with newly established general lyceums and vocational lyceums; courses in these schools lead to the maturity certificate which allows its holders to apply for admission to higher education. Basic vocational schools offer general education and basic vocational education courses, and provide access to further education in a secondary school. These schools represent a wide variety in terms of vocational branches available and the organisation of practical training. The basic vocational school as described here will function until 2003, when the last class of those leaving the 8-year primary school (enrolled in 2000) complete their education in this structure. The basic school provides full-range education for pupils and, in multi-branch divisions, supplementary theoretical training for young workers who have concluded employment contracts to receive vocational training. 5

16 The requirement for gaining access to the school is the certificate of completion of education in the primary school (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły podstawowej) /a 7- or 8-year primary school/. Selection of applicants is carried out only when the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available in a school. Generally courses last 3 years. The timetable comprises a set of compulsory general and theoretical vocational subjects as well as practical training activities. The total weekly load is 30-3 hours (periods) (the framework timetable for the basic vocational school, designed as a follow-up to the 8- year primary school curriculum, is attached in the annex). Theoretical and practical vocational training courses account in the first year for ca. 30% of the total load, in the second year for ca. 50%, and in the third year for ca. 70%. The certificate of completion of education in the basic vocational school (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły zasadniczej) confirms that its holder has been awarded the title of skilled worker or worker with equivalent qualifications. This certificate also entitles its holders to apply for admission to general or vocational secondary schools where courses are organised as a follow-up to the basic school curriculum. Special primary school leavers or, in the future, special gymnasium graduates may be enrolled in 3- year special vocational schools. These schools follow curricula for mainstream schools, adapting them to psychological and physical abilities of their pupils, or curricula designed for relevant types of special schools. Graduates are awarded the certificate of skilled worker. Basic vocational schools. Statistical data (school year 200/2002) Total number of schools Total number of pupils Total number of teachers Basic vocational schools, incl.: public Basic vocational school after the implementation of the Act of 200 First basic vocational schools of the new type were established in September In accordance with the Act of 2 November 200 amending the Act Teachers Charter, Act on the Education System and the Act - Provisions introducing the Reform of School System, these are establishments of the duration of education not shorter than 2 years and not longer than 3 years, The graduates of this type of school having passed the examination may obtain a diploma confirming their vocational qualifications. This school also allows to continue the education in 2-year supplementary general secondary school or in 3-year supplementary technical secondary school. The main objective of this school is on the one hand, vocational education in accordance with the requirements standards designed for a given group of occupations, and the preparation of its pupils r for continuing education. On the other handthis school offers general education enablingto its pupils to continue ation their education and to enter for the matriculation examination. Courses in a vocational school will end with a vocational examination, confirming the pupils vocational qualifications in occupations included in the classification of occupations of vocational education. The examination will be set in accordance with the requirements standards established for the respective occupations by the Central Examination CommissionThe first vocational examination for the graduates 6

17 of 2-year basic vocational school will take place in the year 2004.The graduates will obtain the certificate of completion of education in the basic vocational school (świadectwo ukończenia zasadniczej szkoły zawodowej) and having passed the vocational examination - a diploma of vocational title (dyplom uzyskania tytułu zawodowego) Secondary vocational schools (until the year post-gymnasium schools) 8.2. Secondary vocational schools (before the implementation of the Act of 200 Vocational lyceum (Liceum zawodowe) This is a secondary school which prepares its graduates to be employed as skilled workers or workers with equivalent qualifications. It also enables its pupils to complete general secondary education. The school enrols 8-year primary school leavers. Courses last 4 years. The timetable in the vocational lyceum comprises general and vocational subjects as well as a practical placement. The total weekly load is hours (periods) (the framework timetable for the vocational lyceum is attached in the annex). The annual load is increased by several weeks of a practical placement, undertaken during a school year. The proportion of teaching time allocated to theoretical vocational subjects, practical training and a practical placement varies between occupations and is specified in training programmes for individual occupations. Having passed the maturity examination, lyceum graduates obtain the maturity certificate of the vocational lyceum (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum zawodowego). This document certifies that its holder has acquired vocational qualifications at the level of skilled worker or worker equivalent qualifications in a given occupation, and entitles its holder to apply for admission to higher education. Those graduates who have not taken the maturity examination are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the vocational lyceum (świadectwo ukończenia liceum zawodowego), which confirms only that its holder has acquired relevant vocational qualifications and completed general secondary education. Special 8-year primary school leavers or, in the future, special gymnasium graduates may be enrolled in 4-year special vocational lyceums. Their graduates obtain documents which are similar to those issued for graduates from other vocational lyceums. Technical lyceum (Liceum techniczne) The technical lyceum was introduced into the school system on the basis of the Minister of National Education Regulation of the 29 th of July 998. It is a type of secondary general vocationally oriented school, enrolling those who have completed education in the 8-year primary school. The technical lyceum is a school where its graduates complete general secondary education, and thus may take the maturity examination and obtain the maturity certificate; it also provides generally oriented vocational education in one of the following 2 broad vocational branches (defined in a Ministry of National Education regulation):. environmental formation (agriculture, hunting and forestry; mining and quarrying; manufacturing waste management; production and supply of electricity, gas and water; construction; other community, social and personal service activities); 2. machinery (manufacturing: manufacture of machinery, equipment, vehicles); 3. electrical equipment and power (manufacturing: manufacture of office equipment and computers; production and supply of electricity, gas and water); 7

18 4. electronics (manufacturing: manufacture of office equipment and computers, radio, television and telecommunication equipment and apparatus; real estate services; transport, storage and communication); 5. forestry and wood technology (forestry; manufacture of wood and wood products); 6. transport (land, water and air transport, supporting transport activities); 7. chemical branch (manufacture of paper, coke, rubber products); 8. service and business activities (hotels, restaurants, tourism); 9. agriculture and food products (agriculture, fishing, manufacture of food products); 0. textiles (textile industry, manufacture of clothes);. economics and administration (financial intermediation, insurance and pension funds); 2. social sector and social work (health protection and social welfare). Courses in the technical lyceum last 4 years. Its curricula are based on the core curricula for compulsory general subjects and the core curricula for vocational training branches. The timetable (attached in the annex) comprises general subjects, theoretical vocational subjects and a practical placement. Graduates obtain the certificate of completion of education in the technical lyceum (świadectwo ukończenia liceum technicznego) which confirms that they have completed secondary general education and generally oriented vocational education, the latter as determined by their branch (with no title awarded). Those who have passed the maturity examination are awarded the maturity certificate of the technical lyceum (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum technicznego) which entitles its holders to apply for admission to higher education. This school has provided a model for the specialised lyceum which will function in the new school structure from Technical vocational school, lyceum and equivalent schools Pupils in these types of schools may acquire vocational qualifications at secondary level, complete general secondary education, and obtain the maturity certificate. Courses are designed as a follow-up to the curricula implemented in the 8-year primary school and the basic vocational school. The duration of courses is determined by the type of the curriculum covered by pupils at the previous level of their education and is: for primary school leavers 4, 4.5 or 5 years, depending on the occupation, for basic vocational school leavers 2, 2.5 or 3 years, depending on the occupation. The following can be mentioned as examples of these types of schools: lyceums: economics, commerce and bookselling; lyceums existing until 998: educational, medical for child care staff, medical - nursing (closed down in 998). They enrolled 7- or 8-year primary school leavers. The duration of courses was 5 years, except in the medical lyceum for child care staff 4 years. Graduates were awarded the certificate of completion of education in the lyceum or, having passed the maturity examination, the maturity certificate, and the title of nurse, teacher or child carer qualified to work with children below 3 years of age; technical secondary schools (technika): architecture and construction, construction, ceramics, chemical, electronic, electronic and mechanical, electrical, photographic studies, etc. The timetable in these schools (whether courses are designed as a follow-up to the primary school curriculum or that of the basic vocational school) comprises general compulsory subjects, theoretical 8

19 and practical vocational subjects and a practical placement (the timetable for the technikum and lyceum, designed as a follow-up to the curriculum of the 8-year primary school and the curriculum of basic vocational school, is attached in the annex). The weekly load is hours in both cases. Graduates are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the technical vocational school (technikum zawodowe) or lyceum (świadectwo ukończenia technikum or świadectwo ukończenia liceum), or an equivalent school. Provided that they have passed the matriculation examination, they may also obtain the maturity certificate of the technikum (świadectwo dojrzałości technikum) or the maturity certificate of the lyceum (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum). The certificate of completion of education in the technikum is a document which confirms that its holder has completed secondary vocational education. Graduates are awarded the title of technician or a different title as defined in the classification of vocational education occupations. Maturity certificate holders may apply for admission to higher education. Moreover, there are 5-year special vocational technika. Those holding the certificate of completion of education in such technika are qualified to work in a given occupation, and graduates who have passed the maturity examination may apply for admission to higher education. (Post-primary) technical secondary education. Statistical data (school year 200/2002) Total number of schools Total number of pupils Total number of teachers Secondary vocational schools, incl.: public Post-secondary schools (Szkoły policealne and szkoły pomaturalne) Post-secondary schools (divided into szkoły policealne where applicants are required to hold only the certificate of completion of secondary education, and szkoły pomaturalne where the requirement for admission is the maturity certificate) have the status of secondary vocational schools offering courses designed as a follow-up to the curriculum of a general secondary school or the technical lyceum. Pupils may supplement their general education with vocational qualifications at secondary or basic vocational level. Applicants are enrolled on the basis of the certificate of completion of education in the general lyceum or the technical lyceum (świadectwo ukończenia liceum ogólnokształcącego or liceum technicznego). However, the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości) is the requirement for admission to szkoły pomaturalne for nurses, midwifes and librarians. The duration of courses varies depending on the vocational branch as defined in the classification of vocational education occupations. Most courses last 2 years, courses preparing for a limited number of occupations year, and those for nurses and midwifes 2.5 years. Education in szkoły policealne often covers these occupations and specialisations in which courses designed as a follow-up to other types of curricula are not available. The timetable comprises vocational subjects, practical training activities and a practical placement, and the total weekly load is 28 hours (2 framework timetables for the 2-year and -year szkoła policealna, offering courses designed as a follow-up to the curriculum of the general lyceum and the technical lyceum, are attached in the annex). Those graduating from a szkoła policealna are awarded the certificate of completion of education in szkoła policealna (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły policealnej), and those graduating from a szkoła pomaturalna (for nurses and midwifes) obtain the diploma of completion of education in szkoła pomaturalna (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły pomaturalnej). 9

