Does their school not start with the three Rs? How can you learn, do your homework, or investigate further if you can not read or write? You can, but it's a lot more effort for those around you and I don't think it's sustainable. Off to google of Switzerland starts with the 3r's once they do get to school, although I'd bet the three r's is at the core if any education plan in modern history.

ah, look, Switzerland might be very successful because they have ability grouping and career tracking- (so says wikipedia)

quote:
After primary schools, the pupils split up according their abilities and intentions of career paths
..
It is obligatory for all children to attend school for at least 9 years
...
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Switzerland

Youth lives by personality, age lives by calculation. -- Aristotle on a calendar