British schools in English with translation. Topic in English "The British Education System
In England and Wales compulsory school begins at the age of five, but before that age children can go to a nursery school, also called play school. School is compulsory till the children are 16 years old.
In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. Then children go to the Secondary School.
When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects in order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G. C. S. E. (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or "0 level" (Ordinary level). After that students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. If they continue, when they are 18, they have to take further examinations which are necessary for getting into university or college.
Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.
In England there are 47 universities, including the Open University which teaches via TV and radio, about 400 colleges and institutes of higher education. The universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor's degree and the Master's degree.
Questions:
1. When does compulsory school begin?
2. How long does a child stay in compulsory school?
3. What subjects do children learn in Primary School?
4. What kind of exam do students have to take when they are 16?
5. Do students have to leave school at the age of 16 or to continue their studies?
6. How do private schools differ from the regular ones?
7. How many universities are there in England?
8. What is the Open University?
9. What kinds of degrees do universities award?
Education in Britain
In England and Wales, compulsory schooling starts at the age of five, but until that age, children can go to kindergarten, also called play school. Schooling is compulsory until children reach the age of 16.
In Primary School and Primary School, children learn to read and write, as well as the basics of arithmetic. In the upper grades of primary school (or secondary school), children are taught geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. After that, the children go to secondary school.
When students reach the age of sixteen,
they may take examinations in various subjects to obtain a qualification. Qualification can be as a sample O.S.S.O. (Basic Certificate of Secondary Education), and ordinary level. After that, students can leave school and take a job, or continue their education at the same school as before. If they continue, when they turn 18, they will have to take the next exams, which are required for admission to a university or college.
Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive, but it is believed that education is at a higher level and there are prerequisites for getting a good job.
There are 47 universities in England, including the Open University, which teaches on television and radio, about 400 colleges and higher educational institutions. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. There are mainly two types of degrees awarded in universities: bachelor's and master's degrees.
Education in Great Britain
England schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age. Any child may attend a school without paying fees. Over 90% of children of compulsory school age go to state schools. The most important changes in Britain’s educational system were introduced under the Education Reform Act 1988. It led to the compulsory National Curriculum for pupils aged 5 to 16 in state schools. The Act also aims to give parents a wider choice of schools for their children. Local educational authorities finance most school education at the local level. They also employ teachers. Every state school in England and Wales has a governing body, responsible for the school’s main policies. Parallel reforms are introduced in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Full-time education is compulsory up to the middle teenage years. There are three stages in education. The first stage is primary education; the second is secondary education; the third is further education at university or college.
Before going to a primary school children receive nursery education (some children attend pre-school play-groups). It's the first age of education. Around half of 3-4 years old in Britain receive nursery education. Children of nursery age need care as well as education. Social, emotional and physical needs must be taken into consideration.
Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland and at 4 in Northern Ireland. Children start their education in an infant school and move to a junior school at 7 years old. Primary schools vary in size and location. Pupils study different subjects (English, mathematics, science, history, geography, music, art, physical education). Over 80% of all primary schools are mixed.
In Britain most children of compulsory secondary school age (11-16) receive free education financed from public funds. The large majority of schools are mixed.
The school year in England and Wales begins in September and continues into July. In Scotland it is from August to June. In Northern Ireland - from September to June. At this level children start to learn a modern foreign language. The course of study at secondary school may lead to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. At 16 years old children take different examinations and have quite a lot of coursework, only after which they’re awarded GCSE.
Those who stay at school after GCSE, study for 2 more years for A (Advanced) level exams in two or three subjects.
A small proportion of children (about 8%) attend private, or independent schools, which are not financed by the state. To understand this phenomenon a little history is needed.
The British government paid little attention to education until the end of the 19th century. Schools had existed in Britain long before the government took an interest in education. A small group of schools admitted only the sons of the upper and upper middle classes. At these public schools much more attention was paid to "character-building" and the development of "team spirit" rather than to academic achievements. These were "boarding-schools" (as the pupils lived in them). The pupils wore distinctive clothes and the schools had their own traditions. The aim of those schools was to prepare young men to take up positions in the higher ranks of the army, in business, civil service and politics.
