Education. Learning languages

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• Special Education

Education Learning languages

What schools have you attended?

After creche, I went to nursery school, which I liked very much because I could play with a lot of children and there was lots of interesting playground equipment. My favourites were the jungle gym, swings and sandpit. We had lovely nursery school teachers, who prepared us for the school brilliantly. At the age of six I started primary school. I attended only the junior section in my hometown as, when I was eleven, my parents got divorced and I moved to another town with my mother and sister.

 In the senior section I had a wonderful chemistry teacher. 

Her classes were so fascinating that I decided to become a chemist. This is why I went to a secondary school which is famous for the many scientists who attended it. 

I specialised in biology and chemistry. 

After the school-leaving exam, I sat for the entrance exam at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical School. Now I'm a third-year student there.

What happens if somebody fails a subject?

If somebody fails in the autumn term, he or she can continue his or her studies and should work harder, but if somebody fails in the spring term, he or she has to take an exam in that particular subject before the beginning of the next school year. If he or she is not successful, he or she has to repeat the year.

What are arts and science subjects?

Arts subjects are history, music, Hungarian literature and grammar, and foreign languages; science subjects are mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, geography and computer science.

What are your relations like to your form teacher/classmates?

Our form teacher is a young man who is on good terms with the whole class. 

He often organises hiking tours at weekends and parties at the school. 

As for my classmates, I like most of them a lot. We often go to matches and discos together.

Are you gifted in something?

Yes, I'm said to be talented at drawing and painting. My parents would be happier if I were half as good at maths. I don't really know what kind of career I could use this

talent for.

What do you keep in your school bag?

There I keep my books, notebooks, my pencil case with pens, pencils, erasers and compasses, a sandwich and an apple, and my monthly pass for the bus. 

On the days when I have PE lessons, I take my gym clothes and shoes too.

At what age do children start school in Hungary? When do children start school in England and the U.S.A?

In Hungary, usually at the age of six, but parents can decide whether those children who were bom in autumn start when they are five, or a year later. 

In England they start at the age of five and in the States the system is the same as in Hungary, that is, usually at the age of six, but children born in autumn can start school a year later.

What foreign languages are taught at your school?

We can choose from English, German, French, Italian and Latin.

What kinds of possibilities are there for further studies after finishing a university?

Most of the universities offer upgrading programmes in different fields. Students can also study for a second degree. There are degree courses in special fields and, of course, PhD programmes.

What is your opinion about spending a school year abroad?

I think it is very useful because you can practise the language, get to know how people live in that country, and what the educational system is like there. On the other hand, because of the differences in the educational systems, you can fall behind with your studies in Hungary. 

You may be required to take exams to be able to continue your studies with your class.