1 of 18

THE POLISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

2 of 18

Kindergarten

Primary Education

Technical Secondary School 

Preschool

Secondary School

Adult Secondary School

First-level Vocational School

Second-level Vocational School

Post-secondary School

Mature Exam

Higher Education Institution

Chart

Optional step

Optional step​

Click on me!

3 of 18

KINDERGARTEN​

 - an early education stage for children aged 3 to 6. While not compulsory, it plays a vital role in a child's development, focusing on social, emotional, and cognitive skills through age-appropriate activities. Trained educators guide children in exploration and cooperation, preparing them for formal education. 

Preschools in Poland focus on creating a nurturing environment where children engage in various activities that foster social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The curriculum includes age-appropriate learning through play, promoting language development, motor skills, and creativity.

Click on the icon

4 of 18

THE LAST YEAR OF PRESCHOOL

The last year of kindergarten is devoted to preparation for primary school. It is intended for six years old children. It focuses on basic skills, especially language development, numeracy and social skills that would be required in later years of education. During this year children become accustomed to conditions of conducting classes in primary school. That period helps them to adopt to the school routine. 

5 of 18

PRIMARY EDUCATION

In Poland primary school is divided into two stages. These are grades 1-3 and 4-8.

Grades 1 - 3

Grades 4 - 8

CLICK

CLICK

6 of 18

Teaching in grades 1-3 focuses on the comprehensive development of students through various teaching methods, interactive classes, and stimulating tasks that aim to arouse curiosity and a desire to learn.

Learning to read and write: Teachers focus on developing reading and writing skills through various methods such as reading aloud, letter and word writing exercises, reading comprehension, and creating simple texts.

Mathematics: Students learn basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Teachers use various methods to help students understand mathematical principles and develop logical thinking skills.

Visual and music education: Students have the opportunity to develop their artistic abilities through drawing, painting, collages, as well as learning basic principles of music and rhythm.

Social education: Teaching in grades 1-3 also includes shaping social skills and behaviors such as cooperation, communication, and respect for others.

Physical education: In grades 1-3, significant attention is given to physical activity and developing motor skills through various games and activities.

Grades 1 -  3

7 of 18

CLICK ON THE SCHOOL ICON

8 of 18

Grades 4 – 8

Grades from 4 to 8 are for students aged from 10 to 14. This period of primary school is devoted to emphasizing languages comprehension, science skills, especially math. During that period there are also added subjects, with wich students were not familiar in grades 1-3. Excamples of that subjects are chemistry, physics, biology or history. In addition to English language, there are also introduced other additional foreign languages.

MAIN GOAL

The main goal of primary education is to familiarize students with foregin languages, provide education, teach children basics of general knowledge, enhance critical thinking and making up sollutions to problems, they struggle with. Students also find out to wich subject they have a flair for and decide which path of future education they choose.

THE 8th-GRADE EXAM

The 8th-grade exam is a crucial exam of early education. Subjects as math, english and Polish language are evaluated. Results form that subjects are considered by examiners and are taken into their account. Applications admitted to secondary schools depends on these results. This exam plays significant role in students future education.

9 of 18

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Secondary School

Vocational School

Adult Secondary School

CLICK ON THE ICON

10 of 18

TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOL

BACK TO THE MAIN SLIDE

Technical secondary school is a type of secondary school for students aged typically from 15 to 20. Studies at a technical school last 5 years. This type of school fucuses on theoretical knowledge and practical skills conected with chosen specialization. The most popular specializations are accountant, mechanic, IT specialist and electronics specialist.

In addition to preparing for students future professions, technical secondary school has also an opportunity to take the “matura” exam, although not all students decide to do so. However, vocational exams in technical schools are mandatory.

11 of 18

BACK TO THE MAIN SLIDE

Secondary School

Preparation for Higher Education:

  • Liceum serves as a preparatory stage for higher education, and successful completion of the Matura exam is a requirement for university admission.​
  • Students receive a secondary education diploma upon graduation from liceum, certifying their completion of the general education program.​
  • Polish liceum plays a crucial role in shaping students' academic and personal development, providing a foundation for their future educational and professional pursuits.​

Structure and Curriculum:

  • Polish high schools, known as "liceum," typically have a three-year structure for students aged 14/15 to 18/19.​
  • The curriculum in liceum is designed to provide a broad and comprehensive education, covering subjects such as Polish language, mathematics, foreign languages, sciences, and humanities.​
  • Students are required to pass the maturity exam (Matura) at the end of their liceum education, which determines eligibility for higher education.​

Specialization Options:

  • Liceum students can choose between different paths, including general academic studies or specialized tracks focused on specific areas such as sciences, humanities, or social sciences.​
  • The choice of specialization allows students to tailor their education to their interests and future career aspirations.​
  • Some liceums also offer advanced courses or extracurricular activities to enhance students' skills and knowledge in specific fields.​

