Tenth grade

Tenth grade, sophomore year, or grade 10 (called Year 11 in England and Wales) is the tenth year of school post-kindergarten or the tenth year after the first introductory year upon entering compulsory schooling. In many parts of the world, the students are 15–16 years of age, depending on when their birthday occurs. The variants of 10th grade in various nations are described below.

Australia[edit]

Year 10, for most Australian states, is the fourth year of a student's high school education. However, in the Northern Territory, it is the first year of senior school, which occurs after high school. While in contrast, in most South Australian public schools, it is the third year of high school. For more in depth information on Australia's education system, see: Education in Australia.

Belgium[edit]

In Belgium, the 10th grade is called 4ème secondaire in French (Walloon), or 4de middelbaar in Dutch (Flemish).

Canada[edit]

In Canada, Grade 10 is the 10th year of mandatory schooling. Depending on province, it may be the first (grades 10-12 high school), second (grades 9-12 high school), third (grades 8-12 high school), or fourth year of high school (grades 7-11 high school) .

Denmark[edit]

In Denmark the 10th grade may refer to an extra year of primary school. Earlier, 10th grade was mostly for people who had a hard time in primary school and needed an extra year to prepare for high school (or another secondary education of some sort), but nowadays, it is widely popular amongst challenged and gifted students alike and usual attended at a special kind of boarding school called an "Efterskole". 10th can also be attended at a regular school, though. This year is usually taken as a way to get a break from the school system and relax and try something different before moving on to high school. But, more commonly, people attend the "gymnasium" (can be compared to high school) where you go from 10th-12th grade (as such, some people attend 10th grade twice). People don't usually call the steps of the Danish gymnasium for 10th, 11th or 12th grade, but usually refer to them as 1st G, 2nd G, and 3rd G. Here, G is simply the letter "G", and it refers to the three different steps of the education.

Finland[edit]

In Finland tenth grade is usually known as the first year of High School ("Lukio" in Finnish and "Gymnasiet" in Swedish). The tenth grade may also refer to an extra year of primary school ("kymppiluokka" in Finnish which literally translates to "tenth grade"). This extra year of primary school is for those without a post-primary school study position or who need some more time to decide on their future.^[1]

France[edit]

The tenth year of schooling in France is known as the Seconde, so called because it is the second last in secondary education. It is the first year of High School ("Lycée")

Greece[edit]

In Greece, the 10th grade is referring to the 1st class of Lyceum ("1η Λυκείου") ("Pròti likìou). Lyceum is a form of a secondary school and it isn't compulsory for citizens to attend.

Hong Kong[edit]

In Hong Kong, 10th grade is called Form 4.

India[edit]

The tenth grade (the tenth school year after kindergarten) is important in India. After the completion of the tenth grade, the student is required to sit for national board exams or state board exams wherein question papers are prepared and answer sheets are checked by a central institution to which the school is affiliated. The percentage scored in Class X decides what a student can opt for in Class XI (Science/Commerce/Arts). The Grade gains even more importance as in many parts of India the number of seats for Class XI is generally lower than the number of students who pass out Standard X.

The new system called CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation) was introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education in India for students of sixth to tenth grades. The main aim of CCE is to evaluate every aspect of the child during their presence at the school.

However, since the academic year 2017-18 CCE has been scrapped and the old method of complete syllabus examination is in use.

Ireland[edit]

In Ireland, it is the 4th year of Secondary School or Transition Year or Idirbhliain in Gaelscoileanna. In most secondary schools optional subjects are introduced. Students continue normal classes but also have the opportunity to try new things such as work experience, participation in school stage productions or do other activities or courses such as ECDL or different sports. Students do not sit tests within this year.

Israel[edit]

In Israel, the tenth grade is the first year of high school (pronounced in Hebrew as Tichon) in most formal places, which lasts three years. In some cities (such as Ramat Gan, Givatayim and Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut), elementary school ends at 8th grade and high school starts at 9th grade.

