The Hungarian Education System Andrea Magyar 2019.03.20.

The structure of the National Education System

The main features of the Hungarian Education System Schools and kindergartens are established and maintained by the state, local governments, minority local governments, legal entities (foundations, churches, etc.) or natural persons. About 90 per cent of children attend public sector institutions. Participation in education is mandatory between the ages of 5 and 18, the upper limit currently being reduced to age 16. Public education is free, however there are private schools that can get money.

The main features of the Hungarian Education System The school year comprises 180-185 days of teaching, beginning on 1st September. There are three school breaks in the autumn, the winter and in spring, with an additional 8-10 weeks summer break. There are five working days every week. The teaching lessons usually last for 45 minutes. The average class size in kindergartens is 22, in the general schools 25 children.

The main features of the Hungarian Education System Three level structure: National Core Curriculum (2011), the Frame Curricula (2012) and local curricula (institutional level) Young pupils are assessed in written, individual analysis, later traditional numeric (scale 1-5) marking framework is empoyed.

Pre-primary education Children from 3 to 6 years of age Participation is optional Final year is compulsory Activities: playful development improvement of mother tongue „Learning throughout experience” Nursery catering for children aged 20 weeks to 3 years Kindergarten education cares children aged 3-6 and is compulsory from age 3.

Lower primary education grades 1-4 Compulsory for children between 6 and 16 years of age It lasts 4, 6 or 8 years Subjects included Literature, Grammar, Mathematics, Music, Art, Physical education, Environmental studies, Foreign languages

Upper primary education grades 5-8 New subjects are: Biology, Geography, History, History of Art, Physics, Chemistry One foreign language is compulsory (mainly English or German)

Secondary education Three types: Usually lasts for 4 years General secondary school Secondary vocational school Technical school Usually lasts for 4 years Concludes with a school-leaving exam (Matura or final exam) It comprises of 5 subjects: Mathematics Literature and Grammar One foreign language History One subject of the student’s choice

General secondary school 4-to-5-year educational institution providing general academic education „The main gateway to the university” Grades 5-8 and 7-8 of the eight-grade and six- grade secondary school 0th grade: intensive foreign language teaching (12-14 lessons a week) and IT (3-4 lessons a week)

Secondary vocational school 4-5 years Offers general education Grants a certificate of matriculation and a skilled worker’s certificate or technician’s certificate Prepares children for further studies.

Technical School Usually takes 3 years Offers training in about 200 professions Gives a skilled worker’s certificate Doesn’t grant a certificate of matriculation Students usually spend one week in the school and one week in a workshop

University Divided between colleges and universities College education lasts for 3 years (BA, Bsc), university education 2 years after it (MA, MSc) Doctoral degree lasts for 3 years (Ph.D, Doct. Of Liberal Arts DLA)

University The academic year consists of two semesters ending with examination periods Students must pass an intermediate level language exam to get their degree Students for the first degree do not have to pay fee for their education

Conclusions The Government regards educational policy as an essential tool for economic development, social cohesion and well-being. Priorities: The improvement of quality Equal opportunities must be provided for everyone through education Strengthening core skills by lengthening the phase of primary school education and extending the possibility of using primary school teachers until grades 5 or 6. Strengthening a child focused approach instead of a curriculum focused one

Conclusions Strengthening the institutional system of educational and special educational services, facilitating the integration of children with special educational needs. Supporting disabled pupils Targeted programmes to help the schooling and social integration of Roma young people (scholarships, in-service training, grant-aid programmes) Providing added funding and more time for foreign language teaching

Thank you for your attention! mandrea@edu.u-szeged.hu