Twelfth grade#Canada

In Australia, the twelfth grade is referred to as Year 12. In New South Wales, students are usually 16 or 17 years old when they enter Year 12 and 17 or 18 years during graduation (end of year). A majority of students in Year 12 work toward getting an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). Up until the start of 2020 the OP (Overall Position, which applies only to students in the state of Queensland) was used.{{Cite web|url=https://www.qtac.edu.au/student-resources/atar|title = ATAR}} Both of these allow/allowed them access to courses at university.{{Cite web|last=Garnett|first=Patrick|date=13 January 2018|title=Year 12 Student Achievement Data 2017|url=https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/460293/Year-12-School-Achievement-Data-2017.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319031050/https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/460293/Year-12-School-Achievement-Data-2017.PDF|archive-date=March 19, 2018|website=www.scsa.wa.edu.au}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/publications/qcaa_stats_yr12_enrol_cert_2016.pdf|title=2016 Data summary|last=Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority|first=Queensland Government|date=13 January 2018|website=www.qcaa.qld.edu.au}}View Table 3.: 56.8% of Year 12 students receive an ATAR [https://web.archive.org/web/20160228223006/http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Educational-opportunity-in-Australia-2015-Who-succeeds-and-who-misses-out-19Nov15.pdf http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Educational-opportunity-in-Australia-2015-Who-succeeds-and-who-misses-out-19Nov15.pdf] Lamb, S, Jackson, J, Walstab, A & Huo, S (2015), Educational opportunity in Australia 2015: Who succeeds and who misses out, Centre for International Research on Education Systems, Victoria University, for the Mitchell Institute, Melbourne: Mitchell Institute.Figure 3.25, Page 37 indicates that under 50% of Year students receive an ATAR score. http://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/state-of-education/images/pdf/school_education_AA.pdf In Western Australia, this is achieved by completing the WACE; in South Australia, this is achieved by completing the SACE; in Victoria, this is achieved by completing the VCE; in the Australian Capital Territory, this is achieved by completing the AST{{cite web|title=ACT Scaling Test|url=http://www.bsss.act.edu.au/years_11_and_12/act_scaling_test|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311202704/http://www.bsss.act.edu.au/years_11_and_12/act_scaling_test|archive-date=2014-03-11|access-date=2014-04-17}} and in New South Wales this is achieved by completing the HSC.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mceetya.edu.au/verve/_resources/Volume_1_CSSA_Final_Report.pdf|title=Cost/Benefit Analysis Relating to the Implementation of a Common School Starting Age and Associated Nomenclature by 1 January 2010|access-date=2009-01-10|publisher=Atelier Learning Solutions Pty Ltd|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225162119/http://www.mceetya.edu.au/verve/_resources/Volume_1_CSSA_Final_Report.pdf|archive-date=25 February 2009}}

In Bangladesh, educational institutions offering the 11th–12th grade education are known as colleges. In the 12th grade, students study in one of the three streams: science, humanities, and business studies.{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=HSC registration begins June 29, no eligibility tests in colleges|url=https://www.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/education/hsc-registration-begins-june-29-no-eligibility-tests-in-colleges-1624619870|access-date=2021-07-17|website=The Financial Express|language=en}} After completing 12th grade, they have to sit for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations.{{Cite web|author=Staff Correspondent|title=Students want to return to classes following health guidelines|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/youth/education/students-want-to-return-to-classes-following-health-guidelines|access-date=2021-07-17|website=Prothomalo|language=en}}

The twelfth grade is the third and usually last year (a fourth-year is possible) of high school or secondary school (or Gymnasium). The students graduate from high school at around 18, with some 17 or 19. The twelfth grade is shorter than previous because the twelfth graders' lessons end in February and they go on to take their final exams shortly afterward. Compulsory education ends after the twelfth grade, and it is completely optional for a student to continue into fourth-year.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/3-11698978|title=Yle - Finland extends compulsory schooling age to 18}}

The equivalent grade in France is Terminale. It is the third and last year of lycée (the French equivalent to high school), whereby students must sit a test called the Baccalauréat to complete the year. French-language schools that teach the French government curriculum (i.e. are part of the AEFE network) use the same system of grades as their French counterparts. This is not compulsory, as education in France is only compulsory until students turn 16.{{Cite web|last=Doe|first=John|date=2017-10-09|title=Organisation of the Education System and of its Structure|url=https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/france/organisation-education-system-and-its-structure_en|access-date=2020-12-08|website=Eurydice - European Commission|language=en}}

==India==

In India, the equivalent of Grade 12 is known as Class 12. It is the final year of senior secondary education under the 10+2 system of education, which is followed throughout the country. Class 12 is a critical academic year, as it serves as a gateway to undergraduate education, professional courses, and career opportunities.