Italy[edit]

In Italy, the tenth grade is the second year of the high school (which is called Scuola media superiore or scuola secondaria di secondo grado). High school in Italy lasts five years.

Malaysia[edit]

In Malaysia, 10th grade also known as Form 4 in secondary school. The students at this stage are 16 years old, and it is the fourth year in the secondary school. This is the year when the students choose their focus as either art/science for their upcoming studies.

Mexico[edit]

In Mexico, the tenth grade is the beginning of the high school, which lasts only three years. Similar to Israel's education system. Tenth graders are normally aged 15–16.

Nepal[edit]

In Nepal, Grade 10th is the final year of Junior High. And Students gives SEE examination in Grade 10th after which They Qualify for +2(Senior High). They can choose Different subjects like Commerce, Science, Management, etc. in +2. They Should get minimum c+ in Science in Grade 10 to take Science. And Students can choose different subjects i.e. Optional Math or Optional English, Computer or Accounts in Grade 9. Students are generally of aged 15 or 16 in Grade 10.

Netherlands[edit]

In The Netherlands, the 10th grade (based on the level of compulsory secondary education) is the last (VMBO), second to last (HAVO), or fourth out of six (VWO) grades of high school. In all cases it is referred to as vierde klas or just de vierde (the fourth), because when you have finished elementary school, the grade numbers start over, beginning with one and going to either 4 (VMBO), 5 (HAVO) or 6 (VWO).

New Zealand[edit]

In New Zealand, Year 11 is the equivalent of tenth grade, with students aged 15 or 16 during the years. It is the third year of secondary school and the eleventh year of compulsory education. Year 11 is also the first year of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), the main national qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. Students in Year 11 study English (or Te Reo Māori), mathematics, and a minimum of four elective subjects with a science subject highly recommended.

Norway[edit]

In Norway, the tenth grade is the last year of compulsory education and the final year of Ungdomsskole, equivalent to junior high school. The students enter the tenth grade the year they turn fifteen.

Pakistan[edit]

Grade ten is the final year of high school in Pakistan; it is an important year level as it here that matriculation examinations occur after which students can qualify for grades eleven and twelve in college. Successful completion of college allows eligibility for entrance into universities and higher education. Exams of class 10th usually held in March by examination boards called Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education.

Philippines[edit]

In the Philippines, Grade 10 is the fourth and last year of Junior High School. Topics mainly discussed are the following subjects like, for the major subjects are Trigonometry (Math in Grade 10), Physics (Science in Grade 10), Filipino subject with El Filibusterismo, English and Philippine Contemporary Issues (Political Studies in Grade 10). Values Education, World Literature, MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health), Computer and TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education) are some of the minor subjects. Students are usually 15–16 years old.

Russia[edit]

In Russia, in the end of ninth grade students have a choice: to progress to the tenth grade in school or go to college. The tenth grade is the beginning of the high school, and it is a pre-exam year, when training to USE is being. Learning is similar with Ninth grade, but priority is given to repeat the material learned in high school (Fifth to Ninth years).

Singapore[edit]

In Singapore, 10th grade is equivalent of Secondary 4 level. Students are usually 16 years old and will take either the GCE 'N' Levels or the GCE 'O' Levels at the end of the year.

South Africa[edit]

In South Africa, ninth grade marks the end of a student's General Education and Training-phase. Children in South Africa are required to attend school up to the age of fifteen, or completion of the General Education and Training-phase, whichever comes first. Students have the option of continuing secondary school up to twelfth grade, under Further Education and Training. Upon successful completion of the twelfth grade, students are granted the National Senior Certificate.

Spain[edit]

In Spain, the tenth grade is 4th of E.S.O. (Obligatory Secondary Education, in Spanish "Educación Secundaria Obligatoria").

