Education in Great Britain
методическая разработка по английскому языку (8 класс)

The British educational system

The basic features of the British educational system are the following:

1. Education is compulsory for all children from 5 to 16;
2. The academic year usually begins in September and runs to early July; it has 3 terms, divided by Christmas and Easter holidays. In addition, all schools have a “half-term holiday”, lasting a few days or a week, in the middle of each term;
3. Compulsory education is free of charge, but parents may spend money on educating their children if they want to;
4. There are three stages of education. children move from the first stage (primary) to the second stage (secondary) at around the age of eleven or twelve. The third stage is “further” education at university or college.

At the age of 5 children go to infant schools which are the first stage of primary education. there is no written timetable and classes are informal. From 7 to 11 they attend junior schools, the second stage of primary education. In primary school children are taught the so-called 3 R’s: reading, writing and arithmetic. They also have music, physical training and art classes.

At the age of 11 children enter secondary schools. There are four types of state secondary schools in Britain: grammar schools (for the most intelligent children), modern and technical schools and comprehensive schools (for children of all abilities). Grammar schools lead towards higher education, and the others give general or vocational education to prepare students for employment or for further technical education. The regular secondary schools offer 7 years of schooling, with students from 11 to 18 years of age. The last two years (16-18) they may spend in a separate sixth form college, which concentrates on career training.

In 1988, for the first time in British history, a National Curriculum was introduced. The National Curriculum tells pupils which subjects they have to study, what they must learn and when they have to take assessment tests.

Between the ages of 14 and 16, pupils study for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. Pupils must take the English language, Math, and Science for GCSE, as well as half GCSE in a foreign language and Technology. In addition, they must also be taught Physical Education, Religious Education and Sex Education, although they do not take exams in these subjects.

Those who get good GCSE grades can stay at their school for another two years, if it has a sixth form and teaches the desired subjects, and then take “A” Level (Advanced Level) exams. Otherwise they have to leave their school and go to a sixth form college or a college of further education. further education colleges have strong ties with commerce and industry and offer courses in engineering, cooking or hairdressing.

The GCE Advanced (A) Level is normally taken after a further two years of study. Good “A” Level results in at least two subjects are necessary to get a place at a university. Universities choose their students after interviews. There are about 100 universities in Britain. The most famous are Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Along with the state schools, there are about 500 private schools in Britain. Most of them charge fees. Some private schools are boarding schools, where children actually live in the school. Many schools admit day pupils as well as boarders. Private schools usually offer only the most academic line, and select those students who are most likely to succeed. The most expensive private schools are called “public” schools and they have a long history and traditions. Among the most famous public schools are Winchester, Eton, Westminster, Rugby and Harrow.

1/ True/False

1. There are four basic features in the educational system.
2. School education is compulsory.
3. The academic year is divided into 4 terms.
4. Education isn’t free of charge.
5. There are three stages of education.
6. Infant schools are the first stage of secondary education.
7. There is no written timetable in primary school.
8. Children are taught reading, writing, arithmetic and some other subjects.
9. There are four types of secondary schools in Britain.
10. Comprehensive schools are for any children.
11. Grammar schools are for those who want to enter a university.
12. In the National Curriculum one can find information about time to have assessment tests.
13. At sixteen you can get GCSE.
14. There are two ways after finishing secondary school.
15. Good “A” level results can lead you to a university.
16. There are ninety universities in Britain.
17. There are private schools in Britain.
18. All private schools are boarding schools.
19. The cheapest schools are called “public schools”.
20. Eton is one of public schools.

2/ Make up a report

1. There are 4 basic….
2. At the age of 5…
3. From 7 to 11 they…
4. At the age of 11 they…
5. There are 4 types of secondary schools:…
6. At 16 pupils take …exams.
7. After getting secondary education you can…or…
8. To enter a university you must take …
9. There are … private schools in Britain.
10. Some of them are .. because pupils…there.