Riga Natalya Draudzina Secondary School (Latvia) Republic of Latvia • Capital- Riga • Language – Latvian • Government- Parliamentary Republic • President- Andris Bērziņš • Prime Minister- Valdis Dombrovskis • Area- 64.589 km2 • Population- 2.245.357 (2010 estimate) History of Latvia August 23, 1989. The Baltic Way- Human Chain linking three Baltic states in their drive for Freedom Traditional food The Song and Dance festival Famous Latvian ice-hockey players Riga Riga is the capital of Latvia, which slowly regains its’ importance in Europe. It can be proud of Old Riga, outstanding architecture of art nouveau and cultural events. The history of Riga can be measured in more than 800 years: it was founded in 1201. The Freedom Monument The Freedom Monument is one of the most important symbols of Latvia’s independence and it is also a symbol of the identity of Latvians. On the top of the obelisk there is a statue of a young woman, who holds in her hands three gilded stars, which symbolize freedom and three parts of Latvia – Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale. Riga – the pearl of Europe’s art nouveau Approximately 40% of all the Riga centre buildings are made in art nouveau. That is more than in any other city in the world. As Riga has a special place in the history of art nouveau, there is also made an art nouveau museum, where everyone can see the interior of an apartment, some furniture, cloths, photos and some objects of the social life, which were used by the citizens in the beginning of the previous century. Staro Riga The light festival “Staro Riga” is a several day city environment object show, where, using the modern technologies of light and video, with the help of highlighting, the view of Riga is changed. The festival takes place in late autumn to make this dark time lighter and happier. The Educational System in Latvia Grading system Educational achievements are assessed in a ten-point system: 10 with distinction, 9 excellent, 8 very good, 7 good, 6 almost good, 5 satisfactory, 4 almost satisfactory, 3 weak, 2 very weak, 1 very very weak. Our school is at the same time old and new - it was founded on August 2, 2011 merging 2 educational establishments: Riga Natalya Draudzina Riga Secondary School No. 99 Gymnasium (founded in 1922) (founded in 1895) School is named by Natalija Draudzina - the founder of Gymnasium and first director from 1895 to 1940. Natalija Draudzina School museum Our school offers a number of educational programmes • a general programme with no emphasis on any particular subject group, • programmes with emphasis on natural sciences, humanities, economics and geography Currently 446 students are learning in school. We are dedicated to sports Our sports complex The school has boys and girls choir, 10 - 12 grade mixed choir, folk dance and theater group Social life Excursions Thank you for attention! .