Sweden[edit]

In Sweden, the tenth to twelfth grades are taken at a certain type of school called a 'Gymnasium'. After ninth grade, Swedish children end their compulsory schooling. Therefore, these schools are significantly divided in terms of both abilities and career aims. There are two overall types of programs (courses of study) that students can choose from at their schools. Each one is taught in its own separate place. Job-oriented programs (yrkesförberedande program) and programs that prepare for university college (högskoleförberedande program). There are then several programmes of the two types; for example the natural science program (naturvetenskapsprogrammet), which prepares for university college and focuses on subjects like physics, chemistry, biology and math or the construction programme (bygg och anläggningsprogrammet), which is a programme specialized for jobs in that sector. Other options among college preparatory program are for instance the social science program, specializing in social studies and subjects like civics, sociology, psychology, language and history.

For these higher schools students can pick a school that is specialized for the job they wish to take (yrkesförberedande gymnasium). At these schools only classes relevant to the classification of the school are taught, along with language, math and some civics skills. There are widely oriented schools such as General Arts, but also very specific schools, such as Equestrian.

Students that do not yet have any specific career aspirations, or wish to go to a school specialized for a profession that requires a gymnasial degree, can choose to move into a general school, which has programmes preparing for college university (högskoleförberedande program). The system there is very similar to the system from seventh grade to ninth grade except that the student has chosen a program which allows the student to focus on an (albeit in a somewhat general way) area of interest. For instance; the economics programme (ekonomiprogrammet) includes courses in business economics, entrepreneurship and other such courses along with general courses that all students going to schools which prepare for university college must take, such as math, language, civics, physical education etc.

United Kingdom[edit]

England and Wales[edit]

For education in England and Wales, this is known as Year 11. General education certificates will be awarded if the pupils sit the end of year examinations, called GCSEs. In Year 11, students take their GCSEs. With grades ranging from 9 to 1, and the grade below 1 being U, these exams show proficiency in a range of subjects. Results of at least five 5 grades are considered a pass and many employers require their staff to have at least 5s in GCSE, including English and Maths. GCSEs are taken in May and June. Pupils may then go on to sit 'A' Levels. A new English Baccalaureate has been introduced; this is awarded to students who achieve a 9 to 5 in five subjects including English, Maths, science, a humanities subject (history or geography) and a modern language or computer science.

Scotland[edit]

In Scotland, tenth grade (the tenth year after kindergarten or entry into compulsory schooling) is called S4 (or fourth year). At the end of S4, students normally sit for examinations in six or seven National 5 subjects in which they have studied over the previous two years. National 5's and are taken during the months of May and June. It is followed by an optional fifth year (S5) at school or pupils may choose to leave at the end of S4, provided they have reached the age of 16 by 30, September of that year. Those who wish to leave, but will not meet the September deadline, may do so provided that they have either secured an apprenticeship or a placement in a college designed for Christmas Leavers. They are called this because there are two leaving dates in the academic year - the last day in May (summer leaving date), and the last day before the Christmas holidays (winter leaving date). Hence the term "Christmas leavers".

United States[edit]

The tenth grade is the tenth school year. Grade 10 is a part of high school, and in most parts of the U.S. it is the second year of high school, with 11th then 12th following.

The term high school is often used to mean senior high school and distinguished from junior high school. Grades are used in determining a student's GPA (in the U.S.), and become part of a student's official transcript.

In the U.S. math, tenth graders are usually taught geometry. Occasionally, trigonometry, precalculus, or higher classes, are offered for students who wish to take Advanced Placement math classes in later years of high.

In the U.S. curriculum for literature, students have already begun to familiarize themselves with notable authors such as Shakespeare, while some Advanced Placement programs emphasize the work of author J.D. Salinger, for example, and his Catcher in the Rye, putting a major emphasis on literary terms and getting to know themes such as alienation. Generally, students at this grade will be taught World Literature. Like other classes, Honors and Advanced Placement versions of this course are available.

In the U.S. curriculum for science, tenth graders are usually taught chemistry, or Integrated Science 1B. Like other classes, Advanced Placement Chemistry is available.

In the U.S. curriculum for social studies, tenth grade students are taught recent World History. In some districts, Advanced Placement coursework, such as geography, European history, World Studies, or United States History.

In the U.S., tenth grade is also known as sophomore.^[2]