SCIENCE AND

HUMANITIES
BEYOND THE CLASSICAL DIVIDE : STEM
(science/technology/engineering/maths) becoming
STEAM (+ arts)
COMMON BELIEF...
Ease of Study: Humanities not so difficult.

Position in society: Humanities is always neglected in our society.

Opportunities: Science students get enormous opportunities as there are thousands of top-class institutes
which provide excellent placements for science students.

More Money: Science,obviously.

Investment: More Investment is required in Science.

Respect: A person from Science background is more respected than a person from Humanities
If Newton had not lived

everything he discovered would have been discovered by someone else

This applies to all Science.

If Shakespeare, Beethoven, and Leonardo da Vinci had not lived

their work would have been lost forever.

This applies to all Art

IS THIS WHAT WE LEARN AT SCHOOL ?
Science in all its forms, depends on seeing patterns in Nature

People who see patterns make good scientists Science accumulates facts and theories

Artists deal with concepts like Love, Truth, and Beauty

It is not possible to say one woman is more beautiful than another except in her symmetry

It is not possible to say that one truth is truer than another except in its relevance to the question in hand

It is not possible to say love is greater or smaller in its existence other than it satisfies its expectations

Art accumulates styles and attitudes

Science deals with Constants

Art deals with Variables

Science is convergent

Art divergent

Science looks for order

Art looks for chaos

But they have a common link:

to eliminate excess

and make a statement,

one of LOGIC, the other one of EMOTION

HOW CAN WE DEAL WITH ALL THIS AT
SCHOOL? LETS HAVE A LOOK AROUND US
FRANCE
Criticism about the French education system:
Teaching methods are too traditional and unimaginative, with most learning by rote.
Children spend much of their time copying information.
inflexible system that trains only the mind rather than encouraging self-expression and personal
development.
a great emphasis on the French language (particularly grammar), arithmetic and the sciences.
Schools usually impose more discipline than most foreign children are used to
Lots of homework ( devoirs du soir),

France has a highly competitive and selective examination system that separates the brighter
students from the less academically gifted at around the age of 14.

Students preparing the baccalaurat may have as many as 40 hours per week. Some schools close on
Wednesday afternoons and older pupils may have lessons on a Saturday.
The French educational philosophy emphasises:

the authority of the teacher;

individual competition including an absolute grading system
stress on analytical thought and rote learning as opposed to creativity;
generally high academic expectations.
Lyce gneral and lyce technique
Students choose different series. The general bac consists of the L series (literary studies), ES series
(economic and social studies) or S series (sciences). The S bac is considered the toughest.

There are also some seven baccalaurat technologique, diplomas based on specific technical skills.

Lyce professionnel
At a lycee professionnel (lyces pro), students work towards qualifications to help them get a manual or
clerical job or pursue further vocational studies. These qualifications are the baccalaurat professionnel
(bac pro), CAP (certificat d'aptitude professionnel) and BEP (Brevet d'enseignement professionnel), which
focus on one of four fields: social/health, driving/transport, catering/hotels, and optics. The professional
baccalaureate requires three years of study and certifies the student to work in a qualified professional
activity.
 STREAMS

S The sciences course heavily weights high-level

sciences mathematics, physics-chemistry and biology-geology.

ES The srie ES is balanced between literary and economics courses;

economics and social students must take economics and social sciences exams.
sciences

L The srie L heavily weighs French language, French literature, Foreign

humanities literature in foreign language and Philosophy, and to a lesser extent,
history, geography and foreign languages. Students must take
examinations in one to three modern languages. They also have the
option of taking examinations in Latin,ancient Greek, or both. Students in
premire littraire (1reL or 1L) don't have maths and only a small
amount of sciences, unless they choose the 'maths' option. Students in
Terminale Littraire (TleL or TL) don't have neither maths nor physics &
chemistry nor biology, unless they had chosen the 'maths' option in 1L.
In the Bac Litteraire (humanistic), philosophy is king.

Napoleon launched the Baccalaureat in 1809, and philosophy was one of the subjects in the first ever exam

The idea behind philosophy was itself entirely philosophical.

In the newly created republic it was important to create model citizens.

The purpose of the philosophy Bac is not to understand the history of human thought but to leap into the stream
that is the actuality of human thought.