A typical public school is for boys from 13. It admits fee-paying pupils. Such school is a boarding one. Each school is divided into houses with its housemaster. Public school place great emphasis on team sports. These schools are not at all luxurious or comfortable. A typical example of such a school is Eton.
British education has many different faces but one goal. Its aim is to realize the potential of all for the good of the individual and society as a whole.
The School Year
The school year is usually divided into three terms.
Autumn term lasts from September (or August) till Christmas holiday, which is about 2 weeks. Then spring term - till Easter holiday (also 2 weeks), and summer term, which lasts till June (or July). Summer holiday is about 6 weeks.
In addition all schools have a half-term, which lasts a few days or a week in the middle of each term.
school life
Nearly all schools work five days a week. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The school day starts at 9 o'clock and finishes between 3 and 4p.m. The lunch break usually lasts an hour-and-a-quarter. Most
pupils have lunch provided by the school. The lunch is paid by parents. Other children either go home for lunch or have a snack at school.
Exams
At 15-16 years old school children take public exams. They are not usually set up by the government (rather by independent examining boards). Each school or Local Education Authority decides which exams their pupils are to take. The boards publish syllabus for each subject. There is no single school-leaving exam or school-leaving certificate. Usually a vast range of subjects is offered for school children. Nearly all pupils do exam in English, Maths and Science. Most do exams in technology and in a foreign language. Some pupils take exams in 3-4 additional subjects.
Usually exams have nothing to do with school years. Once the examining boards decided to include certain popular television programs on their literature syllabus.
EXERCISES
I. Answer the questions.
1. What is the goal of education in Britain?
2. What types of school do you know in Britain?
3. What school do children at 6 years attend?
4. What exams do children have to take at 16 years old?
5. What subjects do pupils learn at secondary school?
6. Is there any difference between state and independent schools?
7. What is the aim of private schools?
8. Can you give an example of a private school?
9. Is schooling compulsory for pupils of 17 years old?
10. When does the academic year begin?
II. true or false?
1. Schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age.
2. Quite a large number of children attend public schools.
3. The first stage of education is secondary education.
4. Children in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland go to school at the same age.
5. Only a small part of schools are mixed.
6. At public schools much attention is paid to character-building.
7. After finishing secondary school children are awarded GCSE.
III. Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions.
1. private education-
2. compulsory education-
3. mixed schools-
4.boarding schools-
5.GCSE-
6. academic year -
7. nursery education-
Answers
II. 1.T; 2.F; 3.F; 4.F; 5.F; 6.T; 7.T.
Education in Great Britain (continued)
At the age of 16 pupils can leave school. But quite a lot of them want to continue their education. Only 1/3 of all leave school at 16 and look for a job. (The general level of unemployed is high today. Some of them find jobs immediately and many take part in training schemes (which means job combined with part-time college courses).
In England and Wales those who stay at school study just three subjects in preparation for taking A-level exams (Advanced Level).
These academic exams are set by the same examining boards that set GCSE exams. They're taken by pupils at the age of 18 years old, who wish to continue their education.
Universities usually select students on the basis of A-level results and an interview (students who wish to enter Oxford and Cambridge have to take certain exams). Those who have better A-level results are usually accepted.
Higher education has become more available in the second half of the 20th century. In 1960 there were less than 25 universities in Britain. By 1980 there were already more than 40, and by 1995 there were over a hundred institutions with university status.
Universities take the better students, that’s why nearly all students complete their studies. The normal course of study lasts 3-4 years. Students are not supposed to take a job during the term. Unless their parents are rich, they receive a state grant, which covers most of their expenses, including the cost of accommodation. Quite a lot of students live on campus (or in college) or in rooms nearby.
However, nowadays the government is reducing the amount of the students and encouraging a system of top-up loans. That’s why quite a lot of students can’t afford to live in college and many more of them are forced to do a part-time job, but this reduces the traditionally high quality of British university education. And, in addition, the number of students from low-income families has been greatly reduced.
There are no great distinctions between different types of universities in Britain. But still there are some categories of them.
