UK School Exams - GCSEs, A-Levels, IB's

Regency Education help with school and university choices and applications in the UK. GCSE's are taken in the UK at the age of 16 and are graded from 9-1. A-Levels/IB or BTEC's are studied between 16-18 and these are used for university admissions.

Guide to the UK Education System - A Simple Explanation

Guide to the UK Education System - A Simple Explanation

British Education System | Britain Explained

In this brand new series 'Britain Explained' you will be guided through the different aspects of British culture.  Today we're looking at the British education system and how we learn in Britain. We'll look at the different types of schools and examinations.

The System of Education in the UK

 

Education in Great Britain

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 their 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-time 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. In Scotland it is from August to June. In Northern Ireland — from September to June. At this level children start to learn a modern 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.

The School Year

The school year is usually divided into three terms.

Autumn term lasts from September (or August) till Christmas holiday, which is about 2 weeks. Then spring term — till Easter holiday (also 2 weeks), and summer term, which lasts till June (or July). Summer holiday is about 6 weeks.

In addition all schools have a half-term, which lasts a few days or a week in the middle of each term.

School Life

Nearly all schools work five days a week. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The school day starts at 9 o’clock and finishes between 3 and 4p.m. The lunch break usually lasts an hour-and-a-quarter. Most

pupils have lunch provided by the school. The lunch is paid by parents. Other children either go home for lunch or have a snack at school.

Exams

At 15—16 years old school children take public exams. They are not usually set up by the government (rather by independent examining boards). Each school or Local Education Authority decides which exams their pupils are to take. The boards publish syllabus for each subject. There is no single school-leaving exam or school-leaving certificate. Usually a vast range of subjects is offered for school children. Nearly all pupils do exam in English, Maths and Science. Most do exams in technology and in a foreign language. Some pupils take exams in 3—4 additional subjects.

Usually exams have nothing to do with school years. Once the examining boards decided to include certain popular television programmes on their literature syllabus.

At the age of 16 pupils can leave school. But quite a lot of them want to continue their education. Only 1/3 of all leave school at 16 and look for a job. (The general level of unemployed is high today. Some of them find job immediately and many take part in training schemes (which means job combined with part-time college courses).

In 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. In 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, Scotish universities. By 1600 Scot-land had 4 universities — Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews. St. Andrews resembles Oxbridge very much. In the other three most of the students live at home or find their rooms in town. The process of study at these universities is very close to the continental one. There is less specialization than at Oxbridge.

During the 19th century various institutions of higher education (usually technical ones) were founded in the industrial towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

Their buildings were of local brick, so they got the name «redbrick» universities. They contrasted chiefly with Oxford and Cambridge. At first, they prepared students for London University degrees, but later they were given the right to award their own degrees. They became universities themselves. Now they accept students from all over the country. These universities are financed by local authority.

One of the developments in education in Britain is certainly the Open University. It was founded in 1971. Some people don’t have an opportunity to study full-time, and this university allows them to study for degree. The university’s courses are taught through television, radio and course books. Its students work individually and with tutors, to whom they send their papers. The students discuss their work at meetings or through correspondence. In summer they attend short courses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-d3L3F_ELo

AMERICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM: AN OVERVIEW

 GUIDE TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES

AMERICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM: AN OVERVIEW

General Information

The American education system is unlike that in many other countries. Though the U.S. Federal government contributes almost 10% to the national education budget, education is primarily the responsibility of state and local government.

For example, in Minnesota, almost 80 percent of public education funds come from state sources. About 17 percent comes from local sources, while less than 5 percent comes from the Federal government. Every State has its own department of education and laws regulating finance, the hiring of school personnel, student attendance, and curriculum.

States also determine the number of years of compulsory education: in most states, education is compulsory from five or six to sixteen; but in some states teens have to stay on in school until age 18.

So, every state has great control over what is taught in its schools and over the requirements that a student must meet, and it is also responsible for the funding of schooling.

In most States, the public education system is further divided into local school districts, which are managed by a school board, representing the local community. School districts can be small, covering just a small town or rural county, or enormous, covering a whole large city; according to their local policy, they are responsible for coordinating education policies, planning for changing educational needs in the community, and often even establishing programs and curricula. They will also delegate a varying amount of freedom or independence to each individual school within their sector (with some exceptions, such as general rules concerning health and safety).

Public schools have also relied heavily on local property taxes to meet the vast majority of school expenses. American schools have thus tended to reflect the educational values and financial capabilities of the communities in which they are located.

Therefore, there is huge variation among schools regarding courses, subjects, and other activities – it always depends on where the school is located. Still, there are some common points, as e.g. the division of the education system into three levels: elementary/primary education, secondary education, and postsecondary/higher education (college or university).

Formal schooling lasts 12 years, until around age 18. Compulsory schooling, though, ends by age 16 in most states; the remaining states require students to attend school until they are 17 or 18. All children in the United States have access to free public schools. Private schools (religious and non-sectarian) are available, but students must pay tuition to attend them.