So the purpose of teaching philosophy was - and remains, in theory - to complete the education of young men
and women and permit them to think.
 FINLAND

MAIN OBJECTIVE: TO PROVIDE ALL CITIZENS WITH

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
SYSTEM BASED ON TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY
Education is free at all levels from
pre-primary to higher
secondary.Textbooks and other
materials are free in basic
education and pupils are offered a
free daily meal. In addition, school
health care and other welfare
services are free to all students.
Only adult education requires
payment.
 UPPER -Mother tongue and literature
E SECONDARY
- Other national language
specialisation courses:
S D
-Foreign languages
-Mathematics -Vocational studies

E U
-Natural sciences
-Humanities
-other studies suitable for upper
secondary

C C
-Social sciences
-Physical and health education
-Arts and practical subjects
O A
-Religion or ethics

N T VOCATIONAL
SCHOOL
Choose between:
- Humanities and education

D I
- Culture
- Social sciences, bussines and
administration
A O
- Natural sciences
- Technology, communications and transport

R N
- Natural sources and the environment
- Social services, health and sports
- Tourism, catering and domestic services

Y - Security
NEW FOR US...
General upper secondary education is flexibly organised The syllabus of general
upper secondary education is designed to last three years, but students may
complete it in 2 to 4 years. Instruction is organised in modular form not tied to year
classes and students can decide on their individual study schedules rather freely.
Each course is assessed on completion and when a student has completed the
required number of courses, which include compulsory and elective studies, he or
she receives a general upper secondary school certificate.
First national examination at the end of general upper secondary education
General upper secondary education ends with a national matriculation examination,
which comprises four compulsory tests: mother tongue and, according to each
candidates choice, three of the following: the second national language, a foreign
language, mathematics or one subject in general studies, such as humanities and
natural sciences. Students may also include optional tests. Having completed the
matriculation examination and the entire upper secondary school syllabus, students
are awarded a separate certificate that shows details of the examinations passed
and the levels and grades achieved.
Distribution of lesson hours in general upper secondary education for young people. The average scope of one course is 38 lessons.
Consequently, in order to reach the number of lessons, the number of courses on the time allocation table should be multiplied by 38. The
duration of a lesson must be at least 45 minutes. The number of compulsory courses varies between 47-51, depending on the choice between
basic and advanced syllabus in mathematics. The entire syllabus in general upper secondary education for young people comprises 75 courses.

Mother tongue and literature

Languages

A-language, starting in grades 1-6 of compulsory education

B-language, starting in grades 7-9 of compulsory education 5

Other languages 16 (specialisation)

Mathematics

basic syllabus 6
advanced syllabus 10
Biology 2

Geography 2

Physics 1 LOOKING INTO FUTURE IN BASIC EDUCATION:

Chemistry 1
PHENOMENON TEACHING: it involves teaching
Religion or ethics 3 broad topics combining different skills.
Philosophy 1 Examples: the European Union, merging
Psychology 1 economics,history, languages, geography and
History 4
politics. Students could also identify different
countries on a map and discuss their climate, all in
Social studies 2
French and in this way learn geography, geology
Arts and physical education 5 and languages.
Physical education 2 Active teaching methods with students moving
Music 1-2
around.Relaxed teaching strategies (low classroom
hours, frequent breaks, shoes off indoors).
Visual Arts 1-2
Computer programming to be introduced at an
Health education 1 early age.
Educational and vocational guidance 1

Compulsory courses 47-51

Minimum total of specialisation courses 10

GERMANY: LEADERS IN EUROPE
 Gymnasium highest academic level. 30% of all students
Realschule intermediate level; going on to part-time or
SECONDARY full-time vocational school and also to higher vocational

EDUCATION training
Hauptschule for less academic students; focus on
vocational training; slower pace
Gesamtschule a comprehensive school accepting
students of all academic abilities;may combine elements
of the other three types of schools

Years: 10-18
GYMNASIUM:
3240 hours of lessons Core subjects: a broad range of subjects at a high standard, including two
a week and lots of compulsory foreign languages (often English, French, Spanish, or Latin) plus
homework sports, music and art lessons. Science and humanities. The three most common
(less demanded) education tracks are classical language, modern language and
mathematics-natural science.Abitur exam to get into university. Highly demanding

Optional subjects: Advanced 'honours' courses

 Years: 10-15/16

Core subjects: at least one foreign language (usually English or

French) for a minimum of five years and others subjects
REALSCHULE: the
most common form of
Optional subjects: another foreign language
secondary education,It can
still offer a high academic Go to gymnasium if
standard they want to continue
studying and go to
university or
When finished: (they get a diploma).

