Difference between revisions of "Elementary school" - New World Encyclopedia
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Elementary school was formerly the name given to publicly funded schools in [[England]] which provided a basic standard of education for [[working class]] children aged from five to 14, the then [[Raising of school leaving age in the UK|school leaving age]]. They were also known as industrial schools. | Elementary school was formerly the name given to publicly funded schools in [[England]] which provided a basic standard of education for [[working class]] children aged from five to 14, the then [[Raising of school leaving age in the UK|school leaving age]]. They were also known as industrial schools. | ||
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In the UK schools providing primary education are now known as [[primary school]]s. They generally cater for children aged from four to eleven. Primary schools are often subdivided into [[infant school]]s for children from four to seven and [[junior school]]s for ages seven to 11. In the (diminishing) minority of areas where there is a "three-tier" system, children go to "first school" until about 9, then [[middle school]] until about 13, then high school; in these places, the term "primary school" is not usually used. | In the UK schools providing primary education are now known as [[primary school]]s. They generally cater for children aged from four to eleven. Primary schools are often subdivided into [[infant school]]s for children from four to seven and [[junior school]]s for ages seven to 11. In the (diminishing) minority of areas where there is a "three-tier" system, children go to "first school" until about 9, then [[middle school]] until about 13, then high school; in these places, the term "primary school" is not usually used. |
Revision as of 20:42, 6 May 2008
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An elementary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as primary or elementary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in many countries and especially in North America, while primary school is the preferred term in the United Kingdom, India, Australia and New Zealand and in most publications of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).[1] Differences in name aside, nearly all countries have a form of elementary education and most of these systems seek to develop the most basic academic skills in its young students.
Overview
Primary or elementary education consists of the first years of formal, structured education that occur during childhood. Kindergarten is usually the first stage in primary education, as in most jurisdictions it is compulsory, but it is also often associated with preschool education. In most countries, it is compulsory for children to receive primary education (though in many jurisdictions it is permissible for parents to provide it). Primary education generally begins when children are four to eight years of age. The division between primary and secondary education is somewhat arbitrary, but it generally occurs at about eleven or twelve years of age (adolescence); some educational systems have separate middle schools with the transition to the final stage of secondary education taking place at around the age of fourteen. In the West students often graduate from elementary schools with the goal of attending secondary educational institutions, but in developing countries a lower number of students are capable or have the option to complete their education beyond elementary education.[2]
Most elementary education curriculums seek to introduce the basics of a liberal arts education to its students. Basic reading, writing and mathematical skills are emphasized. Schools around the world differ in their depth and approach to both physical and social sciences, but a general understanding of the scientific formula and of regional history and geography is usually present in elementary curriculums.
History
Philosophy
Cultural Variations
United Kingdom
Elementary school was formerly the name given to publicly funded schools in England which provided a basic standard of education for working class children aged from five to 14, the then school leaving age. They were also known as industrial schools.
In the UK schools providing primary education are now known as primary schools. They generally cater for children aged from four to eleven. Primary schools are often subdivided into infant schools for children from four to seven and junior schools for ages seven to 11. In the (diminishing) minority of areas where there is a "three-tier" system, children go to "first school" until about 9, then middle school until about 13, then high school; in these places, the term "primary school" is not usually used.
United States
In the United States, elementary schools offer education between the kindergarten level and, typically, a grade between 4th and 8th. The most common grade range is kindergarten through 5th grade.[citation needed] Elementary schools in the United States are also commonly called "grade schools".
India
In India, elementary school includes primary school years ranging from class I to class IV, catering for children between the ages of four and ten. Children start school at any time between four and six depending on the policy in the state in which they live. Before starting school children attend kindergarten or nursery schools.
United Kingdom
In the UK schools providing primary education in the state sector are known as primary schools. They generally cater for children aged from four to eleven. Primary schools are often subdivided into infant schools for children from four to seven and junior schools for ages seven to 11 (Excluding Scotland, where all from age 4-12 are catered for in the one institution.)
In the private sector fee-paying schools which provide primary education are known as preparatory schools, and they often cater for children up to the age of thirteen. As their name suggests, preparatory schools are designed to prepare pupils for entrance examinations for fee-paying independent schools.
United States
In the United States the term primary school is used in a general way to describe the primary grades, usually meaning kindergarten (ages five to six) to second grade (ages seven to eight), but sometimes extending to third grade (ages eight to nine). The term is also sometimes used to describe a school which provides the first three or four years of elementary or primary education. Very few schools in the US actually use the term primary school as part of their school name and such schools are generally private schools, serving very young children.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the first six years of education take place in primary schools. A standardized test is given to all national primary school students at their final year, before proceeding to five years of secondary education.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ Primary school. In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on 12 June 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9061377
- ↑ "elementary education." Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2006. Answers.com 06 May. 2008. http://www.answers.com/topic/elementary-education-educ-in-encyclopedia
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