TURKISH NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
2. OVERALL STRUCTURE OF TURKISH NATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
The National Education System, determined by National Education Basic Act No. 1739, consists of two main parts, namely “formal education” and “non-formal education”.
Formal education is the regular education conducted within a school for individuals in a certain age group and at the same level, under programs developed in accordance with the purpose. Formal education includes pre-primary education, primary education, secondary education and higher education institutions.
2.1.1. Pre-Primary Education
Pre-primary education involves the education of children in the age group of 3 to 5 who have not reached the age of compulsory primary education, on an optional basis. Pre-primary education institutions may be established as independent infant schools or, where considered necessary, as nursery classes within a primary education school or as practice classes affiliated to other related education institutions.
The objective of pre-primary education is to ensure that children develop physically, mentally and emotionally and acquire good habits, that they are prepared for primary education, that a common environment of upbringing is provided for children who come from a disadvantaged background and that they speak Turkish properly and correctly.
2.1.2. Primary Education
Primary education involves the education and training of children in the age group of 6 to 14. The objective of primary education is to ensure that every Turkish child acquires the necessary knowledge, skills, behavior and habits to become a good citizen and is raised in accordance with the concept of national morals and that he/she is prepared for life and for the next level of education in accordance with his/her interests, talents and capabilities.
Primary education is compulsory for all male and female citizens and is free at State schools. Primary education institutions consist of eight-year schools where continuous education is provided and primary education diplomas are awarded to the graduating students.
2.1.3. Secondary Education
Secondary education includes all education institutions of a general or vocational and technical character of at least three years following primary education.
The objectives of secondary education are to give students a common minimum overall knowledge, to familiarize them with problems of the individual and society and to seek solutions, to ensure that they gain the awareness that shall contribute to the socio-economic and cultural development of the country and to prepare them for higher education, for both higher education and a profession or for life and employment, in line with their interests and aptitudes.
2.1.4. Higher Education
Higher education includes all education institutions offering at least two years of higher education after secondary education.
The objectives of higher education are to educate students in line with their interests, talents and capabilities according to the science policy of the country and to the needs of society for high-quality manpower at various levels, to carry out research in scientific areas, to produce all kinds of publications which present the results of research and study and promote scientific and technical progress, to conduct research and studies requested by the Government and provide opinions, to publicize, verbally and in writing, scientific data which shall raise the general level of Turkish society and enlighten the public, and to perform services of non-formal education.
Higher education institutions are universities, faculties, institutes, colleges, and conservatories, Vocational colleges, Application and research centers
In accordance with the general objectives and basic principles of national education, the objectives of non-formal education, which covers citizens who have never entered the formal education system or are at any level of it or have left at that level, and which may accompany formal education or be independent of it are:
- To teach citizens to read and write and to provide them with the possibility of continuous education so that they may complete their deficient education;
- To provide them with the opportunity of education that shall help them in adjusting to scientific, technological, economic, social and cultural developments;
- To provide an education that serves to protect, develop, promote and assimilate the values of our national culture;
- To ensure that an understanding and habits for living together, solidarity, mutual assistance, working together and getting organized are acquired and assimilated;
- To provide opportunities for citizens in non-formal education to gain a profession in accordance with the employment policies and in line with the development of the economy;
- To promote a healthy way of life and healthy nutritional habits;
- To provide people engaged in various professions with the necessary information and skills for further development; and
- To establish the habit of spending and using spare time productively.
Chart 2 Turkish National Education System
Source: MONE APK 2000
Chart : 3 TURKISH EDUCATION SYSTEM
©2002 Republic Of Turkey
Ministry Of National Education
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