Mid-level jobs in businesses

HAUPTSCHULE: The
least demanding of the Years: 10-15/16
secondary school types but it
is highly appropriate for those
wishing to enter a trade or an Core subjects: basic general education with a focus on mathematics,
apprenticeship in certain computer science, German and one compulsory foreign language (usually
industrial sectors.It English) + vocational skills
prepares pupils for vocational
education, and most of the
pupils work part-time as
Next: often a Berufsschule an advanced technical/vocational
school with a two-year course of apprenticeship and study.
apprentices
 YEARS:10-15/16
GESAMTSCHULE: a
more inclusive kind of
secondary school, more like the
American high school. Arose out of a social movement in the 1960's that promoted the idea of
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL equal access to education for everyone, and it is the school form most
like public schools in the United States.
Most are located in states that have been governed by the Social
Democratic Party.

NEXT: At the end of year 10 they can leave with a

Hauptschulabschlus diploma and go on to
take an apprenticeship (Lehre), go to a
vocational school, or stay on for a further
three years to take the Abitur for university
entrance.
UNITED KINGDOM
Pupils of compulsory school age must follow the national curriculum. It is organised on the basis of 4 key
stages and 12 subjects, classified in legal terms as core and other foundation subjects.

All schools are also required to teach religious education at all key stages. Secondary schools must provide
sex and relationship education.

When are GCSE subjects chosen?

During Year 9 (ages 13-14) students choose which subjects to study at Key Stage 4 .These will be the subjects
they will take for GCSE exams.

Compulsory subjects: English, Maths and Science

Optional subjects: They vary from school to school. But every student must be offered at least one course in
each of four groups of subjects :Arts (including art and design, music, dance, drama and media arts)

Design and Technology

Humanities (history and geography)

Modern Foreign Languages

A levels
A-levels (Advanced levels) and their Scottish equivalents are the most popular option for continuing
students after GCSEs and Standard Grades.These qualifications allow students to progress into higher
education or gain employment. A large range of subjects is available. Students normally gain A-level
qualifications two years after the GCSE.

A-level students follow a programme for one or two years. At the end of the first year, students are
assessed for an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification. They may either use this as a separate
qualification or continue to study for a second year to take the A2 examination and complete a full A-level.

Students are encouraged to take four or five subjects to AS level for one year and specialise in two or
three of these in the second year. AS grades may count towards university entrance requirements, but
AS qualifications alone will not fully meet these requirements.

AS and A level reform: New AS and A levels will be taught in schools in England from September 2015.
Further subjects will be introduced over the following two years.
School leaving age
In England - from September 2013 - the education leaving age increased to 17 years and then from 2015
it has increased once again to 18 years. This does NOT mean that young people have to stay in school
until they are 17 or 18 but it does mean that they must stay in 'education or training' which could also
include:

an apprenticeship
part-time education or training
home education
volunteer work (for 20 hours or more a week) while in part-time education or training
Top 10 Most Popular Courses in the UK IN 2014

1. LAW
2. FASHION DESIGN
3. PSYCHOLOGY
4. MEDICINE
5. ECONOMICS
6. PHYSIOTHERAPY
7. ACCOUNTING
8. COMPUTER SCIENCE
9. ARCHITECTURE
10. CRIMINOLOGY
Chinese education system
1. Primary education
2. Secondary education
a. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
b. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

