There are many types of educational establishments in our city, such as primary, secondary, grammar, specialised schools, some universities, colleges, academies, institutes, etc. PhTL is among them. It was set up in 1992 as a result of the school reform and the Decree on education adopted by the Ukrainian parliament.
PhTL was founded by Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas. Lyceum students use its classrooms, library, canteen, gym, stadium and laboratories. Our meetings, holidays, concerts and other events are held in the University assembly hall.
Now there are about 300 students at Lyceum. The admission to it is by exams. Applicants take Maths, Physics and the Ukrainian language. But winners of the Olympiads get invitation to Lyceum and don't do it Pupils study at Lyceum for 3 years. As to our curriculum, it is rather various. It includes all obligatory according to the state standards subjects, as Lyceum gives general secondary education. So, we learn chemistry, biology, geography and the humanities (literatures, histories, languages). Meantime, the Lyceum students are offered extended courses in mathematics, physics, programming and computer sciences, technical drawing.
Our classes start at 8.30 a.m. As a rule, we have 3 or 4 double lessons a day, so we are free at about 2 or 4 p.m., the timetable at the University is a bit other but not too much. We have a few long breaks, during that time students can have a snack and rest a little. It's worth mentioning that now Lyceum is situated in Topolyna street it's a suburb of Ivano-Frankivsk. It tikes a lot of time to get there but it's convenient for pupils who live in our hostel (dormitory). In general Lyceum year is divided into two terms, called semesters. The first one begins on September, 1 and lasts till the end of December. The second semester lasts till the end of May. .After each semester we take semester head-master's tests.
We go to Lyceum 5 times a week, our days off are Saturday and Sunday. Though, being frank, I must confess that sometimes they may become working days, especially Saturdays when we have different additional lessons, sections, and optional courses. Besides, on Sundays we have group trips, travelling to interesting places quite often.
Certainly, it is not all information about the Lyceum. For example, I have heard about summer practice and many interesting traditions connected with Lyceum life, but as I am only the first year student I cannot describe them basing on my own experience. I am just waiting for them...