1. Primary school⁵ or elementary school. Age: 7-10, 11 years old. i

2. The nine-year school.

3. Secondary school6.

According to the curriculum⁷ all secondary school pupils should study Mathematics, Humanities, Physical Education, Foreign Languages, mastering the experience with computers.

The language of teaching and instruction is Ukrainian. The number of specialized secondary schools with profound⁸ learning of foreign languages, Mathematics is constantly growing. The lessons of choreography, swimming, became obligatory, especially in gymnasiums and lyceum the amount of which is growing.

3. Vocational Education.

4. Higher education.

3. Make up as many sentences as you can with the new words.

4. Complete the following sentences:

1. It is provided by a....

2. Children can attend these establishments beginning from ....

3. Effective opportunities are offered to children....

4. The language of teaching and instruction is....

5. Young boys and girls face the first serious decisions in life when....

6. The secondary vocational schools give young people....

7. Vocational school students enjoy such pnvileges as....

8. Vocational school graduates have....

9. The country' has three types of institutions of higher learning..

10. Institutions of higher learning have....

11. After completing the 1st month preparatoiy course and passing examinations they....

12. Nearly 50% of students combine....

13. In 5-6 years of learning students pass....

IP

14. Students who have an aptitude and desire for research work may.... '

Vocational Education

Young boys and girls face the first serious decisions in life when they complete nine-year schooling at the age of 14 or 15. Then they decide whether to continue their studies in the 10th and 11th forms at a general secondary school, or to transfer to a specialized secondary school or vocational school⁹, that is to say choose a particular career. The secondary vocational schools give young people secondary education plus trade training. This means that by the age of 18 they are both educated and financially independent, able to go straight to a job. These educational establishments provide such common trades as: turner, metal worker, weaver, computer operator and so on.

Unlike school children, vocational school students enjoy such privileges as student allowances, free breakfasts and lunches, free uniforms and free travel.

As regards further education, vocational school graduates have a clear idea of what they want to do. Most of them choose a technical school or institution of higher education where they can continue their specialized training.

Higher Education

The country has three types of institutions of higher learning: universities, polytechnical institutes and specialized institutes which are financed by the state. Institutes correspond to colleges in the West. To be admitted¹⁰, one must have good knowledge of the subjects taught at secondary schools which have the same curriculum throughout the country.

Higher education is accessible to all. Young men and women have the same chance of entering an institute or university. Girls students even predominate in teachers, medical and some other institutes. A tuitiom^I is free, and 80% of students receive state maintenance grants. Recently there appeared paid departments at institutes and universities.

Institutions of higher learning have preparatory departments for those who work in agriculture and industry. After completing the 1st month preparatory course and passing examinations they are enrolled¹² as students.

Ukrainian students may enroll in day-time departments, or in

evening or correspondence departments while working at the same time. Nearly 50% of students combine studies and work. Studies, research work, social activity of various kinds and sport - they are all part ana parcel of students' life. In 5-6 years of learning students pass the state examinations and receive the diploma. Students who have an aptitude¹³ and desire for research work may begin postgraduate studies¹⁴ immediately after graduation.

There are many old and new universities in Ukraine. The most famous among them are Universities in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Kharkiv. The Kyiv Shevchenko State University is proud of its long-standing traditions. It was opened in 1834.