There are two broad directions for secondary education.
In a 'single ladder system', there is typically one primary educational track or pathway. Students follow a single route, progressing through their education with a unified curriculum. This system is often associated with academic education, where students take a set sequence of courses leading to a diploma or degree.
The 'dual system', on the other hand, involves two parallel educational tracks, typically academic and vocational. In this approach, students have the option to choose between a more traditional academic pathway leading to higher education (college or university) and a vocational pathway focused on practical skills for direct entry into the workforce.