Secondary Education: More Than Information

I would not be surprised if my readers were under the impression that "primary" and "secondary" education referred to the age ranges of the students. Education types include much more than age ranges. Put simply, primary education sets a foundation for a student's educational future by teaching them the basics. Secondary education expands on that foundation and develops a student's self-reliance and personal skills as well.

Sixth grade, often between the ages of 11 and 13, students begin their secondary education. During this time, and through their high school career, teachers will begin to treat their students, and the topics they teach more seriously as the types of material they cover shifts and narrows it's focus, prompting students to contemplate their future careers. Algebra, civics, the political structure of other countries, all number of new subjects are introduced to give the student's a solid background for their career, life in the world today, and in preparation for their continuing education. Some classes are restricted and have prerequisites, allowing the student to focus on their future on their own terms for the first time. Additionally, the teaching method changes. Educators no longer teach a variety of subjects. Specialize in areas of their own expertise, educators are able to focus their curriculum and get more specific about the information that they disseminate giving the student multiple mentors and opportunities to discover what they are passionate about. The main focus of this learning period is to further develop the student’s abilities to utilize information in a variety of ways rather than for purely educational purposes. In addition to these changes to the curriculum, students may be required to accumulate an amount of community service hours or participate in extracurriculars to get them out in the wider world and interact with adults allowing the student to begin building a resume that potential employers and higher education institutions will be looking for. The end of this period marks the end of the compulsory education period for most students.