Here stands Yanggang Middle School a place where students spend a significant part of their day. Education in Korea is very important. Many students find themselves studying for up to 16 hours a day. This often starts around 8 AM and extends to 10 PM. Many want to enter college.
Yanggang Middle School is where Korean students work towards their goals. The competition can be really high. Some attend hagwons to prepare for exams. Hagwons are after-school programs that help students with their studies. They focus on improving knowledge and English skills. Students often see hagwons as a way to improve and meet new friends. Middle school students usually spend about 10 hours a day at school.
Yanggang Middle School and other Korean schools often serve dinner. This is because students stay at school until late. It is not uncommon for them to arrive home around midnight.
Teachers at Yanggang Middle School are highly respected. Korean society values teachers. They are seen as key to students’ futures and the country’s development. Senior teachers often receive better pay. They also have better holidays and vacation bonuses compared to regular office jobs. Teachers can retire after they turn 65 years old.
Like many schools in South Korea, Yanggang Middle School uses technology. Classrooms often have computers. Teachers create PowerPoint presentations. They save files on USB drives. This is similar to what you might see in an office. Teachers are also expected to dress professionally. A suit or blazer is a good choice.
Teachers in South Korea may be rotated to different schools every five years. A lottery system is used to replace teachers. This ensures that teachers have equal opportunities to work in different schools. Each teacher is also rated based on exams and workshops. Schools are ranked as well.
Corporal punishment is less common now. However, it can still occur in some schools. Some schools have disciplinary sticks for students. These sticks are used to encourage better behavior.
Many students at Yanggang Middle School have English names. These names include Alice, Robert, Lola or Paul. They get these names from their teachers to help them immerse themselves in English. Teachers might write English names on slips of paper and put them in a fishbowl for students to pick.
Before classes start each morning, students help clean their school. They take responsibility for keeping the school clean.
Students also follow a shoe rule. They take off their outdoor shoes when they enter the school. They change into slippers. This is because feet are seen as unclean.
South Korea’s education system has a structured curriculum. The primary curriculum includes subjects like moral education, Korean language, social studies and mathematics. Science, physical education, music, fine arts and practical arts are also taught. English-language instruction begins in the third grade.
The goals of education include improving basic abilities and skills. Developing language ability and civic morality is also important. Schools aim to increase cooperation and promote healthy living.
In middle school, students continue with similar subjects. They add vocational training. This includes mechanics and home economics. They study Korean heritage and world history. English is required for all students.
High schools are divided into academic and vocational schools. Academic high schools prepare students for college. Vocational high schools focus on specific skills.