12 of 18

BACK TO THE MAIN SLIDE

Preparation for Higher Education:

  • Liceum serves as a preparatory stage for higher education, and successful completion of the Matura exam is a requirement for university admission.​
  • Students receive a secondary education diploma upon graduation from liceum, certifying their completion of the general education program.​
  • Polish liceum plays a crucial role in shaping students' academic and personal development, providing a foundation for their future educational and professional pursuits.​

Structure and Curriculum:

  • Polish high schools, known as "liceum," typically have a three-year structure for students aged 14/15 to 18/19.​
  • The curriculum in liceum is designed to provide a broad and comprehensive education, covering subjects such as Polish language, mathematics, foreign languages, sciences, and humanities.​
  • Students are required to pass the maturity exam (Matura) at the end of their liceum education, which determines eligibility for higher education.​

Specialization Options:

  • Liceum students can choose between different paths, including general academic studies or specialized tracks focused on specific areas such as sciences, humanities, or social sciences.​
  • The choice of specialization allows students to tailor their education to their interests and future career aspirations.​
  • Some liceums also offer advanced courses or extracurricular activities to enhance students' skills and knowledge in specific fields.​

13 of 18

BACK TO THE MAIN SLIDE

Preparation for Higher Education:

  • Liceum serves as a preparatory stage for higher education, and successful completion of the Matura exam is a requirement for university admission.​
  • Students receive a secondary education diploma upon graduation from liceum, certifying their completion of the general education program.​
  • Polish liceum plays a crucial role in shaping students' academic and personal development, providing a foundation for their future educational and professional pursuits.​

Structure and Curriculum:

  • Polish high schools, known as "liceum," typically have a three-year structure for students aged 14/15 to 18/19.​
  • The curriculum in liceum is designed to provide a broad and comprehensive education, covering subjects such as Polish language, mathematics, foreign languages, sciences, and humanities.​
  • Students are required to pass the maturity exam (Matura) at the end of their liceum education, which determines eligibility for higher education.​

Specialization Options:

  • Liceum students can choose between different paths, including general academic studies or specialized tracks focused on specific areas such as sciences, humanities, or social sciences.​
  • The choice of specialization allows students to tailor their education to their interests and future career aspirations.​
  • Some liceums also offer advanced courses or extracurricular activities to enhance students' skills and knowledge in specific fields.​

14 of 18

VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

BACK TO THE MAIN SLIDE

Basic vocational schools provide �a vocational education. It emphasize hands-on experience, preparing graduates for enter into the labour market. In Poland vocational schools are devided into two stages.

First-level

Vocational School

This is a two year vocational education cycle. During that period students learn basic skills and knowledge in �a specific proffesion.

Second-level Vocational School

This is three year cycle devoted to improving vocational competencies. Graduates are prepared for employment and have professional qualifications. Students can pass the matura exam after extra curriculum.

15 of 18

ADULT SECONDARY SCHOOL

BACK TO THE MAIN SLIDE

This educational institution caters specifically to adults who wish to

complete their secondary education.

Flexible Scheduling:

Adult Secondary Schools in Poland typically

offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the

needs of adult learners, recognizing that many

may have work or family commitments.

Secondary Education Completion:

The primary goal of Adult Secondary

Schools is to provide adults with the

opportunity to complete their secondary education, equivalent to the education

typically obtained in traditional high schools.

Matura Examination Preparation:

Adult Secondary Schools prepare students

for the maturity exam, known as "Matura,"

which is a standardized examination

required for university admission in Poland.

16 of 18

Higher Education Institution

Variety of Institutions:

  • Poland boasts a range of higher education institutions, including universities, technical universities, medical universities, and specialized academies.
  • Universities offer a wide array of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and engineering.

Bologna Process Alignment:

  • Polish higher education follows the principles of the Bologna Process, providing a standardized system with three cycles: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

This alignment enhances international recognition of Polish qualifications and facilitates student mobility across European countries.

Research and Innovation:

  • Polish universities actively engage in research and contribute to global scientific advancements.
  • The institutions often collaborate with international partners, participate in European research projects, and prioritize innovation in various fields.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

  • Some Polish higher education institutions have a rich history and cultural significance, contributing to the country's intellectual heritage.
  • Historic universities, such as the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, are known for their academic excellence and cultural impact.

Research and Innovation:

    • Polish universities actively engage in research and contribute to global scientific advancements.
    • The institutions often collaborate with international partners, participate in European research projects, and prioritize innovation in various fields.

Multilingual Programs:

  • Many higher education programs in Poland are offered in English, attracting a diverse international student community.
  • This multilingual approach enhances the country's global academic appeal and fosters a multicultural learning environment.

17 of 18

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!!

Zofia Sopicka, Kinga Kowalska 2B

18 of 18

SOURCES