There are myriad education systems around the world, differing on curriculum, structure and even teaching styles. While there is no "best" way to determine the right curriculum, the following is a list of countries with the highest rankings on the educational component of the UN Human Development Index (HDI).
This educational component is measured by mean years of schooling for adults aged 25, expected years of schooling for children of school-entering age, mean scores in reading, maths and science, and satisfaction with education quality.
The Japanese education system is divided into 6 years of primary school, 3 years of junior high school and 3 years of high school. This system is heavily influenced by the American models, but the curriculum bears a heavy influence from European models.
Japanese schools are renowned for their achievements in the fields of math and science, but also criticised for their lack of creativity and critical thinking.
The Swiss education system has very diverse options for students. Like Germany, schooling is divided up into primary school and Gymnasiums which split students up by abilities and career decisions.
Elementary school is divided into Primarschule and Oberstufenschule (from age 7 to 13 and 13 to 16) is mandatory for all Swiss children. After Primarschule, students can decide to go to Oberstufenschule and then start an apprenticeship or go to Gymnasium.
These varied educational options give students who prefer a more theoretical approach, or a more hands on approach, greater flexibility to find their niche in the system.
Swedish schools are divided into three categories: elementary (years 1 to 3), middle school (years 4 to 6) and secondary school (years 7 - 9). Education in Sweden is compulsory through year 9.
The current system has mandatory national subject tests in years 3, 6, and 9 of schooling. To raise scores in international studies like PISA and TIMSS even higher, Sweden has introduced a new Swedish Education Act (2011), containing the basic principles for compulsory education. It focuses on promoting greater knowledge, freedom of choice and student safety and security.
The Irish education system is divided into 3 levels – primary (ages 4 to 12), secondary (ages 12 to 16) and higher (ages 16 to 18). Schooling is mandatory in Ireland for children from 6 to 16.
The quality of Irish education is quite high. All the schools teach the same core curriculum. The national exams at the end of secondary and higher levels are the key methods of assessment; the style of teaching and curriculum centre around these exams.
Another key advantage of the Irish system is the continuity – most students stay at the same school throughout the different levels of their studies.
Education is compulsory for all children in New Zealand aged 6 to 16; it is divided into primary school (ages 5 to 12) and secondary school (also called college or grammar school, for ages 13 to 18).
New Zealand devotes a high percentage of public expenditure to education, and 85% of children in New Zealand attend state schools.
New Zealand has created an educational system that is world-class, modern and responsive. Skill-based achievements and critical thinking is valued, to create "confident, connected actively involved life-long learners".
The German school system differs from most educational systems around the world. After grundschule (elementary), students are divided into 4 streams based on ability and their parent’s decision.
Hauptschule is a slower paced school with vocational-oriented courses, leading to vocational school with an apprenticeship training till the age of 18. Realschule leads to part-time vocational schools and higher vocational schools. Realschule students with high academic achievement can also switch to a Gymnasium upon graduation.
Gymnasium is the third type of school. It leads to a diploma and prepares students for university education. The last type is the Gesamtschule. This "comprehensive school" is rarer, combining the first two types of schooling. This specific and segregated German education system has proven to be quite efficient.
Education in the Netherlands is compulsory until a child obtains a diploma, or until their 18th birthday, whichever is earlier. In the Netherlands education until the age of 16 is provided free of cost by the government.
The Netherlands has received international praise for its teaching style, which centres on students working together as a team and on self-study and self-discipline. The Dutch teaching method is founded on respect for each individual's opinions and convictions.
This mindset is not limited to education institutions, it is a national characteristic. It is the foundation for Holland's diverse and plural society.
Education in the United States is provided by both public and private schools. Formal education is divided into 3 sections, elementary (ages 6 - 11), middle school (ages 12 - 14), and high school (ages 15 - 18).
Various policies and acts have been implemented over the years to bring up the literacy rate to 99% of the population over age 15 and decrease the age and race gaps (for example, the No Child Left Behind Act).
Australian schooling is divided into three sections – primary, secondary and senior secondary. Schooling is compulsory from the ages of 5 (or 6) to 15 (or 17), depending on the state.
Approximately 65% of Australian students attend public schools, which are free for citizens and permanent residents. Australia also has alternative foundation programs for students looking for a different path to universities as well as many renowned tertiary institutes.
Education is mandatory for children aged 6 to 16 in Norway. The school system is divided into three parts, elementary (ages 6 - 13), lower secondary (ages 13 - 16), and upper secondary school (ages 16 - 19).
Students start being graded only at the lower secondary school level instead of at an elementary level. The three branches of upper secondary school, general (language, history, etc), mercantile (accounting, business, etc), and vocational (electronics, carpentry, etc), were combined in 1994 to provide a broad foundation to encourage knowledge promotion in higher education.
The Norwegian system focuses on holistic learning, social structures and critical thinking, making it the global leader in education. – July 16, 2014.
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