Education in Hama

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The education system in Hama is highly centralized and competitive. The government frames the basic content, assessment and structure of education. Schools, however, can be privately or publicly owned and managed (or a composite of the two). Schooling is compulsory for children aged between 7 and 16. The entire education system is designed primarily to prepare students for university. Hamanian universities are some of the most prestigious in the world because of their research output and the rigorous content that they teach.

Schooling structure

Schooling is compulsory between the ages of 7 and 16. The academic level lasts for one calendar year. Students who do not meet the minimum credits needed to go on to the next level will repeat that level. The system is divided into the following components:

  • Primary school lasts for 6 years.
  • Intermediate school lasts for 4 years.
  • Extended school lasts for 1 to 3 years depending on the student from the ages 17 to 19

Schooling culture

The school year extends from January to December, divided into four equal segments by 2 to 3 week-long holidays. The school day usually last for 3 hours. Students who take additional subjects have an extended school day. Many students enroll in an extra mural activity such as a sport. These are often very competitive and can receive additional funding towards their university tuition.

The system of authority is very hierarchical. Teachers have the right to apply corporal punishment. The teacher is usually designated a classroom while students rotate between venues. Students stand and greet the teacher at the beginning and end of the lesson. Teachers of mathematics and of the Hamanese language occupy seniority over teachers of other subjects. Senior teachers have special ranks and collective decision-making authority.

Schooling content

The compulsory subjects are the Hamanese language and mathematics. Schools may provide courses accredited and prepared by the National University Council. Students who take these courses get credits towards a university qualification in that field. Some schools specialize in practical subjects such as electronics, mechanics, and agriculture, some schools specialize in the arts such as music, theatre and the visual arts. Some provide a composite of various academic subjects such as accounting, history and geography.

Students are assessed through many different methods such as tests, projects, presentations, interviews based on their preferences and abilities. Students are given credits according to attendance, performance in assessments, and extra work. They must achieve a minimum number of credits before they are allowed to apply for and write university entrance exams. The university entrance exams may be written after completion of the Intermediate School stage and they are prepared and marked by the National University Council.

Tertiary education