Definition: Primary education or first stage of basic educatio...

Category: Education - ISCED

Programmes at level 1 are normally designed on a unit or project basis to give students a sound basic education in reading, writing and mathematics along with an elementary understanding of other subjects such as history, geography, natural science, social science, art and music. In some cases religious instruction is featured. The core at this level consists of education provided for children, the customary or legal age of entrance being not younger than five years or older than seven years. This level covers in principle six years of full-time schooling.
Level 1 includes also: 
 - In countries where primary education is part of 'basic education', only the first stage should be included in level 1. If 'basic education' is not officially divided into stages, only the first six years should be classified as level 1.
 - This level category also includes programmes suited to children with special needs education.
 - Literacy programmes within or outside the school system which are similar in content to programmes in primary education for those considered too old to enter elementary schools are also included at this level because they require no previous formal education. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/ramon/other_documents/isced_1997/index.cfm?TargetUrl=DSP_ISCED_1997