and specialized and more capable of achieving its principal objectives of preparing the student for higher education, working life and good citizenship. 19. The Conference recommended that formal education preceding the level of higher education should comprise two main stages: basic and secondary education:E/1982/3/Add.38/Rev.1 page 4 (a) Basic education should comprise 10 years of compulsory standardized education for which students in the age group 6-16 years would be enrolled; (b) Secondary education of two years' duration should consist in specialized non-compulsory education, for which students in the age group 16-18 years would be enrolled; (c) Secondary education should be of two main types: overall secondary education based on a common general educational syllabus and a specialized academic or vocational syllabus; practical secondary education based on vocational training. 20. In Jordan, education is compulsory and free of charge at the primary and preparatory levels, in accordance with the provisions of the Jordanian Constitution, article 20 of which stipulates that: "Primary education shall be compulsory for Jordanians and shall be provided free of charge at State schools", and also in accordance with the Education Act No. 16 of 1964 and the provisional Act No. 27 of 1988, which stipulates as follows: Article 3 (c) (i): "Jordanians are equal in regard to their rights and obligations, as well as their political, social and economic needs. They are distinguished by the extent of their devotion and attachment to their society." Article 3 (c) (vi): "Education is a social necessity and a right to which all persons are entitled, in accordance with their individual aptitudes and abilities." Article 4, paragraph (q): "Respect for the human person, the formation of values and positive attitudes towards oneself and others, work, social progress and the embodiment of democratic principles in individual and social conduct."
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the organization and structure of education systems, discussing the objectives of education, the recommended stages of formal education, and the compulsory and free education policies in Jordan. This suggests that the category that best fits the text is Education, as it is the primary topic of discussion.

**Category**
Education