20 Moreover, upon completion of a 2-year course in a non-worker specialisation, learners are awarded the title of technician or a different vocational title as defined in the classification of vocational education occupations and specialisations. Except those who acquire the vocational title of nurse or midwife, they also obtain the vocational title diploma (dyplom uzyskania tytułu zawodowego). Special post-secondary schools are designed for blind young people, those with motor disabilities and those with chronic diseases who have completed secondary education. Post-secondary education. Statistical data (school year 200/2002) Total number of schools Total number of pupils Total number of teachers Post-secondary schools, incl.: public Post gymnasium (vocational) schools after the implementation of the Act of year specialised secondary school (Liceum profilowane) The specialised secondary school is a new type of school, which started to function on st of September It is a 3-year school providing education in general vocational specializations, enrolling the graduates of gymnasium. Pursuant to the Regulation of the Minister of National Education and Sport of 6 January 2002 on the specializations of general vocational education, these types of schools provide education in a dozen of general vocational education specializations corresponding to the existing fields of economy and the labour market needs. Currently, there are the following specializations: chemical examination of environment, economy and administration, electronic, electronic and technical specialization, clothes design, landscape architecture, forestry and wood technology, mechanic production techniques, mechatronics, food and agriculture, social science, transport and dispatching, services and economy, information management, artistic and applied crafts in metal. The establishment of this type of school resulted from the necessity of facing such modern challenges of the labour market as multiple change of vocational qualifications during whole professional career of individuals. Therefore the specialised general secondary schools were designed as schools enabling pupils to acquire general vocational knowledge and skills, which will constitute the basis for forming their future professional qualifications after the completion of specialised secondary school. Thus the curricula were developed in such a way that the graduates may change their vocational qualifications in short cycles of learning (from 0.5 to.5) in a post- secondary school or in forms of non-school education. The teaching contents for the respective specializations have a modular and block form. It means that that these teaching contents as opposed to the traditional curricula, where the choice of the teaching contents is made according to the disciplines of science - were regrouped in thematic, interdisciplinary blocks constituting the sets of skills and teaching contents within a defined scope. The graduates - having passed the maturity examination in accordance with the new formula will be awarded the maturity certificate of the specialised secondary school (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum profilowanego). Holders of this maturity certificate may apply for admission to a higher education institution. The graduates who will not take the above mentioned examination will be 20

21 awarded the certificate of completion of education in the specialised secondary school (Świadectwo ukończenia lyceum profilowanego), which is a document confirming the secondary education and general vocational preparation of its holder. However it does not entitled its holder to apply for admission to a higher education institution. 4-year technical secondary school (technikum) It is a school, which started to function on September 2002, and is opened to the graduates of gymnasium. It replaces the 5-years vocational technical secondary schools, which will continue to function till Its basic objectives and task remain unchanged. However the shorter duration of education is a result of the prolonged compulsory education (from 8 to 9 years). The graduates of technical secondary schools, who do not enter for the maturity examination, obtain the certificate of completion of education in the technical secondary school (świadectwo ukończenia technikum). Whereas the graduates who have passed the maturity examination, obtain a maturity certificate of the technical secondary school (świadecctwo dojrzałości technikum), which entitles them to apply for the admission to higher education institutions and having passed the vocational examination the diploma of vocational title (dyplom uzyskania tytułu zawodowego). 2-year supplementary general secondary school (uzupełniające liceum ogólnokształcące) This school will start to function on September It will be opened for the graduates of basic vocational school (zasadnicza szkoła zawodowa), who wish to continue their education on secondary level. After 2-year education its graduates may sit for the maturity examination, and having passed it may be awarded the maturity certificate of the general secondary school (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum ogólnokształcącego), entitling them to apply for the admission to a higher education institution. Those who will not enter for the maturity examination will obtain a certificate of completion of education in the general secondary school (świadectwo ukończenia liceum ogólnokształcącego). 3-year supplementary technical secondary school (technikum uzupełniające) This type of school similarly, as it was already mentioned, opened for the graduates of basic vocational schools will also start to function on September After the 3-year education its graduates may sit for the maturity examination and having passed it may be awarded the maturity certificate of the technical secondary school (świadectwo dojrzałości technikum), entitling them to apply for the admission to a higher education institution and having passed the vocational examination the diploma of vocational title (dyplom uzyskania tytułu zawodowego). Those who will not sit for the maturity examination will obtain a certificate of completion of education in the technical secondary school (świadectwo ukończenia technikum). Post- secondary schools (szkoły policealne) Like under the present arrangements those schools will be opened for these graduates of general and specialised secondary schools, who will not start their higher education. The completion of these schools will enable them to acquire or extend their vocational qualifications on the technical secondary or equivalent level. New post-secondary schools will start to function on September The applicants will be enrolled on the basis of the certificate of completion of education in the above mentioned secondary schools, it means: the certificate of completion of education in the general secondary school and specialised secondary school. The education will vary in terms of curriculum and duration. It will also 2

22 depend on the level of competences acquired by pupils in general secondary schools. The school will provide education of different duration, but not longer than 2,5 years. The education in new post-secondary schools will end with a vocational examination set in accordance with the standards defined by the Central Examination Commission for the respective occupations The graduates will be awarded the certificate of completion of education in the post-secondary school (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły policealnej) and having passed the vocational examination the diploma of vocational title (dyplom uzyskania tytułu zawodowego). 9. Schools of arts 9. Schools of music 9... Schools of music before 999 Lower-Level Schools of Music (Szkoły muzyczne I stopnia) The following types of schools of music existed in the period between the 40-ties and the early 70-ties: State Primary Schools of Music (Państwowe Podstawowe Szkoły Muzyczne): 7 years of education. Their curriculum comprised both musical and general subjects. Graduates obtained the certificate of completion of education in the lower-level primary school of music (świadectwo ukończenia podstawowej szkoły muzycznej I stopnia). State Schools of Music (Państwowe Szkoły Muzyczne): 7 years of education. Their curriculum comprised only musical subjects. Graduates obtained the certificate of completion of education in the lower-level school of music (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły muzycznej I stopnia). The following type of schools existed from the early 70-ties to June 993 (or, in some cases, to June 996, with a three-year transition period): State Primary Schools of Music (Państwowe Podstawowe Szkoły Muzyczne): providing 6-year education, following a curriculum which covered both musical and general subjects, and awarding the certificate of completion of education in the primary school of music (świadectwo ukończenia podstawowej szkoły muzycznej). In the period between the st of September 993 and the st of September 996, these schools were transformed into 8-year State Primary Schools of Music (Państwowe Podstawowe Szkoły Muzyczne) which included in their curriculum both musical and general subjects, and awarded the certificate of completion of education in the primary school of music (świadectwo ukończenia podstawowej szkoły muzycznej). These schools functioned until June 999. Moreover, the following existed between the early 70-ties and June 999: State Lower-Level Schools of Music (Państwowe Szkoły Muzyczne I stopnia): education lasted 6 years, and their curriculum comprised only musical subjects. Education led to the certificate of completion of education in the lower-level school of music (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły muzycznej I stopnia). 22

23 Upper-Level Schools of Music (Szkoły muzyczne II stopnia) The following types of schools existed in the period between the late 40-ties and the early 70-ties: State Lyceums of Music (Państwowe Licea Muzyczne): providing 5-year courses, and following a curriculum which comprised musical and general subjects. Having passed the matriculation examination, graduates were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości) which attested to their vocational qualifications and entitled them to apply for admission to all higher education institutions, including higher education schools of music. State Secondary Schools of Music (Państwowe Średnie Szkoły Muzyczne): providing 5-year courses, following a curriculum which comprised only musical subjects, and awarding the diploma of completion of education in the secondary school of music (dyplom ukończenia średniej szkoły muzycznej) which gave its holders the right to take up studies in higher education schools of music. This diploma also attested to vocational qualifications. The following type of schools existed from the early 70-ties to June 993 (or, in some cases, to June 996, with a three-year transition period): State Lyceums of Music (Państwowe Licea Muzyczne): providing 6-year courses, and following a curriculum which comprised both musical and general subjects. Having passed the matriculation examination, graduates were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości), thus gaining the right to apply for admission to higher education institutions (including academies of music), as well as vocational qualifications. In the period between the st of September 993 and the st of September 996, these schools were transformed into State Lyceums of Music (Państwowe Licea Muzyczne) which provided 4-year courses and included in their curricula both musical and general subjects. Having passed the matriculation examination, graduates were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości), giving them the right to apply for admission to higher education institutions (including academies of music), as well as vocational qualifications. These schools functioned until June 999. In addition to those mentioned above, the following existed from the early 70-ties to June 999: State Upper-Level Schools of Music (Państwowe Szkoły Muzyczne II stopnia): providing 6-year courses, and following a curriculum which comprised only musical subjects. Courses led to the diploma of the upper-level school of music (dyplom szkoły muzycznej II stopnia) which together with the maturity certificate entitled its holders to apply for admission to higher education institutions, including academies of music. This diploma also attested to vocational qualifications. Moreover, the following types of existed until 999: State Primary- and Lyceum-Level Schools of Music (Państwowe Szkoły Muzyczne stopnia Podstawowego i Licealnego): providing both musical and general education with a duration of 2 years. Having passed the matriculation examination, graduates were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości), thus the right to apply for admission to higher education institutions (including academies of music), as well as vocational qualifications. State Lower- and Upper-Level Schools of Music (Państwowe Szkoły Muzyczne I i II stopnia): providing only musical education with a duration of 2 years. Graduates were awarded the diploma of the school of music (dyplom szkoły muzycznej) which together with the maturity certificate entitled its holders to apply for admission to higher education. This diploma also attested to vocational qualifications. 23

