Education in Essotori

Education in Essotori is handled by the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health. The public school system is divided into stage one, which lasts from ages four through eleven. During this period, the child shall be segregated by sex, and generally positioned in the same county. School attendance is mandatory until age 16, at which point, it becomes optional. Universities accept students aged 16+.

### Stage Two

During stage two, which lasts from eleven to sixteen, the schools become more distinct, still segregated, and more generalised. At the age of twelve, basic firearms safety training is provided, in a secure environment, unless that particular student has a disability, or another critical reason as to why they must abstain. This firearms training continue until stage three is complete. Women receive an additional self defense module, especially in more dangerous areas, such as urban cities with overstretched police forces. More gendered education comes in at this point, with men beginning extensive physical training to achieve the National Standards. This is generally the most stressful section of male education, especially for the physically unfit, with the goal of this period to craft each man into matching the National Standards in health and stature. Schools will also attempt to advance male students beyond the National Standards, for prestige, and to recieve government grants. To help cope with this, the Men's Gateway Program (MGP) was established in 2009, due to the percieved unfairness of women having their own educational support group. Women have their national standards implemented in a more adhoc basis, with each girl being given admission into the Women's Gateway Program (WGP) when they hit puberty. The WGP takes control of women's defense, as well as encouraging feminine culture, and proper morality. Both sexes are taught how to cook, manage their home, as well as finances, though women to a much higher extent, here, the matriarchal nature of the Essotori home is drilled into each student. More advanced religious classes begin around this stage, and philosophy begins to be taught at an intermediate level. This includes historical interpretations of the Tribella, state doctrine, and the beliefs of foreign states, including mandated courses on democracy, socialism, and capitalism, to acquiant the student with an intellectual understanding of the outside.

#### Festival of Life

The most notorious festival, the Festival of Life is a state backed eugenics and breeding program for the future of Essotori. For schoolchildren, it involves mingling the gender segregated schools for a single day and pairing children up with comparable mates. To facilitate healthy communications, the Festival of Life commences in the final year of stage two, when most students are either 15-16, depending on the Duchy. During the Festival, the education system will match one male with one female, based on performance, common interests, personality traits, and other scientific metrics designed to optimise communication and development, and bring them together. In this day, the two are encouraged to study together, enjoy leisurely activities in a healthy and productive manner, which generally means anything from conducting religious rites together, to watching films or playing video games together. At the end of the Festival, both parties trade contact details, and are encouraged to continue discussion, though this is the choice of each participant. When each student arrives at stage three, they select several topics they wish to focus on for a career, or simply personal interest. It is fully expected, and encouraged, that families start forming at this time. To facilitate this, the government grants prospective couples a financial grant upon marriage, as well as facilities and support for children. The Festival of Life continues each year throughout stage three, with different candidates, as well as in a slightly different form for those beyond education, until marriage.

### Stage Three

Stage Three is the end of gender segregation, and begins higher education. This leads to more specialisation, and choice in career. Most aspirants seek to apply to Universities for contacts and advanced careers, such as the elite Radonstinatle University. Here, the honing of students into philosophers, engineers, and specialists begins, with each class tailored to answer a need that Essotori requires.