Fundamental Pedagogy Jana Doležalová

11 School – an Educational Institution
Objectives 
After studying this chapter: 

You will differentiate the unique aspects of education at school 
institutions from other institutions. 

You will explain the function of school and the need for cooperation 
between family and school.

You will specify school stages according to ISCED and describe the 
school system in the Czech Republic on the basis thereof. 

You will characterise alternative schooling. 
Terms to Remember (Key Words) 

school 

function of 
school 

school system 

cooperation 
between family 
and school 

alternative 
schooling 
Introductory Questions and Assignments 
1. Describe what you can remember from your basic school. 
2. In what way is the influence of school different from that of family 
education? 
We can trace the efforts to institutionalise education back in antiquity because 
of the advantages of its systematic educational influence and the society’s 
possibility to impact on these processes (Vašutová, J., Váňová, R., 1998). This 
is why educational facilities identified as schools (school institutions) were 
formed.
11.1 School Characteristics 
School is a social institution designed for mass learning of children and young 
people. It is one of the pillars of life in a society and a part of the foundations 
of the institutional structure of education. 

---

79 
Specific school characteristics can be seen in the following areas: 

It shapes major configurations of the child’s position when they grow up. 

It mediates the dialogue among social groups and generations. 

It is a specific culture where young people should be formed. 

It is a tool of social policy: it prepares young people for civil and working 
life. That is why wise societies care for schools, respect them and seek to 
support them for their good condition (Walterová, 2004, p. 11). 

It prepares individuals for their independent functioning within society.