24 9..2. Schools of music after 999 In accordance with the Minister of National Education Regulation of the 5 th of February 999 defining the types of public and non-public schools of arts, and laying down the rules for their functioning as well as the procedure and deadline for the introduction of new types of schools of arts, the transformation of existing schools into schools of new type and their functioning within the school education system, the following types of schools were introduced from the st of September 999: Lower-Level Schools of Music (Szkoły muzyczne I stopnia) General Lower-Level Schools of Music (Ogólnokształcące szkoły muzyczne I stopnia) These schools provide basic musical education and general education at the level of the 6-year primary school. On the st of September 999, pupils in Forms I to VI of the former 8-year primary schools of music became pupils of new 6-year general schools of music; having passed an entrance examination, pupils in Form VII of the former primary schools of music became pupils of Form I in general upper-level schools of music; and those in Form VIII graduate from their schools in accordance with the rules applicable hitherto. Those applying for admission must have reached the age of 7 or, in justified cases, the age of 6. Applicants are selected on the basis of an aptitude test. Education lasts 6 years. In addition to offering musical subjects, schools follow the core curriculum for general education in the 6-year primary school. School leavers are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the general lower-level school of music (świadectwo ukończenia ogólnokształcącej szkoły muzycznej I stopnia) which entitles its holders to continue their education in an upper-level school of music and a gymnasium. Lower-Level Schools of Music (Szkoły muzyczne I stopnia) These schools provide only basic musical education. Those applying for admission to the first year must have reached the age of 6 and be at or below the age of 6. Applicants are enrolled on the basis of an aptitude test. Education lasts 6 years. The timetable comprises only musical subjects. Graduates are awarded the certificate of completion of the lower-level school of music (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły muzycznej I stopnia) which entitles its holders to continue their education in a school of music. Upper-Level Schools of Music (Szkoły muzyczne II stopnia) General Upper-Level Schools of Music (Ogólnokształcące szkoły muzyczne II stopnia) These schools provide musical education and general education at the gymnasium level, and from the school year 2002/03 also at the level of the post-gymnasium 3-yeargeneral secondary school (liceum ogólnokształcące). Those applying for admission must be at or below the age of 4, and hold the certificate of completion of education in a 6-year general lower-level school of music or a primary school. Applicants are selected on the basis of an entrance examination. In the years 2000 and 200, the examination covers artistic subjects as well as a written general education test; in the following years, this will only be an examination in artistic subjects. 24

25 Courses last 6 years. In addition to offering musical subjects, school follow the core curriculum for general education in the 3-year gymnasium, and from the school year 2002/03 also the curriculum for the 3-year general secondary school. Courses end with a diploma examination covering the musical education programme, and the matriculation examination covering general education. Graduates are awarded the maturity certificate of the lyceum of music (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum muzycznego), which entitles its holders to apply for admission to higher education institutions (including higher education schools of music), and vocational qualifications. Upper-Level Schools of Music (Szkoły muzyczne II stopnia) These schools provide only musical education. Those applying for admission must have reached the age of 0 and be at or below the age of 2. Applicants are selected on the basis of an entrance examination. Courses last 6 years, and comprise only musical subjects. Having passed a diploma examination, graduates obtain the diploma of completion of upper-level school of music (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły muzycznej II stopnia) which together with the maturity certificate entitles its holders to apply for admission to higher education schools of music. This diploma also attests to vocational qualifications. In the school year 999/2000, this sector of education comprised also lower- and upper-level schools of music (szkoły muzyczne I i II stopnia) and general lower- and upper-level schools of music (ogólnokształcące szkoły muzyczne I i II stopnia) described above Schools of arts 9.2. Schools of fine arts before 999 State Lyceum of Fine Arts (Państwowe Liceum Sztuk Plastycznych) This school provides education in fine arts and general education at secondary level. It enrols 8-year primary school leavers on the basis of an entrance examination. Courses last 5 years. The curriculum comprises subjects related to a given specialisation in fine arts as well as general subjects. Graduates are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the lyceum of fine arts (świadectwo ukończenia liceum sztuk plastycznych) and the vocational title of artist in a given specialisation. However, having passed the matriculation examination, they obtain the maturity certificate of the lyceum of fine arts (świadectwo dojrzałości lyceum sztuk plastycznych) which entitles them to apply for admission to higher education. The last enrolment round will take place in the year Schools of fine arts after 999 General School of Fine Arts (Ogólnokształcąca Szkoła Sztuk Pięknych) This is a school introduced on the st of September

26 It provides fine arts education and general education at the level of the gymnasium and the 3- yeargeneral secondary school. Those applying for admission must be at or below the age of 4, and hold the certificate of completion of education in the primary school. Applicants are enrolled on the basis of an entrance examination, which covers artistic subjects. Courses last 6 years. The curriculum comprises both artistic and general subjects. Having passed the matriculation examination, graduates are awarded the maturity certificate of the general secondary school of fine arts (świadectwo dojrzałości ogólnokształcącej szkoły sztuk pięknych) which entitles them to apply for admission to higher education and attests to vocational qualifications. General secondary school of Fine Arts (Liceum plastyczne) This is a new type of school which was established on September It provides fine arts education and general education at the level of the general secondary school. Those applying for admission must be at or below the age of 7 and hold the certificate of completion of education in the gymnasium. Applicants will be enrolled on the basis of the result obtained in an entrance examination. Courses will last 4 years. Having passed the matriculation examination, graduates will be awarded the maturity certificate of the lyceum of fine arts (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum plastycznego) which will entitle them to apply for admission to higher education and attest to vocational qualifications Schools of ballet General School of Ballet (Ogólnokształcąca Szkoła Baletowa) This school provided and continues to provide ballet education and general education. Before the reform, general education covered the curricular contents defined for Forms IV to VIII in the 8-year primary school and for the 4-year general lyceum; after the reform, the school offers ballet education and general education covering the curricular contents defined for Forms IV to VI of the primary school, the gymnasium and the 3-year general secondary lschool. On the st of September 999 pupils in Forms I to IV of the former schools of ballet became pupils of the reformed school and, as part of their general education, follow the curriculum for Forms IV to V of the 6-year primary school and Form I of the gymnasium. Pupils in Forms V to IX of the former schools of ballet graduate from these structures in accordance with the rules applicable hitherto. Those applying for admission must have reached the age of 9 and be at or below the age of, and hold the certificate of completion of Form III in the primary school. Applicants are selected on the basis of a test verifying their aptitude for training for the occupation of dancer. Courses last 9 years. The curriculum comprises artistic and general subjects. Graduates are awarded the diploma of completion of education in the school and the vocational title of dancer. Those who have passed the matriculation examination are also awarded the maturity certificate of the general school of ballet (świadectwo dojrzałości ogólnokształcącej szkoły baletowej) which attests to vocational qualifications and entitles its holders to apply for admission to higher education. 26

27 Schools of arts. Statistical data (school year200/2002) Number of schools Number of pupils Number of teachers Lower-level schools of arts, incl.: public Upper-level schools of arts, incl.: public Secondary schools for teachers and teacher training institutions 0.. Secondary schools for teachers and teacher training institutions before Secondary schools Teacher training lyceum This was a secondary school providing general education and teacher training courses. It prepared teachers for nursery schools, primary schools and other school education establishments, enrolling those who had completed the 7-year and then 8-year primary school on the basis of their results in an entrance examination. Courses lasted initially 4 years, and subsequently 5 years. Having passed the examination, graduates were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości), which entitled them to apply for admission to higher education, as well as qualifications required for teaching a specific subject or providing a specific type of activities in a given type of school or establishment. Teacher training lyceums functioned till the end of the 60-ties Teacher training institutions Teacher training institutes First schools of this type were established in 954. These were secondary schools for holders of the maturity certificate who wished to supplement their vocational education. They trained future teachers for nursery schools, primary schools and other school education establishments. Day courses lasted for 2 years, and extramural courses for 3 years. From the st of September 984, teacher training institutes provided the following types of courses: - 6-year courses designed as a follow-up to the primary school curriculum for those who intended to work as pre-primary teachers (abolished on the 3 st of August 992); - 2-year courses designed as a follow-up to the secondary school curriculum for those who intended to work as beginning learning teachers, teachers of music, fine arts, crafts and technology, and physical education at primary level (abolished on the 3 st of August 994). Those who completed 6-year courses were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości), giving them the right to apply for admission to higher education, and specific vocational 27

