Theme: Education in Great Britain. Education in Great Britain topic in English Education system in Great Britain in English

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.

Education in Britain is compulsory and free for all children.

Primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland, and 4 in Northern Ireland. It includes three age ranges: nursery for children under 5 years, infants from 5 to 7, and juniors from 7 to 11 years old. In nursery schools babies don’t have real classes, they learn some elementary things such as numbers, colors and letters. Besides, they play, have lunch and sleep there. Children usually start their school education in an infant school and move to a junior school at the age of 7.

Compulsory secondary education begins when children are 11 or 12 and lasts for 5 years: one form to each year. Secondary schools are generally much larger than primary ones. Pupils in England and Wales begin studying a range of subjects stipulated under the National Curriculum. Religious education is available in all schools, although parents have the right to withdraw their children from such classes.

About 5 per cent of schoolchildren attend fee-paying private or public schools. Most of these schools are boarding ones, where children live as well as study. The most famous British public schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

The large majority of British schools teach both boys and girls together. But grammar schools, which give state secondary education of a very high standard, teach boys and girls separately.

The school year in England and Wales starts in September and ends in July. In Scotland it runs from August to June and in Northern Ireland from September to June and has three terms. At 7 and 11 years old, and then at 14 and 16 at secondary school, pupils take examinations in the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science).

The main school examination, the General Certificate of secondary education (GCSE) examination is taken at the age of 16. If pupils are successful, they can make their choice: they may either go to a Further Education College or a Polytechnic or they may 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 enter one of British universities. Universities usually select students basing on their A-level results and an interview. After three years of study a university graduate gets 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).

Translation

British education is compulsory and free for all children.

Primary education begins at age 5 in England, Wales and Scotland, and at age 4 in Northern Ireland. It includes three age ranges: nursery for children up to 5 years old, primary school from 5 to 7 years old and junior school for children 7-11 years old. In kindergartens, children do not yet have real lessons; they are taught only some basic things: numbers, colors and letters. In addition, they play, dine and sleep. Children usually begin their education in primary school and further in junior school at the age of 7 years.

Compulsory secondary education begins at age 11 or 12 and lasts for 5 years: one grade for each year. Secondary schools are generally much larger than primary schools. Pupils in England and Wales are starting to study a range of subjects covered by the National Curriculum. Religious education is also present in all schools, although parents have the right to refuse these classes.

About 5% of schoolchildren attend fee-paying private schools. Most of these schools are boarding schools, that is, children live and study in them. The most famous British private schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

Most British schools educate boys and girls together. However, “grammar” schools, which provide state secondary education at a very high level, teach boys and girls separately.

The school year in England and Wales begins in September and ends in July. In Scotland it lasts from August to June, and in Northern Ireland it runs from September to June and consists of three terms. At the ages of 7 and 11, and then 14 and 16 years in secondary schools, children take exams in the core subjects (English, mathematics and science).

The General School Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination is taken at age 16. If students pass it successfully, they have a choice: they can either go to a Further Education College or Polytechnic School, or continue their education in the sixth form. Those who remain in school after GCSE study for a further 2 years to take the Advanced A level exams in two or three subjects, which is a prerequisite for entry to a British university. Universities usually select students based on A results in exams and interviews. After 3 years of study, a university graduate receives a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Natural Sciences or Engineering. Many students continue their studies to obtain a Master's Degree and after a Doctor's Degree.

If you liked it, share it with your friends:

Join us onFacebook!

See also:

The most necessary things from the theory of language:

We suggest taking tests online:

In Great Britain children begin to go to school at the age of five. First they study at infant schools. In these schools they learn to draw with colored pencils and paints. They also make figures out of plasticine and work with paper and glue. They play much because they are very young. Later they begin to learn letters and read, write and count.

At the age of seven English schoolchildren go to junior schools. They do many subjects: English and Maths, History and Music, Natural History and Drawing, Handicrafts, French and Latin.

