What can you tell me about the system of education in Belarus?

School year in Belarus starts on the first of September known as a Day of knowledge and runs through to late May. The school year is divided into four terms, called quarters. Each quarter is followed by holidays; autumn, winter, spring and the largest summer holidays.

Usually classes start at 8 a.m. and last till 2 p.m., so Belarusian school-children have 6-7 lessons a day. They study different subjects: Russian, Belarusian, English, Literature, History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science and so on.

The typical Belarusian class contains 20 or 25 schoolchildren. Ninth grade is the last year of compulsory education. Tenth and eleventh grades offer optional paths either to vocational secondary school or to continue to study for university entrance exams. It’s required to wear uniforms, so schoolchildren every morning put on suit sets. Girls may choose between a shirt and trousers but a jacket is necessary. There is also a choice of colours.

Schools differ from country to country. In what are British and Belarusian schools differ?

In our country pupils start primary school at 6, and in England they go to school in 5. In Belarus pupils go to secondary school at 10, and in Britain - at 11. In Britain there are nursery, primary school and secondary school. At 16 you can either go to grammar school or to a college. The only thing that differs very much is a wide network of private schools in Britain.

What questions would you ask your British friend about the system of education of England?

1. At what age do children start school?

2. How many lessons do pupils have a day?

3. How long is your school year?

4. Do pupils take exams every year?

5. Do you use any modern gadgets at every lessons?

What can you advise a person who wants to become a scientist?

First, you should decide if science is for you or not. Just make sure that your temperament and personality fit this type of job and that you know what a typical day of being scientist is like. You should get good marks at school and have enough time to enter the university. Work hard at the university because only excellent students are able to become scientists.

Never miss your classes and try to get as much as possible from your teachers. To be a scientist you should get a bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. This is the minimum requirement for most jobs at research facilities. Try to work on your own or get some volunteer job to gain practical experience and contacts that may help you in your future job.

Never stop learning. You should study the latest developments in science by attending conferences, reading lots of magazines and books, surfing the Internet and gain experience from mature scientist.

Today some young people think that having a good education is not very important. Do you agree with them?

No, I don’t agree with them. Education plays an important role in the modern world. It is one of the valuable possessions a man can get in life. We get our knowledge about the world and life through education. Education develops all sides of human personality, reveals his abilities. Besides, it helps a person understand himself, to choose the right way in this world.

I think everyone should be educated. Educated people are always ready to find good job, they usually have a bright career. Besides, it is also much better to talk to educated and extraordinary person. Each pupil must do everything to become a useful member of our society. But the road to learning is not easy. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. It’s for you to decide to learn and make progress or not to learn and lose your time.