The Educational System of Great Britain

The educational system of G.B. is extremely complex and bewildering. It is very difficult to generalize particular types of schools as schools differ from one another. The Department of Education and Science is responsible for national educational policy, but it doesn't employ teachers or prescribe curricula or text books.

Each school has its own board of governors consisting of teachers, parents, local politicians, members of local community, businessmen and sometimes pupils. According to the law only one subject is compulsory. It is Religion.

The state school system is usually divided into 2 stages (secondary and primary).The majority of primary schools are mixed. They are subdivided into infant schools (aged 5 to 7),and junior schools (aged 7 to11). In junior schools pupils were often placed in A,B,C or D-streams, according to their abilities. Under the pressure of progressive parents and teachers the 11+ examination has now been abolished in most parts of the country. There are several types of schools in G.B. Grammar schools provide an academic course for selected pupils from the age of 11 to 18. Only those children who have the best results are admitted to these schools. They give pupils a high level of academic education which can lead to the university. Technical Schools offer general education with a technical bias and serve those pupils who are more mechanically minded. The curriculum includes more lessons of Science and Mathematics. Secondary modern schools were formed to provide a non-academic education for children of lesser attainment. The curriculum includes more practical subjects. Comprehensive schools bring about general improvement in the system of secondary education

Compulsory education begins at 5, and children attend primary school until they are 11. Normally the primary school is divided into Infants (5—7) and Juniors (7—11).

At the age of 11 most children go to a comprehensive school where they stay until they are 16. In the past children went to different types of secondary schools, but in most parts of the country everybody now goes to a comprehensive.

Some parents, who do not want their children to go to a comprehensive pay to send them to a private school. The most expensive and prestigious private schools are actually called public schools.

At the age of 16 young people take their examinations. Most take General Certificate of Education (G.С.E.). Ordinary Levels are normally called just 'O' Levels. People take 'O' Levels in as many subjects as they want to.

If you get good 'O' Level results, you can stay on at school until you are 18, in the Sixth Form. Here you prepare for Advanced Level Exams ('A' Levels). Again, you can choose as many of these as you want to, but most people take two or three. In Great Britain the sixth form takes two years. After successful completion, the student gains the General Certificate of Education - Advanced Level (A - Level).

In case you pass your exams well you have a chance of going on to university though this is not automatic. The number of people who study there is strictly controlled. Other types of further education are offered at polytechnics and colleges of higher education. Polytechnics offer the chance to study subjects in a more practical way, and many colleges of higher education specialize in teacher training.

The English school year is divided into three trimesters, each lasts approximately from 9 to 11 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of holidays. However, the major holidays are approximately 6 weeks long.

Lessons are held from approximately 9am to 3pm. Afterwards, the students are free to participate in extracurricular activities.

A wide variety of subjects offered at the schools enables the students to follow their inclinations and interests. Small study groups and classes make it possible to achieve a very high academic standard, and every student enjoys excellent supervision by the teachers.

The classrooms are equipped with modern technology such as computers and study programs, which makes it easier for the students to learn.

School uniforms are compulsory in Great Britain.

It is possible to choose either co-educative or single sex Boarding Schools.

The excellent supervision and a wide range of choice of subjects provide the students with a comfortable study atmosphere, which results in enjoyment of the classes and success in all areas.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30