Post by Gabrielle Blagden on Aug 14, 2007 14:35:43 GMT -5
It was brought to my attention that due to the lack of American history and culture up (It is in the process I promise you) many of you are not understanding how the schooling system works in America. This thread will give you a basic idea to go on until we get the time line and information posted.
Education in the UFM
Why is there only 4 grades at SWIM instead of 7 like at Hogwarts?
In the UFM, in that traditional American way, the schooling system is set up differently. Students do not start school at SWIM at age 11, rather they begin at age 14 as Freshmen. This is set up to mirror the American high school.
Where do they learn the first 3 years of magic then?
Students aged 11-13 attend what is called a "Coven School". This is basically a Elementary/Junior High school for wizards. They attend these local schools and learn the basic subjects covered in the SMART (The UFM version of the OWLS). This includes wand work, Alchemy, Astronomy and Herbology. At the end of these 3 years, they will take the SMART and choose which school to attend.
Coven schools come in all shapes and sizes. In areas where there are less wizards, the schools can be nothing more then a witch or wizard teaching from their home. In Larger areas, especially big cities, the schools are generally like regular schools, with a large building and good sized staff. Coven schools in the wizarding cities are even larger and often have their own quidditch/quodpot teams.
Some schools, especially in wealthy areas, are private and require payment to attend. Some, in rural areas, have the students housed at the school due to the distance from their homes. However, a majority of Coven schools are free and "Day Schools" only.
There are other schools I can attend? What makes SWIM so special?
There are three schools in the UFM, SWIM in MA, Mary Lavous in LA and San Merlino in CA.
SWIM is thought of as an Ivy League school. The students are accepted based on their grades. They would have had to make at least all A's on their SMART exam. The houses are NOT based on personality, but proficiency in one of four subjects. (Keep this in mind when writing your character, just because they are in Agrippa doesn't mean they are cunning and evil. etc.)
Mary Lavous is the Durmstrang of the UFM. The school is based in an old plantation in LA, and is considered the darkest and most purist school in the UFM. No Muggleborns are accepted. They base their acceptance and housing placement on blood and personality.
San Merlino is the Beauxbaton of the UFM. They are the newest school and considered the richest due to the fact that most of the students are the children of Hollywand movie stars. A good portion of the school is muggleborn, due to its location, and the more money you have the better your chance to enter. Think Beverley Hills High for wizards.
I made a character that is 14, but born after August, and they were not accepted. Why?
This is because only students that are 11 before August are accepted that particular year. It is the same at Hogwarts. If you turn 11 after the school year has started, you must wait until the next year. This means that when you get to SWIM, you must also be 14 before August to enter. This also means that some students will be older then others. Those born after August and forced to wait until the next school year will often end up being a year older then their classmates born before august. Make sure to read the birth date note in the student applications before applying, to make sure the years are correct.
Why is there only 4 grades at SWIM instead of 7 like at Hogwarts?
In the UFM, in that traditional American way, the schooling system is set up differently. Students do not start school at SWIM at age 11, rather they begin at age 14 as Freshmen. This is set up to mirror the American high school.
Where do they learn the first 3 years of magic then?
Students aged 11-13 attend what is called a "Coven School". This is basically a Elementary/Junior High school for wizards. They attend these local schools and learn the basic subjects covered in the SMART (The UFM version of the OWLS). This includes wand work, Alchemy, Astronomy and Herbology. At the end of these 3 years, they will take the SMART and choose which school to attend.
Coven schools come in all shapes and sizes. In areas where there are less wizards, the schools can be nothing more then a witch or wizard teaching from their home. In Larger areas, especially big cities, the schools are generally like regular schools, with a large building and good sized staff. Coven schools in the wizarding cities are even larger and often have their own quidditch/quodpot teams.
Some schools, especially in wealthy areas, are private and require payment to attend. Some, in rural areas, have the students housed at the school due to the distance from their homes. However, a majority of Coven schools are free and "Day Schools" only.
There are other schools I can attend? What makes SWIM so special?
There are three schools in the UFM, SWIM in MA, Mary Lavous in LA and San Merlino in CA.
SWIM is thought of as an Ivy League school. The students are accepted based on their grades. They would have had to make at least all A's on their SMART exam. The houses are NOT based on personality, but proficiency in one of four subjects. (Keep this in mind when writing your character, just because they are in Agrippa doesn't mean they are cunning and evil. etc.)
Mary Lavous is the Durmstrang of the UFM. The school is based in an old plantation in LA, and is considered the darkest and most purist school in the UFM. No Muggleborns are accepted. They base their acceptance and housing placement on blood and personality.
San Merlino is the Beauxbaton of the UFM. They are the newest school and considered the richest due to the fact that most of the students are the children of Hollywand movie stars. A good portion of the school is muggleborn, due to its location, and the more money you have the better your chance to enter. Think Beverley Hills High for wizards.
I made a character that is 14, but born after August, and they were not accepted. Why?
This is because only students that are 11 before August are accepted that particular year. It is the same at Hogwarts. If you turn 11 after the school year has started, you must wait until the next year. This means that when you get to SWIM, you must also be 14 before August to enter. This also means that some students will be older then others. Those born after August and forced to wait until the next school year will often end up being a year older then their classmates born before august. Make sure to read the birth date note in the student applications before applying, to make sure the years are correct.