First of all, Oxbridge. Oxford and Cambridge were founded in the medieval period. These Universities consist of semi-independent colleges, each of them having its own staff ("Fellows").
The "Fellows" teach the college students either one-to-one or in very small groups. This system is unique in the world and known as tutorials in Oxford and supervisions in Cambridge.
Then, Scottish universities. By 1600 Scot-land had 4 universities - Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews. St. Andrews resembles Oxbridge very much. In the other three most of the students live at home or find their rooms in town. The process of study at these universities is very close to the continental one. There is less specialization than at Oxbridge.
During the 19th century various institutions of higher education (usually technical ones) were founded in the industrial towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Their buildings were of local brick, so they got the name "redbrick" universities. They contrasted chiefly with Oxford and Cambridge. At first, they prepared students for London University degrees, but later they were given the right to award their own degrees. They became universities themselves. Now they accept students from all over the country. These universities are funded by local authorities.
One of the developments in education in Britain is certainly the Open University. It was founded in 1971. Some people don’t have an opportunity to study full-time, and this university allows them to study for a degree. The university's courses are taught through television, radio and course books. Its students work individually and with tutors, to whom they send their papers. The students discuss their work at meetings or through correspondence. In summer they attend short courses.
EXERCISES
I. Answer the questions.
1. Do pupils at 16 prefer to continue their education or to find a job?
2. How many subjects are studied by pupils in preparation for taking A-level exams?
3. When do pupils take their A-level exams?
4. How do universities select students?
5. Why do all students usually complete their studies?
6. Why has the high quality of British university education been reduced recently?
7. When was the Open University founded?
England is one of the top countries which offer excellent education. The English educational system is quite different from the system in many other countries. It is class-divided into state and private schools. For children aged between 5 and 17 full-time education is compulsory. Primary education starts at the age of 5. Before that children may attend a nursery school. Secondary education starts at the age of 11 and continues up to 18. After that children receive tertiary education. Almost 93% of English children attend state-funded schools, which are without charge. Only some activities such as theater visits or field trips may require voluntary payment. All state schools in England are divided into six categories:
- Community schools, in which the local authority is responsible for school staff and admissions.
- Free schools are newly established institutions in England, which are set up parents, businesses, charities. These schools are free to attend and funded mainly by tax-payers.
- Academy schools have recently replaced poorly-performing community schools in economically challenged areas. They are monitored by the Department for Education.
- Foundation schools are institutions in which the governing body or a charitable foundation is responsible for the admissions and staff.
- Voluntary Aided schools can be linked to various organizations, such as churches, trade associations, etc. They can be faith schools or non-denominational schools.
- Voluntary Controlled schools are almost always linked to the church. While their lands and buildings are owned by charitable foundations, the local authority is responsible for the staff and admissions.
Some English children attend private or independent schools, which require additional fees. Children with particular skills are sometimes offered scholarships for studying in such schools. Private schools do not follow the National Curriculum. Both private and state-funded schools hold GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations for children aged 14-16. It's a group of tests taken in a number of subsequent subjects. From age 18 children normally enter university to receive an academic degree.
The typical first degree offered in British universities is the bachelor's degree, which usually takes three years. There are universities which offer a master's degree as well. Such education usually lasts for four years. British universities have a certain hierarchy. The most prestigious universities in the country are Oxford and Cambridge. They are also world famous. Although the state doesn’t control the syllabuses of higher education institutions, it does influence admission procedures. Undergraduates, who have already completed a first degree education, may continue studying in postgraduate to achieve a Master’s degree or a Doctorate.
Education in England
England is included in the list of the best countries offering excellent education. The English educational system is quite different from the system in many other countries. It is class-divided into public and private schools. For children aged 5 to 17, full-time education is compulsory. Primary education starts at the age of 5. Until then, children can attend kindergartens. Secondary education begins at the age of 11 and lasts until the age of 18. After that, the children receive higher education. Nearly 93% of English children attend publicly funded schools that are free. Only certain activities, such as going to the theater or hiking, may require voluntary contributions. All public schools in England fall into six categories:
1. Public schools where the local government is responsible for employees and students.
2. Schools of free education, newly created institutions in England, which were formed thanks to parents, business institutions, charitable organizations. These schools are free to attend and funded primarily by taxpayers.
