SECONDARY EDUCATION

 

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

 

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Secondary education is offered in comprehensive schools, vocational schools and arts schools.  Comprehensive secondary schools are called gymnazija (grammar schools) in Serbo-Croatian.  There are two types of grammar schools: general and stream-based. In many cases, the type of secondary education undertaken determines the fields of study that can be taken at the tertiary level.  For example, mathematics and science study is indispensable for further study in engineering and other technology fields.

Two streams are offered at the secondary level; humanities/language and science/mathematics. All programmes are four years in duration and upon completion the student receives a “Level IV” credential. There are also specialized grammar schools for students who have a particular talent in a specific field, such as mathematics or foreign language. Admission to grammar schools is based on the results obtained in the entrance examinations and approximately 20% of elementary school leavers enter this type of secondary school.

Secondary vocational schools offer students general and vocational education that prepares them to enter the workforce and/or higher education. Programmes are of three to four years in duration, depending on the vocational profile undertaken. In recent years the number of vocational profiles has been reduced from over 600 to less than 200 profiles or occupations in both three- and four-year programmes.  Practical training is obligatory for all vocational secondary students. Upon completion of three-year vocational study an examination is given and a “Level III” qualification awarded.

Admission to all types of secondary schools is based on the academic success of the student in elementary school and achievement on entrance examinations.

Age of Admission:

Age 15

 

Length:

Three to four years

 

Programme of Study:

 

Secondary school curriculum in Serbia (General)

 

Subject	Number of weekly periods per grade
	I	II	III	IV
Serbian language and literature *	4	4	4	4
First foreign language*	2	2	4	4
Second foreign language	2	2	2	2
Latin	2	2	-	-
Constitution and Civic Rights	-	-	-	1
Sociology	-	-	-	2
Psychology	-	2	-	-
Philosophy	-	-	2	3
History	2	2	2	2
Geography	2	2	2	-
Biology	2	2	2	2
Mathematics	4	4	4	4
Physics	2	2	3	2
Chemistry	2	2	2	2
Computer: Theory	1	-	1	1
Computer: Practice	1	-	-	-
Music	1	1	-	-
Art	1	1	-	-
Physical Education	2	2	2	2
Total weekly periods	30	30	30	30

Note: each teaching period lasts 45 minutes

 

* The First foreign language for ethnic Albanians is Serbian; Albania language and literature replaces Serbian language and literature in Albanian-language schools.

 

Secondary school curriculum in Serbia (Humanities and Language)

Note: each teaching period lasts 45 minutes

* The First foreign language for ethnic Albanians is Serbian; Albania language and literature replaces Serbian language and literature in Albanian-language schools.

Secondary school curriculum in Serbia (Science and Mathematics)

Note: each teaching period lasts 45 minutes

 

Assessment and Promotion:

Students are continuously assessed through coursework and examinations.  Students are given annual report cards (Svjedocanstvo o zavrsenom razredu) that indicate their success in their studies.  Upon completion of secondary school, final examinations are given and a Certificate of Completed Examinations (Svjedocanstvo o polozenom zavrsenom ispitu) is awarded.

 

Grading Scale:

Students are assessed using a grading scale from one to five; five is the highest grade and two, the lowest passing grade.

Revised: May 06, 2004 .
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