Education in Britain (6)

The British system of education has a very long history, but in the past few years there have been many changes in it. British education was traditionally decentralized, but now the Education Reform Act has led to a compulsory National Curriculum for pupils aged five to sixteen in state schools. The Act also aims to give parents a wider choice of schools for their children. Thus they have the right to express a preference for a school.
Boys and girls are taught together in most schools. Non-selective comprehensive education caters for children of all abilities. Most children receive free education financed from public funds. 7% of children attend private fee-paying schools.
Around half of 3- and 4-year-olds in Britain receive nursery education and many children attend preschool play groups, mostly organized by parents. Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5. Children usually start their school career in an infant school and move to a junior school or department at seven. In some schools they move to middle school at the age of eight, nine or ten. These three stages form the primary school, covering the following subjects: English, Maths and Science, History, Geography, Music, Art and Physical Education.
At seven and eleven years old (and at secondary school at fourteen and sixteen) teachers measure children's progress in each subject against achievement targets. For each target there are ten levels of achievement.
The secondary level includes the children from eleven to eighteen. Here they expand the knowledge they have acquired at primary school. And according to the National Curriculum they start to learn a modern foreign language. At the age of (GCSE) sixteen they can get General Certificate of Secondary Education qualifications on the basis of examinations and course work.
If pupils are successful, they can continue to more advanced education and training. After a further 2 years of study the General Certificate of Education Advanced level exam is taken at the age of 18 and can be combined with the Advanced Supplementary level exam to provide a wider range of subjects. These exams are the main standard for entry to university education and to many forms of professional training. There is also a Certificate of Pre-Vocational Education for those who stay at school until seventeen. This provides a preparation for work on vocational courses.
For those leaving school at sixteen there are Further Education colleges. Most of them are work-related and vocational.
The next stage is higher education. All British universities enjoy complete academic freedom. There are seventynine universities, Oxford and Cambridge being the oldest of them. Over 90% of students receive awards covering tuition fees and maintenance.

Education in Britain (6)

The British education system has a long history, but has seen many changes over the past few years. British education has traditionally been decentralized, but now the Education Reform Act has led to the creation of a compulsory National Curriculum for pupils from 5 to 16 years of age in state schools. The act also aims to give parents more choice of schools for their children. Thus, they gain the right to give preference to any school.
In most schools, boys and girls study together. Non-selective general education is available to children of all abilities. Most children receive free education financed by public funds. 7% of children attend private fee-paying schools.
Around half of 3- to 4-year-olds in the UK receive early education, and many others attend preschool playgroups, mostly run by parents. Compulsory primary education begins at age 5. Children usually start their studies at an infant school and move to a junior school or department at age 7. In some schools they move to intermediate school at 8, 9 or 10 years old. These three levels form the primary school, where the following subjects are taught: English, mathematics, science, history, geography, music, art and physical education.
Children's achievements at 7 and 11 years old, and in secondary school at 14 and 16 years old, are compared with established goals for each subject. At each specified stage, these achievements are assessed according to a ten-level gradation.
Secondary school educates children from 11 to 18 years of age. Here they expand the knowledge acquired in primary school. According to the National Curriculum, they begin to learn a modern foreign language. At the age of 16 they can obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education based on examinations and course work.
If students are successful, they can move on to more advanced education and training. After two years of study, at age 18, you can take the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education exam, which can be combined with an additional Advanced Level exam to expand your choice of subjects. These examinations are the main standard of admission to university education and many forms of vocational training. There is also a Pre-Vocational Education Certificate for those who remain in school until age 17. It provides preparation for work through professional courses.
For those who leave school at 16, there are further education colleges. Most of them are professional and work related.
The next level is higher education. All British universities enjoy complete academic freedom. There are 79 universities, the oldest of which are Oxford and Cambridge. More than 90% of students receive subsidies to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

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 oldest 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 begins at the age of five, but until this age children can attend nursery school, also called play school. Schooling is compulsory until children reach the age of 16.

In primary and primary school, children learn to read and write, as well as basic arithmetic. In upper primary school (or secondary school), children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. After this, children move on to secondary school.

When students reach the age of sixteen, they can take examinations in various subjects to gain qualifications. Qualification can be as follows: O.S.S.O. (Basic Certificate of Secondary Education) and ordinary level. After this, students can leave school and get 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 to enter a university or college.

Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive, but it is believed that education is provided at a higher level and there are prerequisites for getting a good job.

There are 47 universities in England, including the Open University, where education is provided on television and radio, and about 400 colleges and higher education institutions. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. There are mainly two types of degrees awarded at 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

, which will help you understand the complex system of British educational institutions.

​Topic on English Education in Great Britain is a very interesting topic because it allows you to compare the British education system with others.

Which will also help you form an idea of ​​what and where your British interlocutor is studying, as well as what exams he will have to take.

Topic on English Education in the UK(Education in Great Britain) tells not only about schools, but also about famous higher education institutions in Great Britain, as well as what types of universities in Great Britain are divided into.

