"secondary education"的定义和意义

What is "secondary education"?

Secondary education is the stage of education that follows primary education and typically includes students aged twelve to eighteen, depending on the country. It builds on the foundation established in elementary school and introduces more specialized subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, history, and foreign languages. Secondary education is often divided into two stages: lower secondary, middle school or junior high, and upper secondary, high school. It aims to prepare students for higher education or the workforce, helping them develop advanced academic skills, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. In many countries, completing secondary education is required for graduation.