3. Schools of academic instruction - newly established replacements for poorly performing public schools in economically needy areas. They are controlled by the Department of Education.
4. Schools financed by the foundation, in which governing body or a charitable foundation is responsible for staff and students.
5. Schools of Voluntary Aid may be affiliated with various organizations such as the church, trade associations, etc. These may be religious or non-denominational schools.
6. Schools run by volunteer organizations are almost always affiliated with the church. While their lands and buildings are owned by charitable foundations, local authorities are responsible for staff and students.
Some English children attend private or independent schools which require additional fees. Scholarships are sometimes offered to children with special talents to attend such schools. Private schools are not subject National Program. Both private and public educational institutions conduct the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) final exam for children aged 14-16. This is a group of tests conducted in several specific subjects. After the age of 18, children usually go to university to get a degree.
Typically, British universities offer a bachelor's degree as a first education, which takes about three years. There are also universities offering a master's degree. This education usually lasts for four years. British universities have a certain hierarchy. The most prestigious universities in the country are Oxford and Cambridge. They are also world famous. Although the state does not control the curricula of higher education institutions, it does have some influence on the admission process. Students who have already completed their first degree may continue their postgraduate studies for a master's or doctoral degree.
Education in Britain
In England and Wales compulsory school begins at the age of five, but before that age children can go to a nursery school, also called play school. School is compulsory till the children are 16 years old.
In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. Then children go to the Secondary School.
When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects in order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G.C.S.E. (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or "O level" (Ordinary level). After that students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. If they continue, when they are 18, they have to take further examinations which are necessary for getting into university or college.
Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.
In England there are 47 universities, including the Open University which teaches via TV and radio, about 400 colleges and institutes of higher education. The universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor's degree and the Master's degree.
Education in Britain
In England and Wales, compulsory schooling starts at the age of five, but until that age, children can go to kindergarten, also called play school. Schooling is compulsory until children reach the age of 16.
In Primary School and Primary School, children learn to read and write, as well as the basics of arithmetic. In the upper grades of primary school (or secondary school), children are taught geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. After that, the children go to secondary school.
When pupils reach the age of sixteen, they may take examinations in various subjects to obtain a qualification. Qualification can be as a sample O.S.S.O. (Basic certificate of secondary education), and the ordinary level. After that, students can leave school and take a job or continue their education at the same school. If they continue their studies, when they turn 18, they will have to take the following exams, which are required for admission to a university or college.
Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive, but it is believed that education is at a higher level and there are prerequisites for getting a good job.
There are 47 universities in England, including the Open University, which teaches on television and radio, about 400 colleges and higher educational institutions. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. There are mainly two types of degrees awarded in universities: bachelor's and master's degrees.
Questions:
1. When does compulsory school begin?
2. How long does a child stay in compulsory school?
3. What subjects do children learn in Primary School?
4. What kind of exam do students have to take when they are 16?
5. Do students have to leave school at the age of 16 or to continue their studies?
6. How do private schools differ from the regular ones?
7. How many universities are there in England?
8. What is the Open University?
9. What kinds of degrees do universities award?
Vocabulary:
compulsory - mandatory
nursery school - kindergarten
exam - exam
subject - subject
university - university
private - private
opportunity - opportunity
to award - give, assign
bachelor - bachelor
master - master
Twelve million children attend about 40,000 schools in Britain. Education in Great Britain is compulsory and free for all children between the ages of 5 and 16. There are many children who attend a nursery school from the age of 3, but it is not compulsory. In nursery schools they learn some elementary things such as numbers, colors, and letters. Apart from that, babies play, have lunch and sleep there. Whatever they do, there is always someone keeping an eye on them.
Compulsory education begins at the age of 5 when children go to primary school. Primary education lasts for 6 years. It is divided into two periods: infant schools (pupils from 5 to 7 years old) and junior schools (pupils from 7 to 11 years old). In infant schools children don't have real classes. They mostly play and learn through playing. It is the time when children just get acquainted with the classroom, the blackboard, desks and the teacher. But when pupils are 7, real studying begins. They don't already play so much as they did it in infant school. Now they have real classes, when they sit at desks, read, write and answer the teacher's questions.
