Secondary Education in Sri Lanka

Secondary education in Sri Lanka refers to the educational level that follows primary education and is typically provided to students between the ages of 11 and 18. It is an important stage of education where students prepare for higher education or enter the workforce. Here are some key points about secondary education in Sri Lanka:

1. Structure: Secondary education in Sri Lanka is divided into two main stages: lower secondary and upper secondary. Lower secondary education consists of grades 6 to 9, while upper secondary education comprises grades 10 to 13.
2. Curriculum: The secondary education curriculum in Sri Lanka is designed to provide a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. It includes core subjects such as mathematics, science, language (Sinhala or Tamil, depending on the medium of instruction), social studies, and English. In addition to these core subjects, students can choose from various elective subjects based on their interests and future goals.
3. Medium of Instruction: In Sri Lanka, the medium of instruction in secondary schools can be either Sinhala, Tamil, or English. The choice of medium varies depending on the school, region, and the preferences of students and parents.
4. National Examinations: At the end of the lower secondary stage (Grade 9), students sit for the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) examination, commonly known as the O-Level examination. This examination assesses their knowledge and skills in multiple subjects. Upon successful completion, students receive the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) qualification.
5. Advanced Level Education: After completing the O-Level examination, students who wish to pursue higher education can continue to the upper secondary stage (Grades 10 to 13). In Grade 11 and 12, they study a range of subjects in preparation for the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) examination, known as the A-Level examination. This examination is a significant milestone as it determines students' eligibility for university entrance.
6. University Entrance: Based on their performance in the A-Level examination, students can apply for admission to universities or other higher education institutions in Sri Lanka. The selection process is competitive, and students' A-Level results play a crucial role in determining their chances of securing a place in their desired field of study.
7. Vocational Education: Along the academic track, Sri Lanka also offers vocational education and training (VET) programs at the secondary level. These programs aim to equip students with practical skills and prepare them for employment in specific industries. Vocational education often includes apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and industry-recognized certifications.
8. Private and Government Schools: Sri Lanka has both private and government schools offering secondary education. Government schools are more common and provide education free of charge, while private schools often charge tuition fees and may follow different curricula, including international ones.

It's important to note that the information provided is based on general knowledge up to September 2021, and there may have been some developments or changes since then. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official sources or the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka.

 

1. Structure
Secondary education in Sri Lanka typically covers Grades 6 to 13.
It serves as the transition period between primary and tertiary education.


2. Medium of Instruction
Secondary education is offered in both Sinhala and Tamil, the official languages of Sri Lanka. English is also taught as a subject, and in some schools, it is used as a medium of instruction for certain subjects.


3. Curriculum
The secondary curriculum is more subject-focused and includes a range of subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Languages (Sinhala/Tamil and English), Social Studies, History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, and optional subjects based on the chosen stream.
Students are exposed to a more specialized and detailed study of subjects to prepare them for the Advanced Level (A/L) examinations.


4. Streams and Specializations
At the beginning of the Advanced Level (A/L) phase (Grade 12 and 13), students choose a specific stream based on their career aspirations. Common streams include Arts, Commerce, Science, and Technology.
Each stream has a set of core and optional subjects, allowing students to specialize in their chosen field.


5. Examinations
At the end of Grade 11, students take the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination (O/L), which assesses a broad range of subjects.
At the end of Grade 13, students take the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination (A/L). A/L results play a critical role in university admissions.


6. University Admission
Successful completion of the A/L examination is a prerequisite for university admission in Sri Lanka.
Students are admitted to universities based on their A/L results and the selected field of study.


7. Technical and Vocational Education
In addition to academic streams, there are options for technical and vocational education. Students may choose vocational subjects related to fields like agriculture, business studies, and information technology.


8. Teacher Training
Teachers at the secondary level undergo specialized training to handle the more advanced and specialized subjects.


9. Infrastructure and Facilities
Secondary schools often have more specialized facilities, including science laboratories, computer labs, and libraries.
The availability of facilities can vary between urban and rural schools.


10. Extracurricular Activities
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and cultural events.
These activities contribute to holistic development and character-building.


11. Language and Cultural Diversity
The curriculum and educational materials respect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country.


12. Challenges
Challenges in secondary education include disparities in resource distribution, access issues in rural areas, and the need for continuous improvement in the quality of education.


13. Government Initiatives
The government of Sri Lanka may introduce initiatives and reforms to enhance the quality of secondary education and address challenges.