Education in Portugal
Imagine you're going to school in Portugal, just like the Portuguese kids do. You might start going to school when you're 3 years old, but you don't have to, and some kids don't start until they're 6. At school, you'll learn things like reading, writing, math, and science.
Portugal has a special kind of school called a "jardim de infância" or "kindergarten" where kids go when they're very young, usually between 3 and 5 years old. There, you'll make new friends, play games, and learn basic things like colors, shapes, and counting.
After kindergarten you go to "escola básica" or "basic school", where you'll stay for nine years, until you're around 14. During this time, you'll learn subjects like Portuguese language, history, geography, math, science, music, art, and physical education.
Once you're 14, you'll have to choose whether to stay in basic school for two more years or go to "escola secundária" or "high school". High school is divided into courses, like science, humanities, arts, or technical courses. You'll also choose a "major" (similar to a college major), that will help you decide what you want to do when you graduate.
Portugal also has "ensino profissional" or "professional education", which is like vocational training. If you go to professional school, you'll get hands-on training in fields like plumbing, carpentry, cooking, or computer programming.
After finishing high school or professional school, you can go to college or university if you want to, where you'll study more advanced topics related to your interests.
The Portuguese education system is designed to prepare students for the workforce, but it also values critical thinking, creativity, and personal development. Teachers in Portugal are highly trained and respected professionals who work hard to help every student succeed.
Portugal has a special kind of school called a "jardim de infância" or "kindergarten" where kids go when they're very young, usually between 3 and 5 years old. There, you'll make new friends, play games, and learn basic things like colors, shapes, and counting.
After kindergarten you go to "escola básica" or "basic school", where you'll stay for nine years, until you're around 14. During this time, you'll learn subjects like Portuguese language, history, geography, math, science, music, art, and physical education.
Once you're 14, you'll have to choose whether to stay in basic school for two more years or go to "escola secundária" or "high school". High school is divided into courses, like science, humanities, arts, or technical courses. You'll also choose a "major" (similar to a college major), that will help you decide what you want to do when you graduate.
Portugal also has "ensino profissional" or "professional education", which is like vocational training. If you go to professional school, you'll get hands-on training in fields like plumbing, carpentry, cooking, or computer programming.
After finishing high school or professional school, you can go to college or university if you want to, where you'll study more advanced topics related to your interests.
The Portuguese education system is designed to prepare students for the workforce, but it also values critical thinking, creativity, and personal development. Teachers in Portugal are highly trained and respected professionals who work hard to help every student succeed.
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