Primary and secondary education

Difference Between Primary and Secondary Schools

Students enrolled in Indian Education always have to pass through Primary & Secondary Education provided in schools. Although Primary Schools and Secondary Schools are not different, rather education is classified in Primary (further classified as primary & middle school) and Secondary Education. Few schools are also there which provide education up to Primary level only. Students have to switch schools for Secondary level in such cases.

Primary Education

Primary education also called an elementary education is typically the first stage of formal education, coming after preschool and before secondary education (The first two grades of primary school, Grades 1 and 2, are also part of early childhood education). Primary education usually takes place in a primary school or elementary school. In some countries, primary education is followed by middle school, an educational stage which exists in some countries, and takes place between primary school and high school. Primary Education in Australia consists of grades foundation to grade 6. In the United States, primary education is Grades 1-3[1] and elementary education usually consists of grades 1-6.

Primary Education is a basic need for any kid who puts his first step towards education entering as a student in his life. Primary schools provide education up to class 8th Government schools provide free education for children age 6 to 14 or up to class 8 under the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009. In recent decades primary school enrolment has been a success story, largely due to various programs and drives to increase enrolment even in remote areas.

In India, elementary schools provide education from Class 1 to Class 8. The children in these classes are generally aged between 6 and 15 years. It is the next stage after kindergarten (Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Prep or Lower Kindergarten and Upper Kindergarten). The next stage after primary education is Middle School (Class 7th to 10th). In most schools in North India, children in Classes 1st to 3rd are taught English, Hindi, Mathematics, Environmental Science, and General Knowledge. In class 4th and 5th the environmental science subject is replaced by General Science and Social Studies. However some schools may introduce this concept in Class 3 itself. Some schools may also introduce a third language in Class 6th or even in Class 5th. Sanskrit, French language and local state language are the most common third languages taught in Indian schools. At some places, primary education is labeled as the education of Class 3rd to Class 5th and up to class 2nd as pre-primary education. This is because many new concepts are introduced in this class. Children are taught painting instead of drawing and colouring, exams are taken, and Word Sum Puzzle in maths are introduced along with geometry.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is the apex body for school education in India.[6] The NCERT provides support and technical assistance to a number of schools in India and oversees many aspects of enforcement of education policies.[7] In India, the various bodies governing school education system are:

The state government boards, in which the majority of Indian children are enrolled.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) board.

The National Institute of Open Schooling.

International schools affiliated to the International Baccalaureate Programme or the Cambridge International Examinations.

Islamic Madrasah schools, whose boards are controlled by local state governments, or autonomous, or affiliated with Darul Uloom Deoband.

Autonomous schools like Woodstock School, Auroville, Patha Bhavan and Ananda Marga Gurukula.

Primary/secondary education in India is segregated as Primary (1st standard to 5th standard), Upper Primary (6th standard to 8th standard), Lower Secondary (9th standard to 10th standard), and Higher Secondary (11th and 12th standard).