28 qualifications. Those following 2- and 3-year courses obtained at the end the diploma of completion of education in the teacher training institute (dyplom ukończenia studium nauczycielskiego) which attested to their specific vocational qualifications. Pre-primary education institutes These institutes existed from the st of September 974. They offered courses in two departments: a) departments providing day courses designed as a follow-up to the curriculum covered in: - a primary school (2 semesters); - a general lyceum (4 semesters); - an upper-level schools of arts, including schools of music and fine arts (3 semesters); b) departments providing courses for those in employment: courses for in-service pre-primary teachers organised in the system of extramural courses (2 semesters), evening courses (2 semesters) and distance-education courses. Departments offering courses for those in employment also trained unskilled teachers. Primary school graduates enrolled in day-course departments who completed 8 semesters sat for the maturity examination. In order to continue their education in four following semesters, they were required to pass successfully this examination. Those completing a 6-year (2-semester) course were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości), which entitled them to apply for admission to higher education, and specific vocational qualifications. Those completing the other types of courses obtained the diploma of completion of education in the pre-primary education institute (dyplom ukończenia studium wychowania przedszkolnego) which attested to specific vocational qualifications. Pre-primary education institutes were transformed into teacher training institutes on the st September 984. of Beginning learning institutes These schools were established on the st of September 982. They trained graduates from secondary schools (general lyceums and upper-level schools of arts /music and fine arts/) who intended to work as beginning learning teachers. Graduates obtained the diploma of the beginning learning (dyplom studium nauczania początkowego) which attested to specific vocational qualifications. Beginning learning institutes were transformed into teacher training institutes on the st of September 984. Technical teacher training institutes These schools functioned until the 3 st of August 995. They offered the following two types of courses for future practical vocational training teachers: a) 4-year courses designed as a follow-up to the curriculum of a basic school (abolished on the 3 st of August 995); b) 2-year courses designed as a follow-up to the curriculum of a secondary vocational school (abolished on the 3 st of August 993). 28

29 4-year course graduates were awarded the maturity certificate (świadectwo dojrzałości) and the vocational title of technician in accordance with the rules laid down for secondary schools. Graduates from both types of courses obtained the diploma of completion of education in the technical teacher training institute (dyplom ukończenia pedagogicznego studium technicznego) Teacher training institutions after 990 Teacher training colleges First teacher training colleges were established on the st of October 990. They train candidates (including in-service teaches) who intend to work as teachers in nursery schools, primary schools and other educational establishments. A teacher training college may only be established and function on the basis of an agreement with a higher education institution which offers teacher training; this agreement covers issues such as scientific and educational supervision, requirements for graduates to be awarded the title of licencjat (bachelor) and the possibility of their undertaking complementary magister (master) level courses in the partner higher education institution. Applicants are enrolled on the basis of their maturity certificate and the result obtained in an entrance examination, with the contents of this examination defined by the college. Teacher training colleges offer 3-year day-, evening- and extramural courses. Education is organised within specialisations which correspond to the subjects to be taught by future teachers or the types of activities for which future teachers will be responsible in schools and educational establishments. Courses end with a diploma examination. Graduates are awarded the diploma of completion of education in the teacher training college (dyplom ukończenia kolegium nauczycielskiego) and the professional title of licencjat, the latter conferred by the higher education institution which supervises a given college. The diploma attests to qualifications which entitle its holder to teach in a given type of school or establishment. The title of licencjat opens the way for continuation of study in a higher education institution. Foreign language teacher training colleges First foreign language teacher training colleges were established on the st of October 990. Their task is to train foreign language teachers, in particular teachers of English, French and German, for primary schools, gymnasiums and secondary schools. A foreign language teacher training college may only function on the basis of an agreement with a higher education institution which offers teacher training; this agreement covers issues such as scientific and educational supervision, requirements for college graduates to be awarded the title of licencjat and the possibility of their undertaking complementary magister level courses in the partner higher education institution. Admission procedures are established in co-operation with a relevant organisational unit of the higher education which supervises a given specialisation in the college. Foreign language teacher training colleges offer 3-year day-, evening- and extramural courses. Courses are given in a foreign language, within the language specialisation chosen by the student. Courses in a foreign language teacher training college end with a diploma examination. Graduates are awarded the diploma of completion of education in the teacher training college (dyplom ukończenia kolegium nauczycielskiego) and the professional title of licencjat, the latter conferred by 29

30 the higher education institution which supervises a given college. The diploma attests to qualifications which entitle its holder to teach a given language in all types of schools and establishments. The title of licencjat opens the way for continuation of study in a higher education institution.. Schools for adults Adult education is provided in schools of all types and levels as defined in the School Education Act. It may be organised in the form of day-, evening and extramural courses. Moreover, the certificate of completion of education in such a school, except in a school of medicine, may also be awarded to those who have passed an examination without attending a course. Those applying for admission to a school for adults must reach or have reached at least the age of 7 in a given calendar year. The existing school education system comprises the following types of adult education schools: Primary school Form VI 8-year primary schools for adults, where education covered Forms VII to VIII and, in exceptional cases, Form VI, were abolished on the st of September 999. Courses lead to the certificate of completion of the primary school (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły podstawowej). 3-year gymnasium for adults From the year 2002, it will open the way for further education in a specialised lyceum or a vocational school. Graduates will be awarded the certificate of completion of education in the gymnasium for adults (świadectwo ukończenia gimnazjum dla dorosłych). Basic schools Basic schools provide general and basic vocational education, and its graduates may continue their education in a secondary school. Having passed a vocational examination, the graduate may be awarded the title of skilled worker or worker with equivalent qualifications. Graduates obtain the certificate of completion of education in the basic school for adults (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły zasadniczej dla dorosłych). General lyceum General lyceums provide general secondary education, and award the maturity certificate which provides access to higher education. Graduates obtain the certificate of completion of education in the general lyceum for adults (świadectwo ukończenia lyceum ogólnokształcącego dla dorosłych), and those who have passed the maturity examination are awarded the maturity certificate of the general lyceum for adults (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum ogólnokształcącego dla dorosłych). Secondary vocational schools: - vocational lyceums (licea zawodowe) provide general secondary education, with the possibility of obtaining the maturity certificate, and basic vocational education at the level of a skilled worker or a worker with equivalent qualifications. Graduates are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the vocational lyceum for adults (świadectwo ukończenia liceum zawodowego dla dorosłych), and those who have passed the maturity examination are awarded the maturity certificate of the vocational lyceum for adults (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum zawodowego 30

31 dla dorosłych). Having passed a vocational examination, the graduate obtains the title of skilled worker or worker with equivalent qualifications; - technical secondary schools (technika) and equivalent schools provide general and vocational secondary education, with the possibility of obtaining the maturity certificate. Graduates are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the technikum for adults (świadectwo ukończenia technikum dla dorosłych), and those who have passed the maturity examination are awarded the maturity certificate of the technikum for adults (świadectwo dojrzałości technikum dla dorosłych). Having passed a vocational examination, the graduate obtains the title of technician or worker with equivalent qualifications; - technical lyceums (licea techniczne) provide secondary general education, with the possibility of obtaining the maturity certificate, and generally oriented vocational training as defined for a given branch of vocational education. Graduates are awarded the certificate of completion of education in the technical lyceum for adults (świadectwo ukończenia liceum technicznego dla dorosłych), and those who have passed the maturity examination are awarded the maturity certificate of the technical lyceum for adults (świadectwo dojrzałości liceum technicznego dla dorosłych); - post-secondary schools (szkoły policealne) offer the possibility of supplementing general education with basic or secondary vocational education. Graduates obtain the certificate of completion of education in the post-secondary school for adults (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły policealnej dla dorosłych). Having passed a vocational examination, the graduate is awarded either the title of technician or worker with equivalent qualifications, or the title of skilled worker or worker with equivalent qualifications. Depending on the level of education achieved earlier by learners, courses in secondary schools, except post-secondary schools, last 4 years (for primary school leavers) or 3 years (for basic school leavers). Moreover, the following types of schools existed before 999: - primary vocational institute (podstawowe studium zawodowe) offered courses at the 8-year primary school level and theoretical vocational courses, with the latter leading to the title of skilled worker granted to those who passed an examination. Courses lasted one year. Graduates were awarded the certificate of completion of education in the primary vocational institute for adults (świadectwo ukończenia podstawowego studium zawodowego dla dorosłych); - secondary vocational institute (średnie studium zawodowe) provided secondary education, and offered the possibility of upgrading vocational qualifications related to the practised occupation to persons employed in various sectors of the economy. These institutes enrolled 8-year primary school leavers. Courses lasted 3 years. Graduates could be awarded secondary-level vocational qualifications or the title of technician provided that, without attending a course, they passed an examination covering the curricular differences between the curriculum of a given institute and that of a technikum with a corresponding specialisation. They could also take the maturity examination in accordance with generally applicable rules. Graduates were awarded the certificate of completion of education in the secondary vocational institute for adults (świadectwo ukończenia studium zawodowego dla dorosłych), and those who passed the maturity examination were awarded the maturity certificate of the secondary vocational institute (świadectwo ukończenia średniego studium zawodowego dla dorosłych). 3

32 Secondary vocational institutes offered courses in specific vocational branches, e.g. administration and office work, electrical branch, electronic branch, catering, general mechanical branch, social and legal branch, etc. In accordance with the decision of the Ministry of National Education, the last class of learners was enrolled in the school year 997/98. From September 2002 the new school system comprises the following types of schools for adults: Primary school Form VI (szkoła podstawowa) Gymnasium Basic vocational School (zasadnicza szkoła zawodowa) General secondary school (liceum ogólnokształcące)specialised secondary school (liceum profilowane) Technical secondary school (technikum) Post-secondary school. Schools for adults. Statistical data (school year200/2002) Total number of schools Total number of learners Primary schools 7 96 Gymnasiums General secondary schools Secondary technical and vocational schools, incl.: Basic vocational schools Higher education institutions 2.. Higher education institutions before the year 990 Higher education schools were not self-governing institutions. All spheres of their activity (statutes, finance, curricula, teaching, scientific research, and personnel) were fully controlled by the ministry of higher education and other ministries responsible for higher educations institutions which they supervised. The higher education sector comprised only state institutions, the sole exception being the Catholic University of Lublin. All higher education institutions were engaged in two types of activities: ) teaching activities: providing undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as those leading to academic degrees for young people and adults; 2) scientific activities: carrying out scientific research in a given area. Until 990, the number of places to be available in the first year of study was fixed by the ministers responsible for individual types of higher education institutions. Higher education institutions throughout the country were also enrolling students in accordance with a uniform system. While the minimum requirement for gaining access to higher education was the maturity certificate, applicants were qualified on the basis of marks obtained in an entrance examination. However, the 32

