As most of the country head back to school after the winter holidays, we thought it would be interesting to compare how different schools work around the world. Most countries offer some form of schooling and education system, but you may be surprised to learn about some of the differences between them. For example, did you know that schools in Finland have no exams and no grades?
Read on for more interesting comparisons of schools around the world…
France
- 162 school days per year.
- Average class size of 23 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 8:00 0 16:00.
- Older students get Wednesdays off (but may have Saturday school lessons).
- Attend class for eight hours every day other than Wednesdays.
- A two-hour lunch break provided school lunches are intended to teach students about good nutrition.
- Uniforms are not required.
Japan
- 210-250 school days per year.
- Average class size of 29 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 8:45 to 15:15.
- Students have a long enough lunch break to go home for lunch with family or to eat at school, where lunch is provided.
- Uniforms are required, with extensive rules based on formal military dress.
- Average 3.8 hours a week on homework.
- Most children attend after-school lessons (called “gakudo”).
Russia
- 211 school days per year.
- Average class size of 16 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 8:30 to 15:00.
- Lunch/Food: breakfast is provided until 12:00, lunches after 12:00 are paid for.
- Uniform was declared law in 2013. Each school can choose its uniform.
- Students in Russia stay together in the same class from their first year of school until their last year of mandatory education.
Australia
- 200 school days per year.
- Average class size of 18 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 9:00 0 15:30.
- Mid-morning tea break, followed by a longer lunch break.
- Uniforms are usually compulsory.
UK
- 190 school days per year.
- Average class size is up to 30 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 9:00 0 15:30.
- Students get a 20-minute morning break, followed by 45-60 minute lunch break.
- Uniforms are usually compulsory, but rules are more relaxed in Scotland and Wales.
Brazil
- 200 school days per year.
- Average class size is 30 or more students.
- A typical school day lasts from 7:00 to 12:00.
- Lunch is usually eaten at home after school
- Uniforms are required at most schools.
China
- 221 school days per year.
- Average class size is 30 or more students.
- A typical school day lasts from 7:30 to 17:00.
- Children often go home for lunch and family time during a two-hour lunch break.
- Almost all schools require students to wear a uniform, and many have a formal set for Mondays and special occasions.
Kenya
- 190 school days per year.
- Average class size is 30 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 8:00 to 16:00.
- Many schools provide lunch, which some students save to share with their families.
- Uniforms are required at all schools.
South Korea
- 220 school days per year.
- Average class size is 30 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 8:00 to 16:00.
- A nutritious lunch is provided at school.
- Government-provided uniforms are required.
- Many students attend after-school classes, often late into the evening.
South Africa
- 200 school days per year.
- Average class size is 30 students.
- A typical school day lasts from 7:30 to 14:00.
- Poorer schools are given breakfast and/or lunch through the government feeding programme.
- Uniforms are required at most schools.
We hope you found it interesting to compare South African school days with school days around the world. We’d love to hear your opinions about which countries you think are getting it right.
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