Compulsory secondary education begins when children are 11 or 12 and lasts for 5 years. Secondary school is traditionally divided into 5 forms: a form to each year. Children study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Art, Geography, Music, a Foreign language and have lessons of Physical training. Religious education is also provided. English, Mathematics and Science are called "core" subjects. At the age of 7,11 and 14 pupils take examinations in the core subjects.
There are 3 types of state secondary schools in Great Britain. They are:
1.
comprehensive schools, which take pupils of all abilities without exams. In such schools pupils are often put into certain sets or groups, which are formed according to their abilities for technical or humanitarian subjects. Almost all senior pupils (around 90 per cent) go there;
2.
grammar schools, which give secondary education of a very high standard. Entrance is based on the test of ability, usually at 11. Grammar schools are single sexed schools;
3.
modern schools, which don "t prepare pupils for universities. Education in such schools gives good prospects for practical jobs.
After five years of secondary education, at the age of 16, pupils take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination. When they are in the third or in the forth form, they begin to choose their exam subjects and prepare for them.
After finishing the fifth form pupils can make their choice: they may either leave school and go to a Further Education College or continue their education in the sixth form. Those who stay at school after GCSE, study for 2 more years for "A" (Advanced) Level Exams in two or three subjects which is necessary to get a place at one of British universities.
There are also about 500 private schools in Great Britain. Most of these schools are boarding ones, where children live as well as study. Education in such schools is very expensive, that's why only 5 per cent of schoolchildren attend them. Private schools are also called preparatory (for children up to 13 years old) and public schools (for pupils from 13 to 18 years old). Any pupil can enter the best university of the country after leaving this school.
After leaving secondary school young people can apply to a university, a polytechnic or a college of further education.
There are 126 universities in Britain. They are divided into 5 types:
The Old ones, which were founded before the 19th century, such as Oxford and Cambridge;
The Red Brick, which were founded in the 19th or 20th century;
The Plate Glass, which were founded in the 1960s;
The Open University It is the only university offering extramural education. students learn subjects at home and then post ready exercises off to their tutors for marking;
The New ones. They are former polytechnic academies and colleges.
The best universities, in view of "The Times" and "The Guardian", are The University of Oxford, The University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, London Imperial College, London University College.
Universities usually select students basing on their A-level results and an interview.
After three years of study a university graduate get the Degree of a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Engineering. Many students then continue their studies for a Master's Degree and then a Doctor's Degree (PhD).
Education in the UK (5)
In the UK, 12 million children attend about 40,000 schools. Education here is compulsory and free for children from 5 to 16 years old. Many children go to kindergarten when they are 3 years old, but this is not required. In kindergartens, children learn elementary basics such as numbers, colors and letters. In addition, they play, eat and sleep there. No matter what they do, someone is always watching them.
Compulsory education starts at the age of 5, when children go to primary school. Primary education lasts 6 years. It is divided into 2 periods: toddler school (from 5 to 7 years old) and elementary school (from 7 to 11 years old). In elementary school, children do not have lessons. They mostly play and learn through play. This is the time when children are just getting to know the classroom, blackboard, desks and the teacher. But when the children are 7 years old, the real learning begins for them. They no longer devote as much time to the game as they did in elementary school. Now they have real lessons: they sit at their desks, read, write and answer the teacher's questions.
Compulsory secondary education begins when children are 11 or 12 years old and lasts 5 years. The secondary school is traditionally divided into 5 classes - one class per year of study. Children study their native language, mathematics, natural science, history, fine arts, geography, music, any foreign language and are engaged in physical education. Religious teaching is also provided. English, mathematics and science are the main subjects. At the age of 7, 11 and 14, students take exams in core subjects.
There are 3 types of public schools of secondary education:
1.
General education schools. They accept students of all abilities without entrance exams. In such schools, children are usually divided into different groups - depending on their level of proficiency in technical or humanitarian subjects. Almost all high school students (about 90%) go to these schools.