33 chances for admission were ultimately determined by the limit of places available in the first year of study. Nearly all higher education institutions offered only uniform master-level courses lasting 4, 4.5 or 5 years which ended with students writing and defending a master thesis. Graduates were awarded the professional title of magister or magister inżynier in a given specialisation. Those graduating from departments of medicine and departments of veterinary medicine were awarded the title of lekarz or lekarz weterynarii respectively. Such courses were provided by universities, technical universities, academies of medicine, academies of economics, academies of agriculture, academies of physical education, teacher training schools, schools of arts and military schools. Those who had completed these master-level courses were entitled to apply for admission to doctorate studies which ended with students writing and defending a doctoral thesis, taking examinations, and subsequently being awarded the academic degree of doktor. A doctoral thesis could also be prepared and defended outside the system of doctorate studies. The next academic degree, conferred in the final stage of a specific procedure, was the degree of doktor habilitowany. The only type of a higher vocational education school was a 4-year school of engineering where courses led to the diploma of engineer (inżynier). Its graduates could continue their education in complementary master-level courses, offered by technical universities, provided that they passed examinations covering differences between their respective curricula. Courses in all higher education institutions were organised in the form of day, evening and extramural studies. Evening and extramural studies were designed for people in employment. In addition to the minimum requirements (holding the maturity certificate and passing an entrance examination, those applying for admission to evening and extramural courses were expected to have previous work experience and present a letter of recommendation from their employer. Studies for those in employment were organised in the form of uniform master-level courses (with a duration of 4, 4.5 or 5 years), higher vocational education courses (3 years), and complementary master-level courses (2 years). Graduates were awarded a higher education diploma with the title of magister, inżynier or magister inżynier respectively Higher education institutions after Legal basis The legal framework for the present higher education system is provided by the following legislation: the Higher Education Act of the 2 th of September 990, the Act on the Academic Title and Degrees of the 2 th of September 990, and the Act on Schools of Higher Vocational Education of the 26 th of June 997. The Act on Academic Degrees and Title as well as on Degrees and Title in the field of Arts of 4 March In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 990, the basic tasks of higher education institutions include: 33

34 training students in a given branch of knowledge and preparing them for practising particular professions; carrying out scientific research or creative artistic activity; preparing candidates for independent scientific work, teaching or creative activity; training those who hold professional titles and work in practical professions in order to supplement their general and specialist knowledge; developing and disseminating national culture and technological progress, as well as contributing to the promotion of knowledge in society, and taking caring of students health and supporting their physical development. The higher education institutions which function on the basis of the above-mentioned Act may be described as university-type institutions, though this term is not used in the Act. These higher education institutions are entitled to: () award the professional titles of licencjat, magister, lekarz, magister inżynier and other titles as defined by the minister of national education in co-operation with other competent ministers, (2) confer the academic degree of doktor, with some of them being also entitled to confer the academic degree of doktor habilitowany (through their faculty boards, i.e. boards in their internal units), and (3) carry out scientific research. In turn, as defined in the Act on Schools of Higher Vocational Education of 997, the following are the basic tasks of a school of higher vocational education: training students in vocational education areas and specialisations, and preparing them for practising their vocations, offering training to supplement specialist knowledge and professional skills; retraining within a given vocational specialisation. This Act provides a legal framework for schools of higher vocational education, i.e. schools which are entitled only to award the professional title of licencjat or inżynier (equivalent to bachelor). The above-mentioned laws have changed substantially the previously existing higher education system, particularly as regards management, types of higher education institutions and the structure of studies. At present, amendments are being drafted to the Higher Education Act of 990. The draft of a new law ( Law on Higher Education ) provides for the existence of the following three types of higher education institutions: ) university-type institutions where at least one organizational unit is entitled to confer the academic degree of doktor; 2) non-academic institutions which offer master-level courses but do not fulfil the above mentioned conditions, 3) vocational education institutions which means non-academic institutions which only offer bachelor or engineer-level courses (licencjat or inżynier), meant to prepare their graduates to work in a specified occupation Management of higher education institutions The Act of 990 limited the competencies of the Minister of National Education in the area of school management by granting autonomy to both individual higher education institutions and faculties within an institution. The responsibilities of the Minister of National Education include, among other things, the following: exercising general supervision over the higher education sector, controlling whether 34

35 activities carried out by individual institutions comply with the legislation in force, and establishing new institutions. In addition to the Minister of National Education and the competent ministers responsible for higher education institutions accountable to them, the process of higher education management at the central level involves the Committee for Scientific Research (Komitet Badań Naukowych) and the Central Council of Higher Education (Rada Główna Szkolnictwa Wyższego) and the State Accreditation Commission (Państwowa Komisja Akredytacyjna). The Committee for Scientific Research is responsible for scientific and scientific-and-technological policy. It also acts as a research council which grants, according to competition-based procedures, funds for the implementation of research projects. As a representative body of the academic community, the Central Council of Higher Education performs opinion-giving functions for the minister of education, among other things, delivering opinions on drafts of legislation concerning higher education. The autonomy of higher education institutions is expressed through their competences in the following areas: adopting independently institutional statutes, establishing and abolishing higher education courses in fields of study, laying down rules and procedures for student enrolment, defining the scope of entrance examinations, adopting study regulations. In turn, the autonomy granted to faculties within an institution covers issues such as enrolment rules and the number of students to be enrolled, curricula, and employment of research and teaching staff. The State Accreditation Commission is, from January 2002, the legal body of higher education responsible for the improvement of quality in education. It gives its opinion concerning the establishment of a higher education institution, granting a higher education institutions rights to provide higher education in a specified field of study and on a specified level of education, establishment by a higher education institution of an organizational unit in a location different from the location of the home institution.. The State Accreditation Commission provides also assessment of the quality of teaching in a given field of study including the assessment of the quality of teachers training, fulfilment of, specified in the provisions, conditions of providing higher education, attributing the specializations of education provided in higher education vocational schools to the respective fields of study. The activities of the Commission covers all higher education institutions which function upon the basis of / the Act on the Schools of Higher Education of 2 September 990, 2/ the Act on Higher Vocational Schools of 26 June 997 The term of office of the Commission lasts 3 years. Its members are appointed and dismissed by the Minister. The Committees of the following fields of study are operating within the Commission: the humanities, natural science, mathematics-physics-chemistry, agriculture, forestry and veterinary, medicine, physical education, technical studies, economic and social studies, low, arts. It was adopted that the assessment made by the Commission concerning the quality of education provided in the given field of study may have the following grades: distinctive, positive, conditional, negative. The distinctive and positive grade exempts the higher education institution from a subsequent audit for a period of 5 years provided that there are no any circumstances which would justify earlier conduct of such control. The conditional grade includes recommendations and the deadline for repairing the deficiencies and implies the necessity of checking the state of the implementation of the Commission s recommendations. The negative assessment of a given field of study results in a decision of the Minister concerning the withdrawal or suspension of rights to provide studies in the given field and on the given level of education. The Central Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles is another body related to higher education. It is attached to the Prime Minister s office. Within the scope of the decisions it takes, this Commission performs duties of a governmental administration body. The Central Commission gives its opinions on 35

36 drafts of legal acts concerning the awarding of the academic degree of doctor (doktor), habilitated doctor (doktor habilitaowany) and the title of professor. It also expresses its view concerning the employment of persons, who do not hold the title of habilitated doctor on the position of associated professor (professor nadzwyczajny) in a higher education institution. The term of office of the Central Commission lasts 4 years. Its members are selected by persons holding the title of professor among candidates presented by the organizational units entitled to award the degree of doctor State and non-state higher education institutions State higher education institutions comprise the following institutions subordinate to the Minister of National Education and other competent ministers: universities: interdisciplinary institutions offering courses mainly in humanities, social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences, law, economics and related areas; technical universities (all technical universities and the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy /Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza/): offering courses mainly in engineering, but also in economics and related areas, mathematics and natural sciences, agriculture and related areas, humanities (administration and management); academies of agriculture: offering mainly courses in agriculture and related areas, but also in engineering, economics and related areas; academies of economics (including the Warsaw School of Economics /Szkoła Główna Handlowa/): training economists; teacher training schools: training teachers in various specialisations; academies of theology; academies of medicine (including Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University); schools of arts: academies of music, academies of fine arts, one academy and one school of theatre studies, one school of film; academies of physical education; merchant navy schools; military academies; School of Police /Wyższa Szkoła Policji/; Central School of Fire Service /Szkoła Główna Służby Pożarniczej/. Non-state higher education institutions The Higher Education Act of 999 also provides for the establishment of non-state higher education institutions. A non-state higher education institution may be set up upon a permit granted by the Minister of National Education on the basis of an opinion of the Central Higher Education Council. The school which has been granted such a permit is entered in the register kept by the Minister. Schools which have followed this procedure are granted the right to issue state diplomas. State higher education institutions are not, however, entitled to receive subsidies from the state budget Structure of studies The Act of 990 introduced a system of studies covering several stages, these including: bachelor (licencjat or inżynier) level courses, master (magister) level courses, doctorate studies, and postgraduate studies. Such types of studies may be organised by all state and non-state higher education institutions mentioned above. These include: 36

