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. There are two systems of state school, depending on the country:

System A:Primary School from S to 11;

Secondary School &m 11 to 16/18.

Primary school is usually divided into two sections: Infant school (ages S-7) and Junior school (ages 7.11).

System B:First School from 5 to 8

Middle School from 8 to 13

Secondary School from 13 to 16-18.

In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basics of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, reli­gion and, in some schools, also a foreign language. Physical educa­tion is usually done twice a week. Outside the normal time-table there are many activities in which students may take part: sports, drama, table tennis and so on.

The majority of secondary schools continue to provide education until the age of 18. The vast majority of pupils attend state schools, which are absolutely free. .According to the recently introduced Na­tional Curriculum three subjects are made compulsory - English, Mathematics and science. Such foundation subjects as technology, history, geography, music, art, physical education and a modern foreign language must be included in the curricula of all pupils.

After a two year course, usually from 14 to 16 years of age, most pupils take their General Certificate of Secondary Education (G.C.S.E.) or «0 - level> (Ordinary level). After sitting G.C.S.E. or <(O - levels» students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. Pupils obtaining at least five passes at G.C.S.E. can specialize for two years (from 16 to 18) in two or three subjects, in which they take the General Certificate of Education Advanced level (A-level) examination. This is used as an entrance qualification for university and other types of higher education, as well as for many forms of professional training.

Some parents, only 6% choose independent schools for their chil­dren. These are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job apportunities. The stages of education in in­dependent school are called in a different way: children from 5 to 8 attend a preparatory school; between the ages of 8 and 13 they at­tend a public school; but only if they pass an examination called Com­mon Entrance. The oldest and most exclusive Public Schools are Eton College, founded inn 1440, Harrow, founded in 1571, and Rugby, founded in 1567.

Higher Education

In England there are 47 universities, including the Open Universi­ty which teaches via (by way of) TV and radio, 32 polytechnics and 350 colleges and institutes of higher education. The oldest universi­ties in England are Oxford and Cambridge, founded at the end of the twelfth century for the training of priests. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor's degree, usually after a three year course, and a Master's degree, usually one or two more years of study after the Bachelor's degree. In England and Wales the head of the university is called Chancellor, the principal academic body is the Senate and each faculty is headed by Dean.

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. There are two systems of state school, depending on the country:

System A:Primary School from S to 11;

Secondary School &m 11 to 16/18.

Primary school is usually divided into two sections: Infant school (ages S-7) and Junior school (ages 7.11).

System B:First School from 5 to 8

Middle School from 8 to 13

Secondary School from 13 to 16-18.

In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basics of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, reli­gion and, in some schools, also a foreign language. Physical educa­tion is usually done twice a week. Outside the normal time-table there are many activities in which students may take part: sports, drama, table tennis and so on.

The majority of secondary schools continue to provide education until the age of 18. The vast majority of pupils attend state schools, which are absolutely free. .According to the recently introduced Na­tional Curriculum three subjects are made compulsory - English, Mathematics and science. Such foundation subjects as technology, history, geography, music, art, physical education and a modern foreign language must be included in the curricula of all pupils.

After a two year course, usually from 14 to 16 years of age, most pupils take their General Certificate of Secondary Education (G.C.S.E.) or «0 - level> (Ordinary level). After sitting G.C.S.E. or <(O - levels» students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. Pupils obtaining at least five passes at G.C.S.E. can specialize for two years (from 16 to 18) in two or three subjects, in which they take the General Certificate of Education Advanced level (A-level) examination. This is used as an entrance qualification for university and other types of higher education, as well as for many forms of professional training.

Some parents, only 6% choose independent schools for their chil­dren. These are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job apportunities. The stages of education in in­dependent school are called in a different way: children from 5 to 8 attend a preparatory school; between the ages of 8 and 13 they at­tend a public school; but only if they pass an examination called Com­mon Entrance. The oldest and most exclusive Public Schools are Eton College, founded inn 1440, Harrow, founded in 1571, and Rugby, founded in 1567.

Higher Education

In England there are 47 universities, including the Open Universi­ty which teaches via (by way of) TV and radio, 32 polytechnics and 350 colleges and institutes of higher education. The oldest universi­ties in England are Oxford and Cambridge, founded at the end of the twelfth century for the training of priests. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor's degree, usually after a three year course, and a Master's degree, usually one or two more years of study after the Bachelor's degree. In England and Wales the head of the university is called Chancellor, the principal academic body is the Senate and each faculty is headed by Dean.