2.
grammar schools. They provide secondary education at a very high level. Admission to such a school depends on the results of a written exam, which children take at the age of 11 years. In grammar schools, separate education of boys and girls is practiced.
3.
modern schools. They don't prepare kids for university. Education in such schools gives prospects only in the working field of activity.
After five years of high school, at the age of 16, students take an exam for a high school diploma. Already in the 3rd or 4th grade, they begin to choose subjects for exams and prepare for them.
At the end of the 5th grade, the children are given a choice: they can either graduate from high school and continue their education in college, or go to the 6th grade. Those who stay at school after the Secondary School Certificate exam study for another 2 years, after which they take two or three "A" level exams, which are necessary for admission to one of the British universities.
There are also about 500 private or independent schools in the UK. Most of them are boarding schools where children not only study, but also live. Education in such schools is very expensive, so only 5% of all students attend them. There are preparatory private schools (for children under 13 years old) and privileged private schools (for children from 13 to 18 years old). The most famous private schools in the UK: Eton, Harrow, Winchester.
After a student has graduated from high school, he has the right to apply to a university, technical school or college for further education.
There are 126 universities in the UK. They are divided into 5 types:
- ancient. Founded before the 19th century, these include Oxford and Cambridge;
- "Red Brick" (Red Brick). Founded in the 19th or 20th century;
- "Glass" (Plate Glass). Founded in the 1960s;
- Open University. It is the only university offering part-time education. Students study subjects at home, and then send finished assignments to teachers for review;
- new. These include former polytechnic academies and colleges.
According to Time and Guardian magazines, the best universities are: Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, Imperial College London, University College London.
Getting a place at the university depends on the result of the "A" level exams.
After three years of study, a university graduate receives a bachelor's degree in humanities, natural or technical sciences. Many students continue their studies to get a master's degree and then a doctorate.
Questions:
1. When do British boys and girls begin to go to school?
2. What subjects do they study at school?
3. How long does secondary education last?
4. What subjects are called "core" subjects?
5. At what age do children have their exams?
6. What's the difference between modern and grammar schools?
7. What are private schools?
8. Would you like to study in Britain? Why?
9. Compare British and Russian education.
10. What types of British universities do you know?
Vocabulary:
mandatory - mandatory
free - free
to attend - attend
nursery school - kindergarten (state)
letter - letter
to keep an eye on smb. - follow someone
primary school - junior classes, elementary school, first stage school
infant school - school for kids, junior school
junior school - elementary school (for children from 7 to 11 years old)
to get acquainted - get acquainted
secondary education - secondary education
to be divided into - divided into
Science - natural science
Art - fine arts
core subject - main subject
comprehensive school- comprehensive school
according to - in accordance with
ability - ability
grammar school - grammar school
entrance - arrival
single sexed school - schools for boys and girls (separated by gender)
modern school - modern school
GCSE - Certificate of Secondary Education Examination
"A" (advanced) Level Exam - level "A" (advanced) exam
private school - private school
boarding school - boarding school, boarding school
preparatory school - preparatory private school
public school - privileged private school
to apply - apply
extramural - correspondence, evening
polytechnic - polytechnic
tutor - teacher
Degree of a Bachelor - bachelor's degree
Master's Degree - master's degree
Doctor's Degree - doctoral degree
2015-12-23
Hello my dear readers!
If you ask yourself which school in the UK is the most famous, the answer is simple - Hogwarts! Of course, we can hope that at one moment the dreams of millions of children and even hundreds of adults will come true, and this school will actually appear in England, but for now we have to make do with a little - ordinary English education.
And today I would like to talk with you exactly about what it is - secondary education in the UK, how it is received and what stages of education an ordinary British student goes through. And at the end I will present a topic on this topic in English.
Obtaining secondary education
The British are sure: their education is the best! After all, little has changed in the British system over the past decades. All schools are divided into public and private. If the former are free, then you will have to pay for the latter, and not a little. In addition, there are ordinary schools where students come in the morning and leave in the afternoon. Is there boarding schools where children stay either until the end of the week or until the end of the semester.