Students in Class 12 study in various streams, primarily:

• Science — Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and Computer Science.
• Commerce — Subjects such as Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, and Mathematics.
• Humanities / Arts — Subjects such as History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Geography.
• Vocational Courses — Including Hospitality, Tourism, Retail Management, and other skill-based courses.

Class 12 board examinations are conducted by multiple boards, including:

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) — which conducts the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE).
• The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) — which conducts the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Examination.
• Various State Boards of Education — which conduct the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examinations.

The examinations typically take place between February and April, and include:

• Theory examinations (written papers)
• Practical examinations (for science and vocational subjects)
• Internal assessments (projects, assignments, and school-based evaluations)

Upon successful completion of the board exams, students are awarded:

• All India Senior School Certificate (by CBSE)
• Indian School Certificate (by CISCE)
• Higher Secondary Certificate (by State Boards)

These certifications are nationally recognized and essential for pursuing higher education and appearing in national-level competitive entrance examinations such as:

• Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
• Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

While Class 12 is essential for further studies, it is important to note that education in India is compulsory only up to age 14, as mandated by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Therefore, attendance in Class 12 is not legally required, but it is practically necessary for students aspiring to higher education and formal qualifications.

Class 12 is seen as a turning point in a student's academic career. Performance in this year significantly influences university admissions, scholarship eligibility, and access to professional courses. Additionally, the board examination results are widely used by employers and government bodies as part of eligibility criteria for various programs and services.

File:Last Day of YMC Seniors of 2016.jpg in the Matn District of Lebanon in 2016]]

In Lebanon, twelfth grade is the third year of high school, also referred to as the third year of higher secondary education, the class of seniors, or the last class of the school. Students in twelfth grade in Lebanon are between the ages of 17 and 18.{{cite web|title=الموقع الرسمي لوزارة التربية والتعليم العالي|url=http://www.mehe.gov.lb/Templates/Internal.aspx?PostingId=151|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603192543/http://www.mehe.gov.lb/Templates/Internal.aspx?PostingId=151|archive-date=2016-06-03|access-date=2016-05-25|language=ar}}

{{See also|Education in the Netherlands}}

In the Netherlands, senior year is named by the school level. From low to high: "VMBO", "HAVO" and "VWO". VMBO is composed of four years, with 12th grade being the fourth (4th) and final year. A higher school level is the HAVO, which lasts for five years. The highest school level is VWO, which lasts for six years. So at the HAVO, students are considered senior if they are in "5th class", whereas at VWO, in "6th class" respectively. The last year mainly focuses on preparing for the final exams, after which students should be ready to go to college or university. Usually, 4th and 5th grade students are aged 16 to 17 and those who are in 6th grade usually are aged 17 to 18.{{cite web |url=https://www.expatica.com/nl/education/children-education/dutch-education-system-100816/ |title=The education system in the Netherlands |publisher=Expatica |access-date=27 June 2022}}

In New Zealand, 12th grade is known as Year 13 (New Zealand students attend 13 years of school, starting at the age of 5). Students in Year 13 are usually 17–18 years old. This is the last year of secondary school. In Year 13, students complete NCEA Level 3, which involves getting a certain number of 'credits' from different external exams and other internal assessments. Students must gain 80 achieved credits or higher (20 of which are taken from Level 2) to pass the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/understanding-ncea/how-ncea-works/ncea-levels-and-certificates/|title=NCEA levels and certificates|website=Nzqa.govt.nz|access-date=20 December 2017}}

File:Kto12-Basic-education.png through 12th grade program in the Philippines]]

In the Philippines, Grade 12 or Ultimate Year is the final year of Senior High School and High School curriculum under the new K–12 that was first implemented on April 24, 2012, as part of the curriculum's 9-year implementation process from May 20, 2008, to June 5, 2017. It is also the last year of high school, and the basic and compulsory education in the country before graduates choose to enter tertiary education (e.g. college or university, which are both used interchangeably), entrepreneurship, or employment. Students are usually 17–18 years old.{{cite web|title=K-12 Primer as of 20 December 2011|url=http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/Kto12%20Primer%20as%20of%20Dec%202011.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522231741/http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/Kto12%20Primer%20as%20of%20Dec%202011.pdf|archive-date=2012-05-22|access-date=28 April 2012|publisher=Department of Education}}

