• Structure
• Age of Admission
• Length
• Programme of Study
• Assessment and Promotion
• Grading Scale

Structure

Upper secondary education, which is sometimes referred to as the Intermediate Cycle (dabirestan), consists of a three-year course, which is neither compulsory nor free. Upper secondary studies are divided into three branches: theoretical, technical/vocational, and skill education. Sub-divisions of study occur in all three branches.  All students attending upper secondary school must complete courses common to all branches, in addition to the specialization course required for the area of study. The total number of units required to complete upper secondary school, regardless of the branch of study, is 100.

 

Age of Admission

Age 14

 

Length

Three years

 

Programme of Study

The theoretical branch provides academic preparation for students who wish to attend university.  Students studying the theoretical branch must complete 66 units in common courses in addition to those required for their area of specialization.

 

The technical/vocational branch prepares students for work in industry, agriculture, service, electrical fields, materials, marine industry, art management, home economics, and finance and administration.  Approximately 58 units of study must be completed in common courses.  There are also five-year integrated programmes, which combine technical/vocational upper secondary education and post-secondary programmes. Students in the technical/vocational branch are also eligible for higher education.

 

The skill education branch is designed to train semi-skilled and skilled workers in the agriculture and service sectors.  Approximately 45 units of study must be completed in common courses.

 

After successfully completing the upper secondary school students receive a Diplom-Metevaseth (Secondary School Leaving Certificate).

 

COMMON COURSES

Requirements for Specializations within the Theoretical Branch

Upon completion of the upper secondary curriculum, students in the theoretical and technical/vocational branches have the opportunity to continue their studies in the pre-university programme. Students in the skills branch enter the workforce.

The one-year pre-university programme prepares students to enter university and other higher education institutions.  In order to enter the programme, students must pass an entrance examination. Upon successful completion of the pre-university curriculum they are then eligible to sit for the National University Entrance Examination.  

 

Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units per semester or 24 units for the year in the pre-university programme. Each unit is equivalent to 30 hours of study.  Five branches of study are offered: mathematics, experimental sciences, humanities, art, and Islamic culture.

 

Assessment and Promotion

Students are assessed through coursework and annual examinations, which determine eligibility for promotion to the next grade. Upon completion of upper secondary education an examination is given by provincial education authorities to determine if the student can be proceed to pre-university study. Students who successfully pass the examination are awarded a Diplom-Metevaseth (Secondary School Leaving Certificate).  Eligibility for admission to academic or vocational/technical upper secondary is determined by the grades received in relevant subjects on the examination.

 

Grading Scale

Grading is based on a 0 to 20 scale with 7 as the lowest passing grade in individual subjects except Farsi, in which a 10 is required. An average grade of 10 is required for the year in order to be promoted.  Students who fail to achieve an average of 10 must repeat the year.

* may be considered passing in individual subjects

Revised: May 06, 2004 .
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