Greek vs British Educational System
Diagram of the Greek Equivalence to the British Education System (10th-12th grades)
Although there is no exact analogy between the British GCSE and GCE awards and the Greek Lyceum Apolytirion, the following diagram depicts the corresponding stages in the two educational systems and is helpful in understanding why Greek Lyceum students who simultaneously attend a Foundation course are probably the best prepared students for British Universities.
The Lyceum Foundation preparation option, shown in the Diagram below, is analysed in detail in a separate document.
Please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD1u4GT-qh8
The Vice Rector of the University of Athens (Professor Fortsakis) Comments on the Pan-Hellenic Examination and its Academic Significance (November 2014)
The Pan-Hellenic examinations have been an issue that has troubled the Greek educational system for many decades now.
Several Ministers of Education, from different government schemes, have attempted to reform the exams, but due to a number of issues the exams have been frozen to a dry selection process with which Greek candidates are selected for enrollment to Greek HE institutions (AEI and TEI).
The worst problem of the Pan-Hellenic exams is that these exams are rewarding the candidates who have been doubling-up their text books and writing onto their exam paper in the best possible way as their own answer; not because the candidates prefer this way, but because this is what the exams system grades as the best answer. Thus, the whole secondary education which is practically preparing the students for the University entrance exams is promoting/exercising rote learning, instead of critical thinking.
It is no wonder why Greek students in UK Universities many times can handily commit plagiarism; it is because this is what they are used to and they cannot conceive that it an offence.
The oxymoron Institutionalised Plagiarism has become the best (sarcastic, yet true) description for what is happening in Greek education. You may find more information on this issue in a study compiled by our organisation titled: The 2 Available Options in the Greek Apolytirion and the “Institutionalised Plagiarism” Problem.
In the link below, please find a recent video (November 2014) from a very popular commentary broadcast of the Greek TV, where Professor Fortsakis, Vice Rector of the University of Athens, states his opinion regarding the Greek higher education matriculation process and its academic significance as a University entry qualification.
Please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD1u4GT-qh8
Greek vs British Educational System |