EDUCATION IN GREAT BRITAIN

In England schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age. Any child may attend a school without paying fees. Over 90% of children of com­pulsory school age go to state schools. The most important changes in Britain's educational system were introduced under the Education Reform Act 1988. It led to the compulsory National Curriculum for pupils aged 5 to 16 in state schools. The Act also aims to give parents a wider choice of schools for then- children. Local educational authorities finance most school education at local level. They also employ teachers. Every state school in England and Wales has a governing body, responsible for the school's main policies. Parallel reforms are introduced in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Full-tune education is compulsory up to the middle teenage years. There are three stages in education. The first stage is primary education; the second is secondary education; the third is further education at university or college.

Before going to a primary school children receive nursery education (some children attend pre-school play-groups). It's the first age of education. Around half of 3—4 years old in Britain receive nursery education. Children of nursery age need care as well as education. Social, emotional and physical needs must be taken into consideration.

Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland and at 4 in Northern Ireland. Children start their education in an infant school and move to a junior school at 7 years old. Primary schools vary in size and location. Pupils study different subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical education). Over 80% of all primary schools are mixed.

In Britain most children of compulsory secondary school age (11—16) receive free education financed from public funds. The large majority of schools are mixed.

The school year in England and Wales begins in September and continues into July, hi Scotland it is from August to June. In Northern Ireland — from September to June. At this level children start to learn a modem foreign language. The course of study at secondary school may lead to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. At 16 years old children take different examinations and have quite a lot of coursework, only after which they're awarded GCSE.

Those who stay at school after GCSE, study for 2 more years for A (Advanced) level exams in two or three subjects.

A small proportion of children (about 8%) attend private, or independent schools, which are not financed by the state. To understand this phenomenon a little history is needed.

The British government paid little attention to education until the end of the 19th century. Schools had existed in Britain long before the government took an interest in education. A small group of schools admitted only the sons of the upper and upper middle classes. At these public schools much more attention was paid to "character-building" and the development of "team spirit" rather than to academic achievements. These were "boarding-schools" (as the pupils lived in them). The pupils wore distinctive clothes and the schools had their own traditions. The aim of those schools was to prepare young men to take up positions in the higher ranks of army, in business, civil service and politics.

A typical public school is for boys from 13. It admits fee-paying pupils. Such school is a boarding one. Each school is divided into houses with its housemaster. Public school place great emphasis on team sports. These schools are not at all luxurious or comfortable. A typical example of such a school is Eton.

British education has many different faces but one goal. Its aim is to realize the potential of all for the good of the individual and society as a whole.

hi England and Wales those who stay at school study just three subjects in preparation for taking A-level exams (Advanced Level).

These academic exams are set by the same ex­amining boards that set GCSE exams. They're taken by pupils at the age of 18 years old, who wish to continue their education.

Universities usually select students on the basis of A-level results and an interview (students who wish to enter Oxford and Cambridge have to take certain exams). Those who have better A-level results are usually accepted.

Higher education has become more available in the second half of the 20th century, hi 1960 there were less than 25 universities in Britain. By 1980 there were already more than 40, and by 1995 there were over a hundred institutions with university status.

Universities take the better students, that's why nearly all students complete their studies. The normal course of study lasts 3—4 years. Students are not supposed to take a job during the term. Unless their parents are rich, they receive a state grant, which covers most of their expenses, including the cost of accommodation. Quite a lot of students live on campus (or in college) or in rooms nearby.

However, nowadays the government reduces the amount of the students and encourages a system of top-up loans. That's why quite a lot of students can't afford to live in college and many more of them are forced to do a part-time job, but this reduces the traditionally high quality of British university education. And, in addition, the number of students from low-income families has been greatly reduced.

There are no great distinctions between different types of universities in Britain. But still there are some categories of them.

First of all, Oxbridge. Oxford and Cambridge were founded in the medieval period. These universities consist of semi-independent colleges, each of them having its own staff ("Fellows").

The "Fellows" teach the college students either one to one or in very small groups. This system is unique in the world and known as tutorials in Oxford and supervisions in Cambridge.

Then, Scottish universities. By 1600 Scotland had 4 universities — Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews. St. Andrews resembles Oxbridge very much.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1513