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The Polish Education System

Key facts

The 2017 Reform

Before 1999, the education system in Poland consisted of 8 years of primary school and 4 years of secondary school, which were all compulsory. However, in 1999, the structure was reformed and a middle school was introduced. This meant that students now had 6 years of primary school, followed by 3 years of middle school, and finally 3 years of secondary school.
 
A small but significant change was made to the Polish education system which proved to be a real advantage for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It offered them hope to promote equal opportunities. Under this change, if a student performed well and had good grades in primary school, they were eligible to enter a more prestigious middle school. And if they continued to excel, they could then attend an even better secondary school.
 
In 2017, there were political changes in Poland which led to a major reform of the school structure and policies. As a result, the educational structure was reverted to the old system and middle schools were eliminated. This reform was met with resistance from many teachers, causing thousands to quit their jobs. Despite these changes, Polish schools are striving to provide quality education for both local and Ukrainian students seeking to study in the country to escape the war.

 

A typical day in a polish school

In a Polish school, a typical day involves:

  1. Morning Assembly: students gather for announcements and activities.

  2. Class Periods: they usually last 45 minutes to an hour. Students are taught regular subjects as well as other subjects (ethics/religion or practical skills such as Home Economics)

  3. Breaks: Between two class periods to relax and have a snack.

  4. Lunch: Students don’t have a lot of time to eat (less than an hour) so they either eat at the cafeteria or bring packed lunches from home.

  5. Afternoon Classes

  6. Extracurricular Activities: students can practice sports, arts, music, or be part of academic clubs.

  7. Physical Education: Scheduled classes for sports and physical activities.

  8. Class Council Meetings: Periodic gatherings to discuss school matters and community choices.

  9. Preparation for Examinations: Particularly relevant in upper secondary schools.

  10. End of the School Day: at the beginning of the afternoon. 

  11. Homework and Study

Our trip in Poland

The Liceum Ogólnokształcące X Wroclaw is a secondary school that aims to put students at the center of their learning training with the implementation of various extra-currcicular activities and active participation of students. 

 

The Liceum Ogólnokształcące 1 Buskoz is a secondary boarding school in Buskoz. It is a friendly and safe institution. It cherishes proud traditions and promotes universal values: science, selfless help, healthy lifestyle, empathy, interpersonal communication and openness to multiculturalism. 

The Liceum Ogólnokształcące XV is the Secondary School No. XV in Wrocław, that provides multilingual teaching and is aimed to work on the school-parent relationship through an electric journal. 

Poland in pictures

Because sometimes pictures convey more than words can express...

Liceum X
Liceum X
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Liceum XV
Liceum XV
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Liceum X
Liceum X
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Liceum XV
Liceum XV
Liceum X
Liceum X
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IMG_20220601_190638
Liceum XV
Liceum XV
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IMG_20220601_164340

This country is amazing !

The market

Wroclaw gnomes

Wroclaw

Polish dumplings

Our favorite teacher quote

Teach 21st century skills. Teach material, of course, do what is done with curriculum, but you can do it in a very boring way, or you can do it in an interesting way. So encourage their creativity, think outside the box

Ewelina Smialek

English teacher at Liceum Ogólnokształcące nr XIV

If you want to learn more about education in Poland