School systems in Sweden

Preschool
When children are about two years old they begin in preschool. The preschool gives the children a chance to hang out and socialize with friends.

Elementary school

When the children are six years old they begin in elementary school. Elementary school is an obligation from the age of six to sixteen. (The grades 0-9)

Primary school

The first step in elementary school is primary school. Primary school is basically the first step of learning. We learned to write, read as well as the basics of math. We also began to study some English in third grade.

Middle school

In fourth grade we began middle school. The middle school is not very different from primary school. In middle school our knowledge developed. The texts we wrote was more complicated and the math became more difficult. The last year in middle school, the 6th grade, we started getting grades.

Secondary school

The step from middle school to high school is the biggest step so far. The results and grades became more important. The last year in high school is the 9th and during the 9th grade we have National tests. The test is the same around the whole country. The grades in all the subjects are important because admission to secondary school is based on them. In the area around Kungsbacka, including Gothenburg, there are about hundreds of secondary schools to apply to. Therefore it is a difficult choice.

Upper Secondary school

After elementary school we get to choose a specific program, for instance the technology programme, natural science program and social science program. We have chosen the natural science program. We read a lot of math, physics, chemistry, biology. We also study English and Swedish like all the programs at secondary school. The secondary school is not obligatory, but it is necessary to get a job in the future. Therefore almost everyone is studying at Secondary school. The education goes on for three years.