37 vocational education courses: lasting 3 or 4 years; 3-year course graduates are awarded the professional title of licencjat (lic.), and 4-year course graduates the professional title of inżynier (inż.); master-level complementary courses: lasting 2 years, designed for holders of the professional titles of licencjat or inżynier; graduates are awarded the professional title of magister or an equivalent title; uniform master-level courses: lasting 5 or 6 years; depending on the field of study, graduates are awarded one of the following professional titles: magister (mgr), magister edukacji (mgr ed.), magister sztuki (mgr szt.), magister inżynier (mgr inż.), magister inżynier architekt (mgr inż. arch.) or lekarz (lek.), lekarz stomatolog (lek. stom.), lekarz weterynarii (lek. wet.); doctorate studies for holders of the magister title or its equivalent; postgraduate studies. Higher education courses are provided in various modes of study, including regular day studies as the predominant arrangement as well extramural and evening studies, and those offered in a distancelearning system. Pursuant to the Regulation of the Minister of National Education and Sport of 28 March 2003 concerning the conditions which should be fulfilled by a higher education institution in order to establish and provide a given field of study as well as concerning the names of fields of study, the education in Polish higher education institutions is provided in 02 fields of study. Among them only such fields of study as: pharmacy, medicine (within the scope of training for the medicine doctors)- (kierunek lekarski), law, psychology, dentistry provide exclusively uniform study courses, which lead to the professional title of magister or its equivalent. In others (remaining) fields of study - save for the uniform master-level courses (jednolite studia magisterskie) two-stage higher education is provided; /vocational studies leading to the professional title of licencjat, 2/ complementary master-level courses leading to he professional title of magister or its equivalent Admission requirements Those applying for admission to higher education courses are required to: hold the maturity certificate or, in the case of foreigners wishing to undertake studies in Poland, an equivalent document which may be recognised in this country; pass an entrance examination, often organised as a competition. Admission to the first year of study is most often determined by results obtained in an entrance examination. However, benefiting from their autonomy, higher education institutions apply their own selection criteria and procedures. Depending on the attractiveness of a higher education institution or a field of study, admission requirements are made easier or more difficult to meet, and entrance tests are sometimes abandoned in favour of selection to be carried out during a course of study. Some institutions adjust their arrangements every year. The scope of an entrance examination covers in most cases the curriculum followed in a secondary school. Winners of national subject-based competitions, organised for secondary school pupils, are not required to take entrance examinations. Additional requirements should be fulfilled by those applying to schools of arts, academies of physical education, merchant navy schools, military schools, the School of Police /Wyższa Szkoła Policji/ and the Central School of Fire Service /Szkoła Główna Służby Pożarniczej/. The following requirements are laid down by schools of arts: 37

38 schools of music (except faculties of vocal studies): applicants should hold the diploma of completion of education in an upper-level school of music; schools of fine arts: prior to taking an entrance examination, applicants should present their artistic achievements; schools of theatre, film and television studies: prior to taking a competition-based examination covering several stages, applicants should present their achievements in the area of directing, photography or painting. Academies of physical education: Admission to an entrance examination is determined by the result of a medical examination of the applicant. The entrance examination as such is designed to assess fitness of the applicant in addition to his/her theoretical knowledge. Merchant navy schools: age limits: up to 25 years of age; no criminal record; prior completion of an initial practical placement period; good health condition and the status of an unmarried person during the first year of study. The admission procedure includes psychological tests and a medical examination. Military schools: Applicants are required to: have only the Polish citizenship; be between 7 years of age as the minimum and 23 years of age as the maximum; be unmarried; demonstrate good physical and mental condition. The admission procedure includes psychological, technical and fitness tests. The School of Police and the Central School of Fire Service: The requirements for applicants include: below 25 years of age; no criminal record; good health condition; a positive opinion of the psychological board Study programmes (fields of study and curricula) In accordance with the statutory powers, a list of fields of study is drawn up by the Central Council of Higher Education. The freedom in the area of drawing up curricula and timetables has been granted to those higher education institutions where boards of faculties issuing diplomas have the required number of professors. The Central Council of Higher Education also establishes the minimum curricular requirements or, in other words, core curricula for individual fields of study. These cover ca 30% of the curriculum. 38

39 The language of instruction is Polish. However, courses in some fields of study are also offered in foreign languages (English, French, German). Higher education courses in university-type institutions may be divided into two stages. The first stage, lasting 3 or 4 years, covers general theoretical and practical knowledge; the second one, lasting ca. 2 years, helps students to familiarize themselves with specialist knowledge and scientific practices. The latter ends with a master thesis or a project paper. The diploma of completion of a higher education course is awarded to those who have passed all compulsory examinations and defended a master thesis or a project equivalent to a master thesis Diplomas and professional titles awarded by higher education institutions In accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of National Education and Sport of 23 July 2004 on the types of diplomas and professional titles as well as on the patterns of diplomas issued by the higher education institutions, the following professional titles are awarded to : / The graduates of master-level courses (studia magisterskie) or equivalent studies: - magister in such fields of studies as: the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, physics - chemistry, physical education, economic and social sciences, law and medicine, save for the faculty of training for medicine doctors (kierunek lekarski), dentistry, nursing and midwifery, - magister inżynier in technical fields of studies, save for the field of study architecture and town-planning, in the fields of study such as agriculture, forestry, as well as in other fields of study, when the technical or agricultural subjects constitute not less than 50% of the total of didactic activities included in the timetable and curricula for these fields of study, magister inzynier architekt in the field of study: architecture and town-planning - magister sztuki - in artistic field of study - lekarz weterynarii in veterinary medicine - lekarz in the field of study medicine (training for medicine doctors) - lekarz dentysta in the field of studies dentistry - magister pielęgniarstwa in the field of study nursing - magister położnictwa in the field of study midwifery 2/ graduates of higher vocational studies: - inżynier in the technical fields of study, save for the field of study architecture and townplanning, in the fields of study such as agriculture, forestry, as well as in other fields of study when the technical or agricultural subjects constitute not less than 50% of the total of didactic activities included in the timetable and curricula for these fields of study, - inżynier architekt in the field of study: architecture and town-planning - licencjat in such fields of study as: the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics physics - chemistry, physical education, economic and social sciences, arts, medicine, save for nursing and midwifery - licencjat pielęgniarstwa in the field of study - nursing - licencjat położnictwa in the field of study - midwifery The diplomas of completion of studies, issued by the higher education institutions to their students in all types and fields of study consist of part A and B. Part A is a diploma of relevant studies (masterlevel courses (studiów magisterskich), complementary master-level courses (studiów magisterskich uzupełniajacych), vocational (zawodowych) and special (specjalnych), part B a supplement, 39

40 including information about the holder of a given diploma, the diploma itself, the level of education acquired during studies, the content of studies and the student s achievements, the rights of the holder of a given diploma and additional information (e.g. undergone professional apprenticeship) as well as information about the educational system in Poland. Furthermore, the higher education institutions mentioned below award the following professional titles: Academies of physical education grant the professional title of trener (coach). Graduates from faculties of physical education are awarded teacher qualifications. Those graduating from other faculties (coaching, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, organisation and management) may take additional courses and thus acquire teacher qualifications. Graduates who have completed their higher education course in the field of tourism and recreation are awarded qualifications of instruktor turystyki (tourism instructor) and instruktor rekreacji (recreation instructor) in addition to their professional title. Schools of arts award the professional title of magister sztuki. It confirms qualifications required for work in artistic professions and for teaching arts (fine arts, music, theatre and film) in schools and higher education institutions, and entitles its holder to apply for the degree of doktor or kwalifikacje pierwszego stopnia (see below). The School of Police awards the professional title of oficer dyplomowany. Graduates may continue studies in complementary master-level courses in both military and civilian higher education institutions. In addition to policemen, this school trains staff for the Government Guard Office, Border Guard and Military Police. The Central School of Fire Service awards the title of inżynier pożarnictwa and magister inżynier pożarnictwa. Graduates from military schools are awarded the titles of licencjat, inżynier, magister, magister inżynier or lekarz (in the Military Academy of Medicine). Those completing master-level courses are also granted the military rank of podporucznik (second lieutenant). Holders of the magister title or its equivalents may continue education at postgraduate studies. Higher education. Statistical data (academic year 999/2000) Total number of institutions Total number of students Total number of academic teachers Higher education institutions, incl.: state institutions students enrolled in day studies Academic degrees and degrees in the field of arts In accordance with the Act on Academic Degrees and the Title as well as the Degrees and the Title in the field of arts of 4 March 2003, the academic degrees in a given discipline of science or arts are the following: doktor, doktor habilitowany, 40

41 Whereas the degrees in a specified field of arts within the scope of a given discipline of arts are the following: Doktor sztuki Doktor habilitowany sztuki (of arts) The above mentioned degrees are awarded by the organizational units entitled to confer such degrees, it means the respective Faculty Council or another organizational unit of a higher education institution or another scientific institution. The academic degree of doktor is conferred to a person who: holds the professional title of magister, magister inżynier, lekarz or their equivalent; has successfully passed doctorate examinations covering the scope defined by a faculty board or the board of another organisational unit; and has submitted and successfully defended a doctoral thesis assessed favourably by two reviewers. Qualifications awarded as an equivalent of the doktor degree in artistic disciplines are kwalifikacje pierwszego stopnia (first degree qualifications). The doctoral examination are set within the scope of: / a basic discipline corresponding to the subject of doctoral dissertation (rozprawa doktorska) 2/ additional discipline 3/ modern language The doctoral dissertation, prepared under the supervision of a tutor, should provide an original solution of a scientific or artistic problem and present general theoretical knowledge of the candidate in a given discipline of science or arts, as well as it should confirm the candidate skills to conduct scientific or artistic work independently. The doctoral dissertation may also have a project, constructional, technological or artistic form provided that it meets the above mentioned requirements. The academic degree of doktor habilitowany is conferred to a person who: holds the academic degree of doktor; has remarkable scientific or artistic achievements; has submitted a habilitation dissertation which contributes significantly to the development of a given scientific or artistic discipline; has received favourable assessment of his/her dissertation from three reviewers; has passed a habilitation examination; and has delivered a favourably assessed habilitation lecture. Qualifications awarded as an equivalent of the doktor habilitowany degree are kwalifikacje drugiego stopnia (second degree qualifications). The dissertation may constitute a work completed by the candidate after he/she was awarded the title of doktor, This work should be also published as a whole or in its fundamental part. The dissertation may also constitute single-thematic series of publications. The dissertation may also have a form of original project, constructional, technological or artistic achievement, provided that it contributes significantly to the development of a specified scientific or artistic discipline The academic title and the title in the field of arts. Pursuant to the Act on Academic Degrees and Title as well as on Degrees and Title in the Field of Arts of 4 March 2003, the following titles are awarded in the Republic of Poland: - academic title of profesor of a specified discipline of science, 4