3. Zhongkao (senior high school entrance

examination).: last year more than 9 million
students took this exam. The main feature is
how competitive this system is for
students-often only children- and families -
high expectations.
Primary education
It is compulsory
Children start primary at 5-6 years
They finish when they are 12 years old
Primary school education currently includes nine compulsory courses, which
include Chinese, Mathematics, Social Studies, Nature, Physical Education,
Ideology and Morality, Music, Fine Art, and Labor Studies. Foreign Language
is normally offered as an elective course.
In order to graduate, all students are required to pass graduation
examinations in the subjects of Chinese and Mathematics.
 Secondary education
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
They start secondary education at 12 and finish when they are 15
Students are typically examined in the following subjects for graduation:
Chinese, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Foreign Language, and Politics.
Completion of junior (lower) secondary education also marks the end of a
9-year (6+3) compulsory education program. Then students choose Senior
High School (three years) or Vocational studies (three or four years).
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
It is not compulsory
They start senior high school at 15 and they finish it at 18.
There are two tracks: Natural Sciences, which incorporate Physics, Chemistry
and Biology, or Social Sciences, which incorporate Geography, History and
Ideology & Political Science.
Compulsory subjects are: Chinese, Mathematics and English
Optional subjects: Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, Geography, History, Ideology & Political Science, Music, Fine Arts,
PE, Technology, Computing
Graduates of senior secondary schools seeking admission to post-secondary
education are required to take the National Higher Education Entrance
Examination, also called National College Entrance Examination (NCEE),
commonly known as (gaokao ) , a nine-hour test
Competitive system. Long study hours. Classes from 7 am to 4 pm. On Saturdays,
many schools hold required morning classes in science and maths. Many students
also attend (buxiban), or cram school, in the evening and on weekends.

Aside from maths and science, students take Chinese, English, history, literature,
music, art and physical education. Chinas teaching methodology differs from
Western education methodology. Rote memorization and a focus on maths,
science, and Chinese studies along with extensive test prep for middle school,
junior high school, high school and college entrance exams are standard practice.

Largest education system in the world

EGYPT : DUAL PATH TO EDUCATION
 DUAL PATH TO EDUCATION
Education in Egypt is divided into secular and Islamic options. Within secular education there are public,
private and international schools. Islamic education teaches traditional school subjects but adds Islamic
and Quran studies to the curriculum

ISLAMIC EDUCATION SECULAR EDUCATION

(the religious Al-Alzhar system)

nearly 10% of students nearly 90% of students

girls and boys attend separate classes similar to the system found in other countries
most popular among men aiming for careers pre-schools, primary and secondary schools,
in religious life universities and technical schools
strong focus on Islamic subjects and the + international schools for foreign and wealthy
promotion of conservative values. Egyptian families
not much emphasis on developing creative
thought or problem solving skills
 Types of schools

PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Arabic schools : Egytian national curriculum in Arabic
Experimental Language schools: in English with a 2nd language

PRIVATE SCHOOLS
ordinary schools: better facilities and teachers than public schools
language schools: teach in English and add a 2nd language as French or German
religious schools: base their curriculum on a certain religion such as Cathoilicism
international schools: teach Wester curiculum in mother tongue or English
 EGYPT YEARS AGE TRACK CORE SUBJECTS OPTIONAL
SUBJECTS

- Arabic, English, mathematics,

PRIMARY EDUCATION music, religious studies,
(Compulsory) 6 6-12 science
- Agriculture (In Grade 4),
- art, home economics, and
social studies (In Grade 5)

Arabic, agriculture, art, English, - European

LOWER industrial education, languages
SECONDARY 3 12-15 mathematics, music, religious
(Compulsory) studies and social studies

General - Environmental
sciences
SECONDARY - Science - Mathematics, physics, - Social studies
EDUCATION chemistry and biology - National studies
UPPER 3 15-18 - Philosophy
SECONDARY - Arts - Arts, history, geography and - Music
home economics - European
Technical languages
- Technical - Arabic
3-5 - Industrial - English
- Agricultural

Vocational
Which options do students have when they
finish compulsory education?
They have 4 different options:
General Secondary Education (3 years)

Technical Secondary Education (3 or 5 years)

After doing this they will be able to go to university

Vocational Schools/Centers (3 years)

After doing this they will be able to go to university

Vocational Training (2 years)

General Secondary Education (15-18):
3 years
2 tracks: arts and science
art students must choose one science subject
science students must choose one arts subject

Higher education
Arabic is the language of instruction in humanities, social studies, education, law, commerce,
economics and political sciences, information, social service, tourism and hotels.
English is widely used in the faculties of medicine, pharmacology, dentistry science and
engineering.
 Languages at school

All students are taught in English & Arabic

In Primary School they begin learning a foreing language

French is included as a second foreign language

SCIENCE MEANS DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITIES REFLECTION ON OUR LIMITS.
CREATIVITY GOES BOTH SIDES.

FROM LEONARDO DA VINCI AND THE RENAISSANCE MAN TO THE NEW RENAISSANCE
DIGITAL BORN INDIVIDUAL.. nowadays double degrees in Maths and Philosophy.

and more to come.