Education in Latvia is composed of three levels; nine years compulsory, secondary and higher education. Vocational schools, art schools, business schools, schools for special types of children, and kindergartens also form part of the programme.
There are private schools and universities, where fees are charged. But majority of students go to state schools which are free.
The main purpose of the nine year school is the general intellectual and social development of the child from 7 to 15 years of age. Promotion from one grade to the next is based on the pupils” skills in all school subjects and on the results of tests.
In secondary schools most pupils follow a course that includes Latvian, science, social studies, mathematics, physical education, foreign languages. Elective subjects may be chosen according to the student’s interests. A student is graded from 10 (outstanding) to 1 (failing) in each subject he takes. Students receive report cards twice a year.
At the end of the 12th grade every school-leaver is supposed to take 2 compulsory exams chosen by the Minister of Education and 3 exams in the subjects each individual student has selected himself.
About 80% of young people graduate from school with a General certificate of education. To get this certificate each student must complete a specified number of subjects and pass 6 final exams graded no less than 4 and upwards. Usually pupils have a separate teacher for each subject.
Schools in Latvia begin on September 1 and end at the end of May. The year is divided into semesters, typically – September- December – January – May. The school breaks for holidays 4 times a year. There is a week holiday at the end of October, 2 weeks at Christmas Holidays, a week at Easter.
Every pupil goes to school at least 7480 hours from grade 1 to 9. Many pupils spend more time at school. So school takes up a lot of time and therefore it must be a good place to be. Even the best of schools can be made better and students can take part in this. If students are unhappy with something, they often just grumble about their teachers, parents or the administration and do no more about it. This very rarely does any good, but there is another option. You must take an active part in the pupils” council.
- Is there any at your school?
- What is it like to be a pupil at your school?
- How would you like it to be?
- What specific things can you do to improve the school for pupils?
- It is important to be active, and remember:
„Nothing ventured, nothing gained”.
Friday afternoon Mr. Christoph Sigmund, the general manager of the Arena Nova, was available for an interview. A four students group, headed by Evelyn Seidler, met him in his office. Sophie Gruber cared for the documentation and was responsible for pictures, Viktoria Wersonig videoed the complete interview using two cameras, Georg Piribauer was responsible for the notes and Evelyn asked Mr. Sigmund about his job, qualification, tourism aspects of an important event center and – last but not least – about future jobs for young people.
The following private discussion with Mr. Sigmund demonstrated an interesting life of a great personality. Thank you, Mr. Sigmund, for the chance to talk with you and for your precious time you spent us!