42 - the title of profesor sztuki (professor of arts) referring to a specified discipline of arts. The title of professor is conferred by the President of the Republic of Poland upon a motion of the Central Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles. This title may be awarded to a person who: - has obtained a degree of habilitated doctor - has scientific or artistic achievements, which fall far beyond the requirements for the candidates applying for the degree of habilitated doctor - has remarkable didactic achievements, among other things, within the scope of training of academic or artistic staff. The Central Commission may, in exceptional cases, upon a motion of the competent organizational unit entitled to confer the degree of habilitated doctor, grant its permission to start a proceeding leading to the award of the title of professor to a person, who has obtained a degree of doctor and has remarkable scientific and artistic achievements. 42

43 Bibliography - Bogaj A.: Liceum ogólnokształcące w Polsce [General Lyceum in Poland]. WsiP, Warsaw, Bogaj A., Kwiatkowski S., Szymański M.: Edukacja w procesie przemian społecznych [Education in the Process of Social Changes]. IBE, Warsaw, Drogosz-Zabłocka E.(ed.): Zmiany na rynku pracy a kształcenie zawodowe [Changes on the Labour Market and Vocational Education]. IBE, Warsaw, Edukacja w zmieniającym się społeczeństwie [Education in a Changing Society]. Ministry of National Education, Warsaw, Informator dla kandydatów na studia wyższe w roku akademickim 999/2000 [Guide to Higher Education Courses 999/2000]. - Informator o szkołach dla dorosłych i egzaminach eksternistycznych [Guide to schools for adults and distance eucation examinations]. Ministry of National Education, Warsaw, Karpińska A.(ed.): Szkolnictwo niepaństwowe. Partnerstwo czy konkurencja [Non-public Education. Partnership or Competition]. MWN, Olecko, Kwiatkowski S.: Liceum techniczne nowy element w strukturze szkolnictwa zawodowego [Technical Lyceum: A New Element in the Structure of Vocational Education]. W: Kwiatkowski S (ed.): Nowe uwarunkowania edukacji szkolnej [New Determinants of School Education]. IBE, Warsaw, 997b. - MEN o reformie. Biblioteczka reformy [Ministry of National Education about the Reform. Reform Library]. Volumes nr -6. Warsaw, 998/ Oświata i wychowanie [Education and School Education]. Rocznik statystyczny. Central Statistical Office, Warsaw, Pęcherski M., Świątek M.: Organizacja oświaty w Polsce w latach Podstawowe akty prawne [Organisation of School Education in Poland Basic legislation]. Warsaw Pęcherski M.: System oświatowy w Polsce Ludowej na tle porównawczym [A Comparative Study on the School Education System in the People s Republic of Poland]. Warsaw, Podstawy programowe obowiązkowych przedmiotów ogólnokształcących [Core Curricula for General Compulsory Subjects]. Ministry of National Education, Warsaw Rozwój oświaty w Polsce w latach [Development of School Education in Poland, ]. Ministry of National Education, Warsaw, Rozwój edukacji w Polsce w latach [Development of School Education in Poland, ]. Ministry of National Education, Warsaw, Rozwój edukacji w Polsce [Development of School Education in Poland]. Ministry of National Education, Warsaw, Szkolnictwo wyższe 999 [Higher Education 999]. Statistical Yearbook. Central Statistical Office, Ustawa z dnia 5 lipca 96 r. o rozwoju systemu oświaty i wychowania [The Act on School Education and Education of 5 July 96]. Journal of Law, 96, No 32 item Ustawa z dnia 2 września 990 r. o szkolnictwie wyższym [The Higher Education Act of 2 September 990]. Journal of Law 990 No 65 item Ustawa z dnia 2 września 990 r. o tytule naukowym i stopniach naukowych [The Act on the Academic Title and Degrees of 2 September 990]. Journal of Law 990 No 65 item Ustawa z dnia 7 września 99 r. o systemie oświaty [The School Education Act of 7 September 99]. Journal of Law 996 No 06 item Ustawa z dnia 26 czerwca 997 r. o wyższych szkołach zawodowych [The Act on Schools of Higher Vocational Education]. Journal of Law 997 No 96 item Ustawa z dnia 2 listopada 200 o zmianie ustawy Karta nauczyciela, Ustawy o systemie oświaty oraz Ustawy Przepisy wprowadzające reformę systemu szkolnego. [The Act of 2 November 200 amending the Act Teacher s Charter, and the Act on Educational System as well as the Act -The Provisions Implementing the Reform of School System.} - Ustawa z dnia 4 marca 2003 r. o stopniach naukowych i tytule naukowym oraz o stopniach i tytule w zakresie sztuki. Dz. U Nr 65 poz.595 [The Act of 4 March 2003 on the Academic Degrees and Title as well as on Degrees and Title in the Field of Arts. O.J. 2003, NR 65 p Ustawa z dnia 25 lipca 998 r. o zmianie ustawy o systemie oświaty [The Act of 25 July 998 amending the School Education Act] - Wiloch T.J.: System szkolny [School system]. PWN, Warsaw, Wyższe szkoły artystyczne w Polsce w roku akademickim 999/2000 [Higher Education Schools of Arts in the academic year 990/2000]. Ministry of Culture, Warsaw, 999. Selected: - Guidelines of the Minister of School Education, - Ordinances of the Minister of National Education, - Regulations of the Minister of National Education. - Regulations of the Minister of National Education and Sport 43

44 Annex. Framework timetable for the 6-year primary school (Forms I to VI) PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL CYCLE I (Forms I to III) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Integrated education 5 Religion / Ethics 6 Hours to be allocated by the school head 5 Total 72 EDUCATIONAL CYCLE II (Forms IV to VI) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Number of hours per week during 3 years * Number of hours per week during 3 years * Polish language History and society 23 Arts (fine arts, music) Foreign language 8 Mathematics 2 Nature studies 9 Technology Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 2 Physical education 9 Religion / Ethics 6 Hours to be used by the class teacher 3 Hours to be allocated by the school head 2 Total 84 * For educational activities indicated in the core curriculum for general education. 44

45 Annex 2. Framework timetable for Forms V and VI in the 6-year primary school Number of hours per week No. Educational activities Form V Form VI. Polish language Foreign language Mathematics Social studies History + 6. Geography + 7. Biology with hygiene 2 8. Physics Technology with ICT elements Fine arts 4 4. Music 2. Physical education Hours to be allocated by the class teacher 4. Hours to be allocated by the school head Religion / Ethics 2 2 Total

46 Annex 3. Framework timetable for Form VIII in the 8-year primary school No. Educational activities Form VIII. Polish language 5 2. Foreign language 2 3. Mathematics 4 4. Social studies History Geography Biology with hygiene Physics Chemistry Technology / ICT elements Fine arts Music 3. Physical education 3 4. Hours to be allocated by the class teacher 5. Hours to be allocated by the school head 2 Religion / Ethics 2 Total

47 Annex 4. Framework timetable for the gymnasium GYMNASIUM (Forms I to III) EDUCATIONAL CYCLE III EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Number of hours per week during 3 years * Polish language 3 History 6 Social studies 3 Arts (fine arts, music) ** 3 Foreign Language 9 Mathematics 2 Physics and astronomy 4 Chemistry 4 Biology 4 Geography 4 Technology ** Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ** 2 Physical education 9 Religion / Ethics 6 Hours to be used by the class teacher 3 Hours to be allocated by the school head ** 9 Total 9 * For educational activities indicated in the core curriculum for general education ** Hours to be allocated for practical activities in divisions including classes preparing for work. 47

48 Annex 5. Framework timetable for the general lyceum No. Educational activities Number of hours per week Form I Form II Form III Form IV. Polish language First foreign language 3 3. Second foreign language: modern or Latin 4. Mathematics Social studies History Geography 8. Biology with hygiene and environmental protection 9. Physics and astronomy 0. Chemistry. Technology / ICT elements 2. Fine arts/ Music * Defence training ** Physical education Hours to be allocated by the / 2 / 2 class teacher 6. Optional activities: hours to be allocated for major section subjects Religion / Ethics Total / 2 25 / 2 * Hours should be allocated to one of the subjects. ** Activities may be organised as a one-week holiday camp for boys