They do not go to school as early as we do, but they stay there longer. The first lesson usually starts at 9 o’clock. There are 3 lessons with short breaks of 10 minutes between them and then an hour break for lunch. After lunch they have two more lessons which are over by half past three.

If you have a look at an English pupil’s school record, you will see that the marks in it differ from the marks we have. Our schoolchildren get marks from 1 to 5 (12). At English school there are marks from 1 up to 10 and at some schools from 1 up to 100.

Junior school ends at the age of 11 when pupils take the Eleven Plus examination and then secondary school begins. At the age of 16 schoolchildren take their exams. Only 45 per cent continue with fulltime education after 16. The rest go to work or join employment training schemes.

Schooling in the UK

In the UK, children start school before the age of five. First they study in preschool institutions. In these schools they learn to draw with colored pencils and paints. They also make figures out of plasticine and work with paper and glue. They play a lot because they are very small. Then they begin to learn letters and read, write and count.

At the age of seven, English schoolchildren go to primary school. They study many subjects: English and mathematics, history and music, science and drawing, handicrafts, French and Latin.

They don't go to school as early as we do, but they stay there longer. The first lesson usually starts at 9 o'clock. There are 3 lessons with short breaks of 10 minutes between them, and then a break for lunch. After lunch they have two more lessons, which end at half past three.

If you look at the performance of English students, you will see that the grades are different from ours. Our schoolchildren receive grades from 1 to 5 (12). In English school grades range from 1 to 10, and in some schools from 1 to 100.

Primary school ends at age 11, when students take the 11+ qualifying exams, and then secondary school begins. At the age of 16, schoolchildren take final exams. Only 45 percent continue their education after 16. The rest go to work or join the vocational training system.

Education in Great Britain (5)

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 as 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. The most famous British public schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

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 thousand schools. Education here is compulsory and free for children from 5 to 16 years old. Many children start kindergarten when they turn 3, but this is not required. In kindergartens, children learn basic basics such as numbers, colors and letters. In addition, they play, eat and sleep there. No matter what they do, there is always someone watching over them.

Compulsory education begins at age 5, when children enter primary school. Primary education lasts 6 years. It is divided into 2 periods: school for children (from 5 to 7 years old) and primary 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 acquainted with the classroom, blackboard, desks and teacher. But when children turn 7 years old, 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. Secondary school is traditionally divided into 5 classes - one class per year of study. Children study their native language, mathematics, science, history, fine arts, geography, music, some foreign language and engage in physical education. Religious teaching is also provided. English, mathematics and science are the core subjects. At the ages of 7, 11 and 14, schoolchildren take exams in core subjects.

There are 3 types of public secondary schools:

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 examination, which children take at the age of 11. Separate education for boys and girls is practiced in grammar schools.

3) Modern schools. They don't prepare children for university. Studying in such schools gives prospects only in the working sphere of activity.

After five years of secondary school, at the age of 16, students take the Secondary School Certificate Examination. Already in the 3rd or 4th grade, they begin to choose subjects to take exams and prepare for them.

At the end of the 5th grade, 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 remain in school after the GCSE study for a further 2 years, after which they take the A-level exams in two or three subjects, which are required for entry into a British university.

There are also around 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 schoolchildren attend them. There are preparatory private schools (for children up to 13 years old) and privileged private schools (for children from 13 to 18 years old). The most famous private schools in Great Britain: Eton, Harrow, Winchester.

Once a student has graduated from school, they are eligible 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”. Founded in the 19th or 20th century;

- “Glass” (Plate Glass). Founded in the 1960s;

Open University. It is the only university offering distance education. Students study subjects at home and then send completed assignments to teachers for checking;

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.

Obtaining a place at the university depends on the result of the A level examinations.