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Education in Great Britain

Education in Great Britain is compulsory and free for children from 5 to 16 years old. Some children attend kindergartens from the age of 3. However, it"s not compulsory. In kindergartens, children learn very simple things like colors, numbers and letters. They also play games and sleep after lunch. There is always someone keeping an eye on children, no matter what they do.

Compulsory education lasts 6 years; it begins at the age of 5 when children go to primary school. There are two periods: pupils from 5 to 7 years old attend infant schools and pupils from 7 to 11 years old attend junior schools.

The classes in infant schools usually consist of playing games and getting acquainted with teachers, classrooms and desks.

When children are 7 years old, the real studying begins. Pupils don't play very much, they have classes where they sit at desks, write, read and answer the questions.

Compulsory secondary education consists of 5 forms and lasts 5 years. It begins when children are 11 or 12 years old. Children study History, English, Art, Mathematics, Geography, Music, Science and Foreign languages. There are also lessons of Physical training and Religion. At the age of 7, 11 and 14 pupils take examinations in the core subjects – Mathematics, English and Science.

There are 3 types of state secondary schools in Great Britain: comprehensive schools, grammar schools and modern schools.

Comprehensive schools take pupils without exams. Children are divided into humanitarian or technical groups according to their abilities.

Grammar schools give secondary education of a very high standard. At the age of 11 children pass tests to enter a grammar school.

Modern schools don't prepare pupils for universities, but for practical jobs.

At the age of 16, pupils take the General Certificate of Secondary Education examination. The subjects for the exams are chosen by the pupil in the third or in the forth form.

After GCSE pupils have a choice: either they go to a Further Education College or continue their education in the sixth form. Those who stay at school, study for 2 more years for Advanced Level Exams in two or three subjects. It is necessary to get a place at one of British universities.

There are also about 500 private schools in Great Britain, they are very expensive and only 5% of schoolchildren attend these schools. The most famous British public schools are Harrow, Eton and Winchester.

After leaving secondary school young people apply to a college, university or a polytechnic.
The Universities of Great Britain are divided into 5 types:
- The Old ones (founded before the 19th century, e.g. Oxford, Cambridge);
- The Red Brick (founded in the 19th or 20th century);
- The Plate Glass (founded in 1960s);
- The Open University (students learn subjects and do exercises at home, then send their works to their tutors for checking);
- The New Universities (former polytechnic academies and colleges).

The University of Cambridge, The University of Oxford, London Imperial College, London School of Economics and London University College are considered the best universities.
Universities select students basing on their interviews and A-level results.

Students graduate from universities with the Degree of a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Engineering after three studying for three years. After that some students continue their studies for a Master's Degree and then a Doctor's Degree (PhD).

Education in the UK

Education here is compulsory and free for children from 5 to 16 years old. Some children go to kindergarten from the age of 3. However, this is not necessary. In kindergartens, children learn basic things such as colors, numbers and letters. Besides this, they play and sleep in the afternoon. There is always someone looking after the children, no matter what they are doing.

Compulsory education lasts 6 years and begins at age 5, when children enter primary school. It is divided into 2 periods: children from 5 to 7 years old attend infant school, and children from 7 to 11 years old go to primary school.

Lessons in primary school consist of games and getting to know teachers, classes and desks.
When children turn 7 years old, real learning begins. Students don't play much and answer questions

Compulsory secondary education consists of 5 classes and lasts 5 years. It starts when children turn 11 or 12 years old. Children study history, English, fine arts, mathematics, geography, music, science and foreign languages. Classes in physical education and religion are also conducted. At the ages of 7, 11 and 14, schoolchildren take exams in the core subjects of mathematics, English and science.

There are 3 types of public secondary schools: comprehensive schools, grammar schools and modern schools.

General education schools admit students without entrance exams. In such schools, children are usually divided into humanitarian and technical groups depending on their proficiency in certain skills.

Grammar schools provide a very high level of secondary education. To enter such a school, you must pass a written exam at the age of 11.
Modern schools prepare children not for entering university, but for working professions.

At age 16, students take the Secondary School Certificate exam. They choose subjects to take this exam in 3rd or 4th grade.

After this exam, students have a choice: to continue further education at college, or go to the 6th grade. Those who remain in school study for another 2 years, after which they take A-level exams in two or three subjects. This is necessary for admission to one of the British universities.

There are also about 500 private schools in the UK, which are very expensive, so only 5% of schoolchildren attend them. The most famous private schools in the UK are Harrow, Eton and Winchester.

Once a student has graduated from high school, they can apply to college, university, or technical school.

British universities are divided into 5 types:
- Ancient (Founded before the 19th century, such as Oxford and Cambridge);
- “Red Brick” (founded in the 19th or 20th century);
- “Glass” (founded in the 1960s);
- Open University (students study subjects and do exercises at home, then send completed assignments to teachers for checking);
- New (former polytechnic academies and colleges).

Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and University College London are considered top universities.
Obtaining a place at the university is dependent on the results of the interview and A level examinations.
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After three years of study, the student graduates from the university with a bachelor's degree in arts, science, or technology. After this, some students continue their studies to obtain a master's degree and then a doctorate.

Education in Great Britain is provided by the Local Education Authority (LEA) in each county. Until recently, each LEA was free to decide how to organize education in its own area. However, in 1988 the “National Curriculum” was introduced. It means that there is greater government control over what is taught in schools now.

Children under five don’t have to go to school, but there is some free nursery-school education before that age. The places are usually given to families in special circumstances, for example families with one parent only. That’s why in many areas parents have formed play groups where children under five years can go for a morning or afternoon a couple of times a week.

At the age of five children go to primary schools, first to infant schools for pupils aged from 5 to 7 and then to junior, schools for pupils from 8 to 11 years.

Some parents choose to pay for private education though there are free state schools. Private schools are called by different names compared to state schools. The preparatory schools are for pupils aged up to 13, and the public schools are for 13 to 18 year-olds. These schools are very expensive and they are attended only by about 5 per cent of the schoolchildren.

Free secondary education has been available to all children in Britain since 1944. Children must go to school until the age of 16, and pupils may stay on for one or two years more if they wish.

Over 80 per cent of schoolchildren go to comprehensive schools at the age of 11. These schools are not selective - you don’t have to pass an exam to go there. But before 1965 all children took an exam at the age of 11 called the “11+”. The top 20 per cent were chosen to go to the academic grammar schools. Those who failed the “11+” went to secondary modern schools. A lot of people thought that this system of selection at the age of 11 was unfair on many children. So comprehensive schools were introduced to offer education for pupils of all abilities. There are a few LEAs who still keep the old system, but most LEAs have now changed over completely to nonselective education in comprehensive schools.

Comprehensive schools want to develop the talents of each individual child. So they offer a wide choice of subjects, from art and craft, woodwork and domestic science to the sciences, modern languages, computer studies, etc. All these subjects are enjoyed by both girls and boys. All pupils move to the next class automatically at the end of the year.

At the age of 14 or 15 pupils begin to choose their exam subjects. In 1988 a new public examination - the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) - was introduced for 16 year-olds. This examination assesses pupils on the work they do in the 4th and 5th year at secondary school, For University entrance pupils have to take “A” Level (Advanced Level) GCE exam.

Many people decide to leave school at the age of 16 and go to a Further Education (FE) College for practical vocational training, for example in engineering, typing, cooking or hairdressing.

England is one of the top countries which offer excellent education. 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:

1. Community schools, in which the local authority is responsible for school staff and admissions.
2. 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.
3. Academy schools have recently replaced poorly-performing community schools in economically challenged areas. They are monitored by the Department for Education.
4. Foundation schools are institutions in which the governing body or a charitable foundation is responsible for the admissions and staff.
5. Voluntary Aided schools can be linked to various organizations, such as churches, trade associations, etc. They can be faith schools or non-denominational schools.
6. 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 fee. 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 divided by class into public and private schools. For children aged 5 to 17 years, full-time education is compulsory. Primary education begins at the age of 5 years. Before this, children can attend kindergartens. Secondary education begins at age 11 and lasts until age 18. After this, children receive higher education. Almost 93% of English children attend state-funded schools, which are free. Only some activities, such as going to the theater or hiking, may require voluntary contributions. All public schools in England are divided into six categories:

1. Public schools in which the local authority is responsible for employees and students.
2. Free education schools, newly created institutions in England, which were formed thanks to parents, business institutions, and charitable organizations. These schools are free to attend and are funded primarily by taxpayers.
3. Academic Learning Schools are newly created replacements for underperforming public schools in economically distressed areas. They are controlled by the Department of Education.
4. Foundation-funded schools in which the governing body or charitable foundation is responsible for the staff and students.
5. Voluntary aid schools may be affiliated with various organizations such as churches, trade associations, etc. These may be religious or non-denominational schools.
6. Schools controlled by voluntary organizations are almost always associated with a church. While their lands and buildings are owned by charities, local authorities are responsible for staff and students.

Some English children attend private or independent schools, which charge additional fees. Children with special talents are sometimes offered scholarships to attend such schools. Private schools are not subject to the National Program. Both private and public educational institutions provide the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam for children aged 14-16 years. This is a group of tests administered in several specific subjects. After the age of 18, children usually go to university to obtain a degree.

Typically, British universities offer a bachelor's degree as a first degree, which takes about three years. There are also universities offering master's degrees. This education usually lasts for four years. British universities have a certain hierarchy. Oxford and Cambridge are considered the most prestigious universities in the country. They are also world famous. Although the state does not control the curricula of higher education institutions, it has a certain influence on the admission process. Students who have already completed their first degree can continue their studies in graduate school to obtain a master's or doctorate degree.