What school is like

What school is like

The Physical Setting

  • The typical educational establishment in Iran is known as a school, similar to the UK.
  • These schools are usually uniformed, with a set attire prescribed for boys and girls.
  • The schools may be mixed or single-sex, depending on the preference of the parents and cultural norms in the area.
  • Schools typically include classrooms, a library, an outdoor play or sports area, and often a computer lab.

School Hours and Terms

  • The school week runs from Saturday to Wednesday, with Thursday and Friday typically being the weekend.
  • A school day normally starts around 8:00 am and ends in the early afternoon.
  • The academic year consists of two terms: the first term from September to January, and the second term from February to June.

Subjects Taught

  • Schools teach a variety of subjects including Farsi, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, and the Sciences.
  • Emphasis is often placed on learning Farsi and Islamic Studies.
  • English and another foreign language are often taught as well.

School Level and Structure

  • The Iranian school system is divided into pre-school, primary school (dabestan), middle school (rahnamayi), and high school (dabirestan).
  • Pre-school is for children aged 5 and below, primary school from ages 6 to 11, middle school from ages 12 to 14, and high school from ages 15 to 18.
  • After completing high school, students can progress onto university study even if further education is not compulsory.

Examinations and Assessments

  • At the completion of each term, examinations are conducted to assess students’ comprehension and learning.
  • The results of these exams play a significant role in a student’s academic progression.
  • At the end of high school, students sit for nationwide exams known as the Konkur, which allow entrance to universities.

Graduation and Further Studies

  • After successfully passing the Konkur, students gain admission to universities.
  • Students may pursue a range of courses at universities like Sciences, Humanities, Literature, or Engineering.
  • Work experience or internships during university study aren’t as common as they are in the UK; the focus is often more on academic achievements.