Education plays an important role in a person’s life, providing knowledge, assistance and even guidance when it comes to career choice and personal skill development. Although education is readily accessible in many countries, the quality and rigor of country-specific education systems can vary significantly. Some of the most difficult school systems in the world require many hours of studying, provide challenging and often complicated academic courses, and provide students with intense academic and personal pressures.
This article will take a look at the top 10 toughest school systems in the world and examine the rigorous requirements, and intense pressures that each of these systems impose on students.
1. Finland
Finland has long been known for their world-renowned education system, which focuses on quality teaching and excellent curriculum materials. Although Finland is considered to have one of the most difficult school systems in the world, the country’s education system focuses heavily on collaboration and view students as active learners.
Students in Finland are pushed to develop their skills and knowledge through individualized instruction, but also receive a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. Additionally, the Finnish school system requires students to complete three standardized tests in mathematics, science and language, as well as take nine complex courses in upper-level studies in order to receive the matriculation examination certificate and be eligible to enter university.
2. South Korea
The South Korean education system focuses heavily on academic rigor and is highly competitive among students. An nationwide test known as the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is administered to all high school students, and serves as the primary determinant for entry into universities or vocational schools, influencing job opportunities and social status. With South Korea already having some of the lowest school hours in the developed world, the country’s excessive amount of rote memorization has been the subject of immense criticism from many educators, as South Korea places highly when it comes to suicides among students.
3. Japan
Japan is known for having one of the most stringent school systems in the world, with students facing intense academic pressures and having to attend school for long hours. Elementary and middle school students have to attend classes from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm, with several hours of homework.
Additionally, the annual National Center Test (NaCenTest) is administered to all students in their third year of high school, which is used by universities in determining admissions.
4. Singapore
Singapore is considered to have one of the most difficult school systems in the world, with the government closely overseeing its education system. Students are expected to attend school from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with an additional two hours of tuition after regular hours. Students are also required to pass the GCE ‘O’ Level examinations for entry into junior colleges, with the additional ‘A’ Level exams needed for entry into universities.
Numerous tuition centers are also available for supplemental studies, with the majority of students enrolled in such centers.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is known to have the toughest school systems in the world, with New Zealand students being ranked third in the world in math and fourth in science. The rigorous standards that New Zealand schools impose on students are among the highest in the world, as students are expected to complete more than 35 hours of curriculum work per week, with an additional 20 hours on average of homework. Students also have to prove their aptitude with an Assessment of University Entrance National Certificate of Educational Achievement exam, which is needed to be taken in their final year of secondary school.
6. Vietnam
Vietnamese students are expected to attend school from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with many hours of additional homework, which can sometimes lead to exhaustion and overwhelming pressure. Additionally, the highly competitive Vietnamese education system places a large emphasis on rote memorization and is also known for assigning very difficult national exams.
The two-day university entrance examinations, known as the National College Entrance Exam (NCEE), is offered to all 12th grade students and consists of three parts: the Student Academic Aptitude Test (SAAT), the literature test and the social science test which are all considered to be extremely difficult and require many hours of study for proper preparation.
7. United States
The United States is well known for having stringent school systems, with some states such as California having one of the highest rated education systems in the world. The American K-12 school system places a large emphasis on both academic excellence as well as extracurricular activities, and students are expected to complete many hours of homework in order to be successful.
In the United States, students are required to earn a diploma in order to graduate from a high school, which requires them to pass standardized tests in order to advance to the next grade level.
8. Germany
Although Germany’s education system is largely focused on academics and vocational training, it is also known for having extremely tough school systems that require students to attend classes five days a week from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. With the majority of German students attending a Gymnasium, a special type of school reserved only for highly intelligent and academically successful students, the system requires students to pass a highly competitive examination in order to gain entry. Additionally, German university admissions are very difficult, as entrance examinations are administered to determine a student’s eligibility.
9. France
France has long been known for having a stringent school system for both primary and secondary school levels, with the majority of French students attending a lycée, which is the French equivalent of a high school. Throughout the schooling process, students are tested numerous times, with the most difficult exam being known as the baccalaureate, which is administered during their last year of high school and acts as the gateway to entering college or university.
10. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is considered to have one of the strictest school systems in the world, with students having to attend classes six days a week and adhere to a strict schedule. Although a wide variety of school types exist throughout the country, the most rigorous type is known as the maintained school.
These schools demand students to participate in a range of examinations, with the main entry-level examination being known as the 11+ examination. The 11+ examination is a very difficult test that determines whether students are eligible to attend a grammar school, with higher scores increasing chances of success. ConclusionIt is clear that the education systems of these 10 countries offer some of the most challenging programing and academic rigor in the world.
With students in these countries facing long hours of studying, many exams and heavy pressure, it is essential for young people to equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve success in such difficult schooling systems. Through the tackling of such difficulties with determination and grit, those in the 10 countries with the toughest school systems can become successful in the future and contribute socially, economically, and academically to society.