Remember those pictures in which children stand in school uniform in front of the school? Yes, in most cases these are boarding schools, which the UK is so famous for.
The education of children is considered compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 and is divided into periods: pre-school education, primary school, secondary school and preparation for. Let's start in order!
Preschool education:
This is something similar to our kindergartens, only children study here from 3 to 4 years old. And here is the most important feature of this stage of education: the child can be there only 3 hours a day. The rest of the time you have to pay. Classes are held in the form of group and thematic games, and the main task is to identify the child's abilities.
Primary education (primary school):
In most schools in the UK, primary education starts from 5 to 11 years old, and in some schools even at 13 years old, if the first two years were preparatory. From the age of 5, education in England becomes mandatory for everybody. At the preparatory stage, the child must necessarily study English and mathematics, and, depending on what the parents choose, they can study geography, history, music and other subjects. From the age of 7 to 11 (or 13), the sciences mentioned before are joined by the natural sciences, design and information technology. In total, children study about 12 subjects.
Secondary education (secondary school):
This stage runs from the age of 11 (or 13) until the age of 16, when the student takes the exam for a certificate of secondary education. Until the age of 14, children study a huge range of school subjects. Then, 2 years before graduation, they choose 5-10 subjects for themselves and purposefully prepare for the exam. Having received a certificate (General Certificate of Secondary Education), their compulsory education ends, and they can go, for example, to a vocational college.
Those who want to get quality stay at school for another 2 years. Here they choose about 5 items. These are the subjects they will specialize in at university. At the end of two years of training, students take an exam, after which I can enter the university.
Private education in the UK
Naturally, many would like their children to go to a private school in England. Studying in private schools in the UK is considered one of the most prestigious, but also one of the most expensive. Not everyone can afford such education. The estimated cost of education is somewhere between 4-10 thousand pounds per semester. The academic year is 3 terms. Here's how much training can cost.
Of course, even the most prestigious and expensive schools in the UK provide scholarships to talented students. They can cover from 5 to 50% of tuition fees. But to get such a scholarship, you have to work very hard.
Some features of studying in the UK
It is necessary to carefully monitor the time of receipt of documents. For example, in order to send a child to the preparatory class of an elementary school, the principal must have the documents six months before the start of the semester! And this does not guarantee that your child will graduate from this particular school in the future. Usually all good elementary schools are overcrowded for years to come.
Topic on the topic
Today I also want to help you and have prepared a text in English on this topic. I hope that my today's topic will help you write a topic on the topic of education in England, as well as practice it in a conversation.
Education in Great Britain.
Education in England is obligatory for those who are at the age from 5 to 16. Schools in Britain are state (that usually are free) or private (that require a lot of money).
Pupils in Britain usually take primary school and secondary school.
They enter the school at the age of 5. It is called primary school. Here they study such subjects as English, math, and music and so on. They enter secondary school when they turn 11. Here they have a lot of subjects such as geography, history, chemistry, IT and so on.
In Britain boys and girls visit the same classes and are not separated.
At 16 they must pass the exam that states that they have finished the school. After getting the diploma (GCSE) they can either stay at school for preparing for the university, or go to college.
Here the obligatory part of education comes to an end. Those who stay at school for 2 more years chose 4-5 subjects that they are going to study at university and prepare for the exam called A-level. They need it to enter university.
Those who want to enter private school should be ready to pay a lot of money. The cost of the school is about 4-10 thousand pounds for the semester. Some private schools provide scholarships for very talented students that cover from 5 to 50% of the cost. But it is very difficult to get the scholarship.
So that is the way English pupils get the education.
Useful expressions:
to be obligatory for smb- to be obligatory for someone
at the age from 5 to 16 years old -in age from 5 before 16 years
to take primary schoolgo in initial school
when you turn 11 years- when you turn 11 years old
to be separated-be divided
to come to an endcome up to end
be ready to do sth- be ready to do something
to get educationget education
the cost of the schoolprice schooling
state and private school- public and private schools
With that, I say goodbye to you today. I will be glad to answer all your questions in the comments, and also to see you among the subscribers of my blog to share with you all the most interesting and relevant.
In contact with