Final Examinations in the Russian Ten-Year School - Introduction - 1966 Revision

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

The document examines the final examinations used in the Soviet ten-year school system for students completing grades 1 to 10. It explains the historical origin of the examination requirement in June 1944, the role of ministries and publishing houses, and the stable structure and aims of the tests across years. A comparison is provided by subject, outlining the number of questions and the intended skills, from algebra and geometry to sciences, history, and foreign languages.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time1 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background and purpose of Soviet final examinations

Development of exam materials and publishing

Aims and pedagogical approach

Comparison of 1958 vs 1964 by subject

Algebra

Geometry

Physics

Chemistry

History of the USSR and Social Sciences

Foreign Languages

2021.10.1 FinalBaminationsintheRussian Ten-Year School Final Examinations in theRussian Ten-Year School Nellie ApanasewiczProgram Assistant in collaboration with Seymour M.Rosen Specialist for the USSR and Eastern EuropeComparative Research Branch Division of Higher Education Research U.S.DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,EDUCATION,AND WELFAREJohn W.Gardner,Secretary Office of EducationHarold Howe II,Commissioner This publication is a revision of "Final Examinations in the Russian Ten-Year School,"published in Information on Education Around the World,No.6,October 1958. Superintendent of Documents Catalog No.FS 5.214:14126 U.S.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEWASHINGTON:1966 # Introduction TN PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS AND LITERATURE on the subject of Soviet education,Iconsiderable interest has centered on academic achievements and kinds ofknowledge which teachers and state authorities demand of Soviet schoolchild ren.For those persons who are concerned with testing methods andstandards of achievement,and for students of comparative education,thisdocument may have special interest. During part of May and June of each year,Soviet school boys and girlswho have completed the regular 10-year school program,that is,those whohave completed grades 1 to 10,face an experience which is crucial to theirfuture careers:a final examination in each of the major subjects which theyhave studied during the years behind them.These examinations have beenrequired of all graduating students everywhere in the USSR since June 1944,when the Soviet Government issued a decree,On Measures for Improving theQuality of Instruction in the Schools.This decree called for the presentexamination system to be applied throughout the federal union.The examina-tions are made up by the ministries of education in the various Soviet repub-lics,and are submitted by them to the individual district school authorities. Although the actual number of subjects and the kinds of questions havevaried over the years,the type,form,and purpose of the examinations havebeen relatively constant.The examination pamphlets are published annuallya few months before examination time,and bear such titles as "ExaminationPapers for the Course of the Secondary School...”(Bilety dlia ekzamenovza kurs srednei shkoly na 1963-64 uchebnyi god),or "Examination Papersfor the School-Leaving Certificate ...”(Bilety dlia ekzamenov na attestatzrelosti za kurs srednei shkoly na 1957-58 uchebnyi god),and are issued bythe state publishing house.The principal aims of these final tests are to verifythe amount of knowledge acquired by the 10-year students,or upon completionof their secondary education,and to reveal "their development,independenceof judgment,and ability to relate knowledge with life—theory with practice." The examinations manifestly reflect a principal pedagogical effort to havepupils master a prescribed amount of knowledge from textbooks,otherrequired readings,and practical work.The resulting examination processesrequire a pattern of questions and problems which respond to the officiallyset achievement levels but which vary but little from one year's examinationsto the next. A summary comparison of the scope and basic data of the 1958 and 1964examinations follows by subject: Algebra—21 questions(each with three parts)given in 1958 and also in 1964This examination aims to test the pupil's knowledge of basic concepts,rules,andtheorems in algebra and his ability to understand and apply theorems in solvingproblems. Geometry—26 questions(each with three parts)in 1958 and 23 questions(each with three parts)in 1964.The aims are identical to those mentioned foralgebra,but as they apply to geometry. Physics—32 questions(each with two parts)in 1958 and 25 questions(eachwith three parts)in 1964.The aims are to test knowledge of basic concepts andlaws of electricity,optics,atomic structure,and certain problems of mechanics;the principles of oscillation and heat;ability to explain physical phe

FAQs

When did Soviet students face the final examinations in the ten-year school system?

Students who completed the regular 10-year program faced final examinations during May and June of each year, following completion of grades 1 to 10.

What legal basis established the examination system across the USSR?

The system was required everywhere in the USSR since June 1944, when the Soviet Government issued a decree on improving the quality of instruction in schools.

How did the examination aims and structure remain consistent across years?

Although subject counts and question types varied, the type, form, and purpose of the examinations remained relatively constant, focusing on verifying acquired knowledge and assessing development, independence of judgment, and linking theory to practice.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Liam