A look at the differences in Canadian and Pakistani school systems
By Ammarah Siddiqui
The Canadian public and Pakistani private education systems in 2019 show many differences due to economical, historical, and social factors.
Pakistan’s education system strives for quality education, rooted in the belief of bettering students. “The main goal of school (in Pakistan) is to create better citizens for the world,” said Abeer Sheikh, a Grade 11 Pakistani student at Foundations School. Economic factors are major impacts on education quality in Pakistan as many cannot afford the better, more expensive schooling.
Canadian education aims for a similar outcome for students as graduation requirements include volunteering and universities encourage community involvement.
A past of British occupation in Pakistan doesn’t affect the Pakistani Education system according to Sheikh, like Canada’s unaffected school system today.
Pakistan is a country of social contrasts very different from those in Canada. Decreasing norms of gender inequality are factors in institutions creating an unwelcoming academic environment for those discriminated. Seen in male dominated fields like construction where females may be subject to verbal abuse and social alienation. Canadian schooling works to remove such issues by providing scholarships for less represented genders in certain fields like women in engineering.
The Pakistani school structure differs from Canadian structure. School in Pakistan begins at a 3-years-old in pre-nursery, followed by; nursery, kindergarten, and classes to grade 9, going into grade 10 (referred to as metric) and grade 11/12 (labeled college), followed by optional post-secondary.
Canadian school systems operate with kindergarten at age 5, followed by grades 1 through 12, and optional post-secondary schooling.
Public and private schooling in Pakistan show disparity, as private schooling is costly and unattainable for many citizens. Government public schools often receive inadequate funding and standards are unmet, while Canadian schooling of the same standard is government funded.
Schooling in Pakistan and Canada share many similarities such as goals for students and lack of British influence. However, differences such as standards, social norms, and structure in schools are quite visible.
