Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sapa]

Im wondering what the different age groups are for Korean schools and hagwons. I am only familiar with Primary, Junior and something like Comprehensive school. So kindergarden, elementary, middle etc, don't really mean much to me.

Also what are you generally expected to teach to each of the age groups? Are elementary kids generally just learning vocabulary and the very basics? I know it must depend to a certain extent on the classes level.

[Otherside]

Kindergarden is pre-school. Pretty much age 6/7 and under.
Elementary is the first 6 years of school... so 7 to 12.
Middle school is the next 3 years. 13-15
High School is the final 3 years. 16-18.

As you said, what you are expected to teach depends alot on the class's level, but generally Kindergarden and early elementary will cover phonics and basic writing with a bit of vocab, while later elementary will tend to cover "useful" expressions and build on the vocab, while also introducing the students to grammar and so forth. I can't really comment on middle/high school levels as I havent really taught these levels, but the other end of the spectrum (adult students) you will be expected to have "conversational" classes to promote fluency (and accuracy I guess). With as little grammar as possible.

I hope this helps, I'm sure some more experienced teachers will be able to give a better rundown of what's expected at each level.