● France: a state secular system in four stages

France is ranked 25th best for education in the world by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Develop-ment (OECD). The state plays a major role as far as primary and secondary schools are predominantly public. Catholic education also exists through a strong nationwide network of primary and secondary schools.

Introduction to reading starts in the last year of pre-primary. During the first year (cours préparatoire), pupils learn to write and develop their reading skills. Usually, at primary level, students have a single teacher who covers the whole curriculum. Much emphasis is put on secularism (lay concept). As from the first year of primary, students learn about the Republic, its function and organization.

Secondary education is divided in two stages: colleges (first four years) and lycées (three-year course of further secondary education for children from 15 to 18). At that level, pupils are prepared for the well-known and reputed baccalaureate, which leads either to higher education or to professional life.

Lycées are divided as (i) lycée général, leading to two or more years of post?baccalauréat studies, (ii) lycée technologique, leading to short-term studies, and (iii) lycée professionel, a vocational qualification leading to a specific career. General and technological education are imparted in standard lycées, while vocational courses exist in professional lycées.

● Australia: a mix of open and selective institutions

In Australia, school is compulsory between six and 15. Over three-quarters of students stay on until they are 18. Government schools educate about two-thirds of Australian students. The part of independent schools is raising year after year. While public schools are non-paying, independent schools charge fees. All establishments, however, adhere to the same curriculum. Schools are split into two categories: open and selective. The open schools accept all students from their government defined catchment areas. This leads to low competition at the end of primary schooling.

However, selective government schools mostly cater for academically gifted students (the top 5 percent), although there are performing arts and sports schools. Entrance to those schools is highly competitive. Just like in the Mauritian system, the exams lead to the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate.

● United States: from five to 18 depending on each state

Education varies between states but mostly, children begin elementary education with kindergarten when they?re aged five. They usually finish secondary education with twelfth grade when they?re about 18 years old. However, some states allow students to leave school at 14 with parental permission. Almost 90% of students go to public schools, mainly because they?re free of charge. Depending on states and districts, school systems vary widely. This not only changes the way curricular decisions are made but also how teaching and learning take place. In many schools, teachers play a significant role in curriculum design.

Elementary school is a school of kindergarten through fifth grade (sometimes, the first eight grades or up to fourth grade or sixth grade), where basic subjects are taught. Public Elementary School teachers typically instruct between 20 to30 students of diverse learning needs. A typical classroom will include children with identified special needs as listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Act to those that are cognitively, athletically or artistically gifted.

Then comes junior high school, which is an intermediate between elementary and senior high school. Middle school is sometimes used instead of junior high school when demographic factors increase the number of younger students. At this time, students are given more independence as choosing their own classes. Usually, starting in ninth grade, grades become part of a student?s official transcript.

Senior high school is attended after junior high school. Many high schools offer a wide variety of elective courses, although the availability of such courses depends upon each particular school's financial resources and desired curriculum emphasis.

● Finland: compulsory and free from seven to 16

Undoubtly one of the most performing education systems in the world. Firstly, it is egalitarian. Schooling is absolutely free and attendance is compulsory from age seven to sixteen. Free meals are served, free books and materials are offered, throughout the system and pupils go to their local school.

In 2003 Finnish 15-year-olds came first in reading, literacy, mathematics, and science, while placing second in problem solving. In tertiary education, the World Economic Forum ranks Finland #1 in the world in enrolment and quality and #2 in math and science education. The first stage is a nice-year comprehensive school, also called basic school, where attendance is mandatory. After this, children have a choice between upper secondary school and vocational school. Even though secondary level education is not compulsory, an overwhelming majority attends. There are private schools but they are made unattractive by legislation. The use of tuition fees is strictly prohibited. A very large part of the curriculum is devoted to extra-curricular activities.