In the republic of Turkey everyone who is a citizen has a right to education, according to the constitution. Education is free in primary level and for that reason everyone can go to school, except in foreign institutions.
You are allowed to use mother-tongue when teaching children in school. This is simply Turkish. In the year 2012, the education system was divided into 4+4+4 for both boys and girls.
Education Bodies
The work of the Ministry of National Education is to draw up the curricula, designing and building schools, develop educational materials and so on. Whereas the supreme council of National Education decides on curricula and focus on regulation, which was put down by the Ministry.
Directorates of National Education appointed by the minister organize education affairs within the provinces, but they work under instruction of a governor.
Approximation of 10% of the whole budget is allocated for the national education system in public schools under the central government.
Learning Periods
Depending on variation between rural and urban centers, education begins on mid-September until mid-June. There are morning and afternoon sessions, but when overcrowded sessions can be split.
Schools normally operate for five days a week, which is Monday to Friday. In January and February, there is a two week winter break. The academic year is organized in Universities into two semesters, normally between October to January and also between February/March to June/July.
Types of Education
There are two types of education in Turkey namely:
a) Formal Education
This includes pre-unit, primary, secondary and university education:
– Pre-primary education. This is education for children around 3-5 years. It is optional not compulsory. Its aim is to develop children’s mental capacity, sensory development and early preparation of primary education. Children who are living in convenient circumstances can be taught how to speak Turkish well, in order to create a common atmosphere for growth. Daycare homes, kindergartens, nursery classes in primary and private nurseries are all under the supervision of the Ministry.
– Primary Education. Education follows the system of 4+4+4. This means that four years of elementary school plus another four years of middle school, which is nowadays compulsory, and then four years of compulsory high school education. It all adds up to a total of 12 years compulsory education.
It is a compulsory education for both boys and girls and is given free of charge in public schools. Public and private schools are controlled by state. Students wear similar dress to avoid social class differences between the poor and rich children. If the student fails to pass an exam, he/she can repeat the same class the following year.
The aim of this education is to ensure that every child acquires skills, knowledge, builds moral and attitudes that will help them throughout their lives.
– Secondary education. It is compulsory and takes four years to complete. Foreign languages are taught in private secondary schools. This prepares students for higher learning. This type of education has the following purpose, it raises awareness in order to contribute to the society, and it prepares students for higher education in their profession and so on.
– Higher education. It takes four year to complete university. Divisions are established by the council of higher education
b) Non-Formal Education
This type of education is supervised by the Ministry of National Education. Its aim is to teach reading and writing.
Before you get your Csa phone number, you should be aware of these factors, especially if you want your kids to learn in that country.