Secondary state education

Children begin their secondary education at about eleven years of age. There are different types of secondary schools in England and Wales. The most popular and mostly often used by pupils are comprehensive schools. These are large state secondary schools for boys and girls of all abilities aged 11-16 (or - 18). Comprehensive schools were introduced in the 1960s with the aim to replace the system of dividing children between more academic (grammar) and less academic (secondary modern) schools. In comprehensive schools teaching is done in mixed ability classes. It means that children of all abilities are put in one class so you will have less able children, more able children and average children all in one class. About 6 per cent of students go to grammar schools, state schools which take only students who pass an examination at the age of 11.

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 O(ordinary)-level (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. Pupils must take English language, Maths and Science for GCSE, as well as a 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.

At the age of 16, pupils can leave school. If pupils stay on, they usually take A (Advanced) levels, AS (Advanced Supplementary) levels or GNVQs (Greater National Vocational Qualifications). It is common to combine, for example, two A levels with one AS level, or one A level with one GNVQ. Pupils taking A levels study traditional subjects, such as French, Physics or History. To go to University, pupils usually need two or three A levels.

AS levels are the same standard as A levels, but only half the content: AS-level German pupils take the A-level German language exam, but do not take the A-level German Literature exam.

GNVQs are vocational qualifications. Pupils usually take one GNVQ in subjects such as Business, Leisure and Tourism, Manufacturing, and Art and Design.

If pupils have some learning difficulties or they are handicapped their parents may be given an official document saying that the child has special educational needs. Some handicapped children may attend ordinary secondary school, others attend maintained special schools. Special education is intended to enable handicapped children to overcome their difficulties so that they may, as far as possible, take their place in society.

The choice of a secondary school depends on children's abilities and health, their parents’ wishes, and what schools are closer to their houses.

Exercise 2. Read the sentences translating Russian words and word combinations into English.

1. There are (продвинутые) and (продвинутые дополнительные) levels exams in British schools.

2. Some (c физическими или умственными недостатками) children may attend ordinary secondary school, others attend maintained special schools.

3. The choice of a secondary school depends on children’s (способности) and (здоровье).

4. They (принимают) pupils who successfully passed examinations at the age of 11.

5. Grammar schools teach more academic subjects than (общеобразовательные) schools.

6. GNVQs are (профессиональные квалификации).

Exercise 3. Put the sentences in the right order.

1. At the age of 16 pupils take their GCSE exams.

2. There are different types of secondary schools.

3. The choice of schools depends on parents.

4. National Curriculum was introduced in 1988.

5. At the age of 18 pupils take their A level, AS level or GNVQ exams.

Exercise 4. Expand the following.

1. The most popular schools are comprehensive schools.

2. GCSE course includes many subjects.

3. AS level is nearly the same standard as A level.

4. GNVQs are vocational qualifications in some specialities.

5. Children having problems may attend different schools.

Text 3

Exercise 1. Read the text and get ready to do the task.

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