Education in Indonesia
In 1950, the draft constitution of Indonesia stated that the goal of the government was to provide at least six years of primary school education to each Indonesian child. Even in the late 1980’s that goal had not been met especially among females. Some of the reasons for that were high-birth rate and a shortage of qualified teachers and school facilities. In 1973, a portion of oil revenues were set aside for the purpose of constructing new primary schools. As a result, 40,000 schools were repaired or constructed by the late 1980’s.
Playgroup
The school year begins in July, and the first introduction to school for kids is playgroup for the three and four year’s old kids. The playgroup is more play than group and the setting is certainly not a school setting. The playgroups are held in the morning for the purpose of introducing the kids to social situations and the intermingilation with other kids.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten begins at age four. It serves as a transition between home and formal schooling. Children learn basic skills and knowledge through creative play and social interaction. Formal lessons are introduced to help prepare the child for a more formal class setting when primary school begins. It is not mandatory for a child to attend kindergarten but it gives them a better knowledge base when beginning grade one.
Elementary School
Elementary School is grades one through six. Children begin first grade at about age six and complete sixth grade at about 12 years old. Elementary school provides the first phase of formal education. In Indonesia, the school year is broken into two semesters, each ending with a formal grade for that semester. Grades are based on testing the learning skills of the child of the child through a series of exams. Homework and extra credit projects are often included in the course of study and subject to grades that count toward the completion of each year of schooling.
Junior High School
Junior High covers grades seven, eight and nine. The child begins grade seven at about age 12 and completes grade nine at about age 15. Even though compulsory schooling ends at grade six, students are encouraged to continue with their schooling at least through high school. In Junior High, the students learning skills are increased through more advanced study than in elementary school. Their knowledge base is tested from time to time resulting in a final grade for the year and the ability to continue on to the next grade.
Senior High School
High School covers grades 10, 11 and 12, ages 15 through 18. Senior high school is not mandatory in Indonesia and is looked down by some people. Some schools in Indonesia are not attended by some students as they may teach one career path. There is not a diversified field of study for senior high school students. Depending on the school a student graduates from determines the type of certificate received.
Incoming search terms:
- purpose of education in indonesia
- indonesian school year
- education in indonesia
- school year in indonesia
- education in Indonesia for a twelve year old
- schools facilities in indonesia
- the purpose of education for primary school in indonesia
- years of schooling age in Indonesia
- primary school in indonesia
- mandatory schooling in indonesia