The last school year to fully use the 1945–2017, or K–10 system, was SY 2011–2012. Kindergarten was made obligatory, which served as a requirement for the implementation of K–12 and process of phasing out the K–10 on April 24, 2012, and part of the K–12's 9-year implementation process. The other grades are still the same as before (Grade 1 to Fourth Year), while the last to use this system is SY 2016–2017. By the said school year, Grade 6 is the only grade that is still under the 1945 K–10 system, while the rest are now under K–12.{{Cite web|url=https://ethniccouncilshepparton.com.au/?p=253|title=Filipino Community Profile – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-06-09}}

Subjects on Grade 12 are enrolled on a semestral basis as in Grade 11. Afterwards, Grade 12 students will take the last National Achievement Test called the Basic Education Exit Assessment, although this is not a requirement for graduation or college enrollment.{{Cite news|title=NAT12 not a requirement for graduation: DepEd|language=en-US|work=Manila Bulletin News|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/26/nat12-not-a-requirement-for-graduation-deped/|url-status=dead|access-date=2018-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326174822/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/26/nat12-not-a-requirement-for-graduation-deped/|archive-date=March 26, 2018}} Finally, graduation rites are held, being the next grade to do so after Grade 6 for elementary school graduates.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/4/15/DepEd-postpones-graduation-elementary-high-school-due-to-quarantine-extension.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418234749/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/4/15/DepEd-postpones-graduation-elementary-high-school-due-to-quarantine-extension.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 18, 2020|title=DepEd postpones high school, elementary graduation rites nationwide|work=CNN Philippines|access-date=2020-04-22|language=en-US}}

In England and Wales, "Year 13" (or "upper Sixth") is the last year of A-Level certifications which are completed to finalize a student's last academic year. Students are usually 16–17 in Year 12 and 17–18 in Year 13. While the school leaving age in the rest of the UK is 16 years old, in 2015 education in England became compulsory until the age of 18.{{Cite web|title=Education leaving age|url=http://www.politics.co.uk/reference/education-leaving-age|access-date=2020-12-08|website=politics.co.uk|language=en}} After this age, students can leave education if they choose without necessarily completing year 13. Between the ages of 16 and 18, students can either continue in full-time education (for example, at a sixth form college); start an apprenticeship or traineeship; or spend a minimum of 20 hours per week working or volunteering while in part-time education or training.{{Cite web|title=School leaving age|url=https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school|access-date=2020-12-08|website=GOV.UK|language=en}} Any education after the age of 18 is then referred to as higher education.

In Scotland, this is the sixth year (or S6). Sufficiently good marks in 5th year may be adequate for entry into higher education. 'Highers' are the entry qualifications to university which can be sat in S5, S6 or college, with Advanced Highers equivalent to year one of university.{{cite web|title=SQA|url=http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/13813.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714142229/http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/13813.html|archive-date=July 14, 2007|access-date=20 December 2017|website=Sqa.org.uk}}

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File:English language arts curriculum model. Grade(s) 11-12 - DPLA - 3d0cd786c8d721025ed84f4f028078bf.jpg curriculum provided by the Ohio Department of Education in Ohio]]

The twelfth grade is the twelfth school year after kindergarten. It is also the last year of compulsory secondary education, or high school. Students are often 16-18 years old,{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} and on rarer occasions, can be 19 years old or older.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} Many states have a maximum age which free education can be offered, usually but not always age 21.{{Cite web |title=State Education Practices (SEP) |url=https://nces.ed.gov/programs/statereform/tab5_1.asp |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=nces.ed.gov |language=EN}} Twelfth graders are referred to as Seniors.

Senior skip day (also known as senior ditch day) is a day during which the seniors do not attend school and skip all their classes. This event/tradition is often not recognized by school administrations and teachers. In some areas it is countered with an officially recognized senior day off, or by allowing graduating seniors to skip their final exams. This official senior day can also be used to sponsor a senior field trip or senior class trip where the class would, for example, go to a theme park, a lake, a resort, the beach, or some other vacation-type activity. Following graduation, many seniors go on senior week, where they spend a week at the beach with their friends.{{cite news|last=Bryant|first=Dawn|title=Senior Week: A blessing, a curse|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bMpOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6416,3287832&dq=senior-week+beach&hl=en|agency=Knight Ridder|work=Morning Star|location=Wilmington, NC|page=7B|date= June 13, 2002|access-date= February 18, 2013}}

• Educational stage
• Eleventh Grade
• Senioritis
• Senior secondary education

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Category:Secondary education