From the oldest school in China (established in 194 AD) to one that requires a zipline in a secluded part of Colombia, schools come in many different sizes. It is no surprise that school systems are vastly different for different countries. Although many students of IHS are used to a traditional US school system, it
is possible that school life could be improved if foreign school systems are adopted. This article will explore the different types of schools around the world, such as the systems of Sweden, South Korea, and Bangladesh, to better help determine which system would be most beneficial if implemented at IHS.
Sweden
Sweden has one of the best education systems in the world, which contributes to the country being regarded as one of the happiest in the world. Their education is nearly cost-free, with school days starting as early at six or seven am. Children start receiving education in kindergarten (ages one to six), and compulsory education is until age fifteen. After graduating, students are divided into two types of secondary schools: vocational and tertiary. While both are attended until the age of eighteen, vocational secondary schools teach students a skill which can be used immediately after graduating, while tertiary schools prepare students for higher education. The students in Sweden have reported feeling lower stress, which may be due to the low amounts of homework. Their education is more student-focused and has a concentration on school being the start of a lifetime of learning rather than short-term standardized tests and curriculums. Moreover, universities and colleges are administered by the government, and costs of attending a university is significantly lower than in some other countries.
South Korea
South Korea, along with some other Asian countries, comes from a culture that highly values education. This is reflected in the university enrollment rate of about seventy-three percent. Standardized tests are common in this country, and once a year, graduating high schoolers take the college entrance test. However, the pressure for academics is also a huge burden for students, which leads to extremely high levels of stress and pressure. Further contributing to this issue is the fact that some statistics report test grades as the number one cause. However, due to education being highly valued, there is a huge industry that favors students, such as hakwon (private after-school academies for various subjects) and entertainment such as karaoke rooms.
Bangladesh
Since Bangladesh is a country with land height close to the sea level, there is a lot of flooding, especially during monsoon seasons. That is why schools in Bangladesh are sometimes on boats. Students are picked up by the boat where they will receive their education on the water. In addition to schools, many public spaces and areas, such as hospitals, libraries, and playgrounds are also on boats. Schools in Bangladesh are a great example of how different countries have adapted to their own specific needs and setbacks.
There are many other school systems around the world that are unique and interesting, including in France, which has put an emphasis on school lunches, and students have 45 to 90 minutes for lunch, and in Japan, where moral education is taught alongside regular schoolwork. Different people prefer different systems, and each system has its own benefits and setbacks. What if these systems were implemented at IHS or elsewhere in the US?
If we implemented Sweden’s policy, for example, with fewer standardized tests and less homework, students may feel less stressed and will have time for their own activities, such as meeting friends or playing sports. Moreover, the more affordable college tuition will leave more options for students who wish to pursue further education, and because Sweden also offers vocational schools, more students will be able to find meaningful work at school that they enjoy. Not only this, but they will also be able to find jobs with the skills they acquired at school. On the other hand, by implementing something similar to Bangladesh’s policy, IHS may end up with a school that is better suited for the climate. A boat school at Cayuga Lake sounds great! Lastly, France’s longer lunch periods will lead to students feeling more refreshed or satisfied and more ready for the next period.
In conclusion, we looked at different parts of the world and their unique school systems, and decided which would be the best fit for IHS. Fewer standardized tests, less homework, longer lunch periods, and even a boat school might be just the thing that IHS needs.