After three years of study, a university graduate receives a bachelor's degree in humanities, natural sciences or technology. Many students continue their studies to obtain 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. Subjects What 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:
compulsory - obligatory
free - free
to attend - to attend
nursery school - kindergarten (state)
letter - letter
to keep an eye on smb. - keep an eye on someone
primary school - junior classes, primary school, first-level school
infant school - school for children, junior school
junior school - primary school (for children from 7 to 11 years old)
to get acquainted - to get acquainted
secondary education - secondary education
to be divided into - divide into
Science - natural history
Art - visual arts
core subject - main subject
comprehensive school - comprehensive school
according to - in accordance with
ability - ability
grammar school - grammar school
entrance - admission
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 - submit an application
extramural - correspondence, evening
polytechnic - polytechnic school
tutor - teacher
Degree of a Bachelor - bachelor's degree
Master's Degree - master's degree
Doctor's Degree - doctoral degree

Education in Britain is compulsory and free for all children.

Primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland, and 4 in Northern Ireland. It includes three age ranges: nursery for children under 5 years, infants from 5 to 7, and juniors from 7 to 11 years old. In nursery schools babies don’t have real classes, they learn some elementary things such as numbers, colors and letters. Besides, they play, have lunch and sleep there. Children usually start their school education in an infant school and move to a junior school at the age of 7.

Compulsory secondary education begins when children are 11 or 12 and lasts for 5 years: one form to each year. Secondary schools are generally much larger than primary ones. Pupils in England and Wales begin studying a range of subjects stipulated under the National Curriculum. Religious education is available in all schools, although parents have the right to withdraw their children from such classes.

About 5 per cent of schoolchildren attend fee-paying private or public schools. Most of these schools are boarding ones, where children live as well as study. The most famous British public schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

The large majority of British schools teach both boys and girls together. But grammar schools, which give state secondary education of a very high standard, teach boys and girls separately.

The school year in England and Wales starts in September and ends in July. In Scotland it runs from August to June and in Northern Ireland from September to June and has three terms. At 7 and 11 years old, and then at 14 and 16 at secondary school, pupils take examinations in the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science).

The main school examination, the General Certificate of secondary education (GCSE) examination is taken at the age of 16. If pupils are successful, they can make their choice: they may either go to a Further Education College or a Polytechnic or they may 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 enter one of British universities. Universities usually select students basing on their A-level results and an interview. After three years of study a university graduate gets 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).

Translation

British education is compulsory and free for all children.

Primary education begins at age 5 in England, Wales and Scotland, and at age 4 in Northern Ireland. It includes three age ranges: nursery for children up to 5 years old, primary school from 5 to 7 years old and junior school for children 7-11 years old. In kindergartens, children do not yet have real lessons; they are taught only some basic things: numbers, colors and letters. In addition, they play, dine and sleep. Children usually begin their education in primary school and further in junior school at the age of 7 years.

Compulsory secondary education begins at age 11 or 12 and lasts for 5 years: one grade for each year. Secondary schools are generally much larger than primary schools. Pupils in England and Wales are starting to study a range of subjects covered by the National Curriculum. Religious education is also present in all schools, although parents have the right to refuse these classes.

About 5% of schoolchildren attend fee-paying private schools. Most of these schools are boarding schools, that is, children live and study in them. The most famous British private schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

Most British schools educate boys and girls together. However, “grammar” schools, which provide state secondary education at a very high level, teach boys and girls separately.

The school year in England and Wales begins in September and ends in July. In Scotland it lasts from August to June, and in Northern Ireland it lasts from September to June and consists of three semesters. At the ages of 7 and 11, and then 14 and 16 years in secondary schools, children take exams in the core subjects (English, mathematics and science).

The General School Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination is taken at age 16. If students pass it successfully, they have a choice: they can either go to a Further Education College or Polytechnic School, or continue their education in the sixth form. Those who remain in school after GCSE study for a further 2 years to take the Advanced A level exams in two or three subjects, which is a prerequisite for entry to a British university. Universities usually select students based on A results in exams and interviews. After 3 years of study, a university graduate receives a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Natural Sciences or Engineering. Many students continue their studies to obtain a Master's Degree and after a Doctor's Degree.