49 Annex 6. Framework timetable for the basic school offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum For young people For adults No. Educational activities Form I Form II Form III Number of teaching weeks a) Total number of hours per week in a course Total number of hours per week in a course Day Number of hours per week courses. Polish language Foreign language Mathematics Defence training Physical education Social studies History Total number of hours per week in a course Extramural courses 8. Physics Chemistry Environmental protection and formation +20. Religion / Ethics Hours to be allocated by the class teacher 0,5 0, Vocational subjects and practical activities b) 5,5 8,5 45 c) Introduction to economics d) Hours to be allocated by the - school head e) Total f) 020 f) Extra-curricular activities: a. 38 weeks of classes in a school year, and maximum 36 weeks in the final year covered by the curriculum; b. A set of compulsory theoretical vocational subjects together with the number of hours for such subjects and practical activities will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation. c. The number of hours for young workers will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation, taking into account relevant Labour Code provisions. d. A compulsory subject if the specificity of a given occupation does not require a broader scope of knowledge or skills in this area (a different name and number of hours for the subject will be defined in the programme of training for a given occupation). e. Hours to be allocated to additional activities in compulsory subjects, according to the needs of a given class (semester). f. For the programme of training in a given occupation to be implemented in shorter courses for adults, the total load is proportionally reduced, while the number of hours available for individual general subjects remains the same as for a 3-year course. 49

50 Annex 7. Framework timetable for the vocational lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum For young people For adults No. Educational activities Form I Form II Form III Form IV Number of teaching weeks a) Total number of hours per week in a course Total number of hours per week in a course Day courses Number of hours per week. Polish language Foreign language History ICT elements Defence training Physical education Social studies Geography Mathematics 0. Physics. Chemistry 2. Environmental protection and formation (Biology with hygiene and environmental protection) b) Religion / Ethics Hours to be allocated by the class teacher 0,5 0,5 0,5 0, Total number of hours per week in a course Extramural courses 4. Vocational subjects and practical activities c) 3,5 6,5 3,5 5, Introduction to economics d) Hours to be allocated by the school head e) Practical placement:...weeks in Form... and... Total Extracurricular activities:

51 a. 38 weeks of classes in a school year, and 30 weeks in Form IV. b. The number of hours for biology with hygiene and environmental protection in a school for young people is 4. c. A set of compulsory vocational theoretical subjects together with the number of hours for such subjects and for a practical placement will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation. d. A compulsory subject if the specificity of a given occupation does not require a broader scope of knowledge or skills in this area (a different name and number of hours for the subject will be defined in the programme of training for a given occupation). e. Hours to be allocated to additional activities in compulsory subjects, according to the needs of a given class (semester). 5

52 Annex 8. Framework timetable for the technical lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum No Educational activities For young people Form I Form II Form III Form IV Number of teaching weeks Total number of hours per week in a course Total number of hours per week in a course For adults Number of hours per week Day courses. Polish language First foreign language or 3. Second foreign language 7 4. Mathematics Social studies History Geography Biology with hygiene and environmental protection Physics & astronomy Chemistry. ICT elements Defence training * Physical education Religion / Ethics Hours to be allocated by the class teacher Subjects in the vocational education branch 6. Entrepreneurship Computerisation Vocational subjects Optional activities Practical placement... weeks in Form... and... weeks in Form... Total * Activities may be organised as a one-week holiday camp for boys. Total number of hours per week in a course Extramural courses +0 52

53 Annex 9. Framework timetable for the technical school and lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the 8-year primary school curriculum No. Educational activities Form I Form II For young people Form III Form IV Number of teaching weeks a) Form V Total number of hours in a course For adults Total number of hours per week in a course Total number of hours per week in a course Number of hours per week Day Extramural courses courses. Polish language Foreign language History ICT elements Defence training Physical education Social studies Geography Mathematics Physics Chemistry Environmental protection and formation / +40 Biology with hygiene and environmental protection b) 3. Religion / Ethics Hours to be allocated by the 0,5 0,5 0,5 0, class teacher 5. Vocational subjects and practical 6,5 5,5 6,5 7, activities c) Introduction to economics d) Hours to be allocated by the school head e) Practical placement...weeks in Form... and... Total Extracurricular activities: a. 38 weeks of classes in a school year, and 30 weeks in Form V. b. The number of hours for biology with environmental protection in a school for young people is 4. c. A set of compulsory vocational theoretical subjects together with the number of hours for such subjects, practical activities and a practical placement will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation. d. A compulsory subject if the specificity of a given occupation does not require a broader scope of knowledge or skills in this area (a different name and number of hours for the subject will be defined in the programme of training for a given occupation). e. Hours to be allocated to additional activities in compulsory subjects, according to the needs of a given class (semester). 53

54 Annex 0. Framework timetable for the technical school and lyceum offering courses designed as a follow-up to the basic school curriculum For young people For adults No. Educational activities Form I Form II Form III Number of teaching weeks a) Number of hours per week Total number of hours per week in a course b) Total number of hours per week in a course b) Day courses Total number of hours per week in a course b) Extramural courses. Polish language Foreign language History ICT elements Physical education Social studies Geography Mathematics Physics 0. Chemistry +2 +2,5. Environmental protection and formation / Biology with hygiene and environmental protection c) 2. Religion / Ethics Hours to be allocated by the class teacher 0,5 0, Vocational subjects d/ Hours to be allocated by the school head e) Practical placement:...weeks in Form... Total b) 54 b) 900 b) Extracurricular activities: a. 38 weeks of classes in a school year, and 30 weeks in the final year covered by the curriculum. b. For the programme of training in a given occupation to be implemented in 2.5-year courses, the total load in the timetable is reduced by /6, while the number of hours for general subjects remains the same as for a 3-year course, except that 5 hours are allocated in this case for physical education in a school for young people. 54 +,

55 c. The number of hours for biology with environmental protection in a school for young people is 4. d. A set of compulsory vocational subjects together with the number of hours for such subjects and for a practical placement will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation. e. Hours to be allocated to additional activities in compulsory subjects, according to the needs of a given class (semester). 55

56 Annex. Framework timetable for the post-secondary school No. Compulsory educational activities or modules For young people SEMESTER I II III IV Number of teaching weeks a) Number of hours per week Total number of hours per week in a course b) Total number of hours per week in a course b) Day courses For adults. Vocational subjects and practical activities c) 2. Introduction to economics d) Practical placement:...weeks in. semester. 3. Physical education Total Extracurricular activities: Total number of hours per week in a course b) Extramural courses a. 38 weeks of classes in a school year. b. For the programme of training in a given occupation to be implemented in.5-year or 2.5-year courses, the total load as defined for a 2-year course is proportionally reduced or increased by: 4 hours per week in a school for young people; by 0 hours per week for day courses in a school of adults; by the average number of hours in a semester for extramural courses in a school of adults. c. A set of compulsory theoretical vocational subjects together with the number of hours for such subjects, practical activities and a practical placement will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation. d. A compulsory subject if the specificity of a given occupation does not require a broader scope of knowledge or skills in this area (a different name and number of hours for the subject will be defined in the programme of training for a given occupation). 56

57 Annex 2. Framework timetable for the post-secondary school offering courses designed as a follow-up to the curriculum of the general or technical lyceum No. Compulsory educational activities or modules For young people Semester I II Number of teaching weeks a) Number of hours per week Total number of hours in a course b) Total number of hours in a course b) Day courses For adults Total number of hours in a course b) Extramural courses. Vocational subjects and practical activities c) Introduction to economics d) Practical placement:... weeks in... semester and... semester. Physical education Total Extracurricular activities: a. 38 weeks of classes in a school year. b. For the programme of training in a given occupation to be implemented in 0.5-year or.5-year courses, the total load as defined for a -year course is increased by: maximum 4 hours per week in a school for young people; maximum 0 hours per week for day courses in a school of adults; by the average number of hours in a semester for extramural courses in a school of adults. c. A set of compulsory theoretical vocational subjects together with the number of hours for such subjects, practical activities and a practical placement will be specified in the programme of training for a given occupation. d. A compulsory subject if the specificity of a given occupation does not require a broader scope of knowledge or skills in this area (a different name and number of hours for the subject will be defined in the programme of training for a given occupation). 57

58 Annex 3. Specimens of certificates and diplomas Maturity certificate of the general lyceum - świadectwo dojrzałości liceum ogólnokształcącego p. 58

59 Diploma of completion of studies (issued by higher education institutions) Part A 59

60 Annex 4: Disciplines of science (art) in which universities and research institutions may award academic degrees in Poland The degrees of doktor and doktor habilitowany may be awarded in the following academic disciplines of science (art): I Biological sciences: Biochemistry Biophysics Biology Biotechnology Ecology II Chemical sciences: Biochemistry Chemistry Chemical technology III Economical sciences: Economics Management Commodities IV Pharmaceutical science. V Physical science: Astronomy Biophysics Physics Geophysics VI Humanities and social sciences: Archaeology Librarianship Ethnology Philosophy History Philology Theory of literature Political science Cognition and communication science Art science Management science Pedagogy Psychology Religious studies Sociology VII Forest sciences: Forestry Timber processing technology VIII Mathematical sciences: Informatics Mathematics 60

61 IX Medical sciences: Medical biology Medicine Dentistry X Physical education XI Earth sciences Geophysics Geography Geology Oceanology XII Law sciences: Administration Law Canonical law XIII Agricultural sciences: Agronomy Agriculture engineering Environmental engineering Horticulture Fish industry Food technology Animal science XIV Technological sciences: Architecture and urban planning Automatics and robotics Biocybernetics and biomedical engineering Mechanical engineering and machinery construction Construction engineering Electronics Electrical engineering Geodesy and cartography Mining Informatics Chemical engineering Materials engineering Environmental engineering Mechanics Metallurgy Chemical technology Telecommunication Transportation Textile engineering XV Theological sciences XVI Veterinary medicine XVII Military sciences XVIII Film art XIX Music arts: Conducting Instrumental studies Composition and theory of music 6

62 Sound engineering Eurhythmics and dance Vocal studies XX Fine arts: Interior design Photography Graphics Conservation of monuments Painting Sculpture Design XXI Theatre art 62