Many states and communities provide schools or special classes for children with special educational needs, including those with emotional and behavioural problems, moderate and severe learning difficulties, communication problems, partial hearing or physical disabilities.

There are also private schools catering for gifted and talented children, and most public schools have gifted and talented programs. In the following description of the U.S. education structure, we will focus on early childhood, primary and secondary education systems.

How Age is counted in the United States

In the United States, a person's age is counted starting from physical birth (rather than, as in some cultures for example, from conception).

Newborns start at zero, and each passing of a 12 months period from the original date of birth adds one year to the person's age. So, for example, if a child was born on February 9th, 2000, the same child would be: 1 year old on February 9th, 2001; two years old on February 9th, 2002; and so forth.

Education System Structure

Age Newborn to 5 years: Early Childhood Education

Day Careis one form of early childhood education. Day Care refers to early childhood settings that focus their goal on substitute care for children while their parents are absent (i.e.: working or in school). They could involve academic training, or they could involve solely socializing activities. Day Care is not required and is not free; in fact, depending on the setting, it could be quite expensive. Day Care programs usually offer daily programs, for up to 12 hours. Meals, depending on the school, may be provided by the family or by the school.

Transportation to and from the program is generally the responsibility of parents. Some private day care programs might offer private transportation, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Parents’ degrees of use of Day Care services vary greatly across families, depending on their specific situation (i.e.: parents’ schedule, availability of funding, etc.).

Pre-School (also called Pre-K or PK or Pre-Kindergarten) refers to the first formal academic classroom-based learning environment that a child customarily attends in the United States. It begins around the age of three in order to prepare for the more didactic and academically intensive kindergarten, the traditional "first" class that school children participate in.

Pre-Kindergarten AGE 3 - 4

Pre-Schools differentiate themselves by equally focusing on harvesting a child's (1) social development, (2) physical development, (3) emotional development, and (4) cognitive development. They commonly follow a set of organization-created teaching standards in shaping curriculum and instructional activities/goals.

Some pre-school programs have adopted specialized methods of teaching, such as Montessori, Waldorf,  High Reach Learning, High Scope, The Creative Curriculum,Reggio Emilia approach, Bank Street and various other Western pedagogies which contribute to the foundation of education.

Pre-School is not required. On the other hand, it acts as a way to prepare children to better succeed in a kindergarten. Pre-School programs usually offer two- or three-hour sessions per day, a few days per week. Children learn the alphabet, colors, and other elementary basics.  Pre-School programs are not free: they have to be financed by the family. Meals, depending on the school, may be provided by the family or by the school. Transportation to and from the program is generally the responsibility of parents (although some pre-school programs might make busing available to families for a fee; these programs are the exception, rather than the rule).

To learn more about Day Care and Pre-School Programs, and to access additional resources available to you, visit the Day Care and Pre-School Education section.

Age 5 years to 18 years: K-12m

U.S. educators frequently use the terms K-12 education to refer to all primary and secondary education, from Kindergarten prior to the first year (or 1st grade) of formal schooling, through secondary graduation (12th Grade).

One of the following four patterns usually prevails in the community:

1)Elementary school (K-5), middle school (6-8), high school (9-12);

Or 2) Elementary school (K-6), junior high school (7-9), senior high school (9-12);

Or 3) Elementary school (K-8), high school (9-12);

Or 4)Elementary school (K-6), and junior and high school combined (7-12).

U.S. children enter formal schooling around age 5. The first pattern (see above) is the most common one. Elementary students are typically in one classroom with the same teacher most of the day.

After elementary school, students proceed to junior high school (also called middle school), where they usually move from class to class each period, with a new teacher and a new mixture of students in every class. Students can select from a wide range of academic classes and elective classes.

During both Elementary and Middle School (or Junior High), children generally stay in the classroom an average of 6.5 to 7 hours. Families have the option to select before and after school programs < School-Age Child Care >, which are generally made available through the school. However, these programs are not free: the family will have to finance their cost. If the programs are in a location different from the school grounds, transportation from and to school will be provided by the school.

In High School, students in their first year are called freshman, in their second year sophomore, in their third year junior, and in their last and fourth year senior.

There is an even greater variety of subjects than before. Students generally stay in the classroom an average of 7.5 hours and must earn a certain number of credits (which they  get for a successfully completed course) in order to graduate and be awarded with a High School Diploma – there is no final examination like in many other countries.

The number and combination of classes necessary depend on the school district and on the kind of diploma desired. The following two links are examples of different high school graduation requirements: Edina Graduation Requirements

South St. Paul Graduation Requirements

Only with a high school diploma students can enroll in postsecondary education. It is important to know that colleges and universities sometimes require certain high school credits or tests (e.g. SAT) for admission, and students must plan their high school career with those requirements in mind.

During their high school years, students are given "grades" for all their courses, and these are recorded. At the end of 12th Grade, the pupil's grades are averaged out to provide a "GPA" or Grade Point Average, which will often be used as a selection criterion when they apply to college or university. Students in 12th Grade also take "SAT's", Scholastic Aptitude Tests, or “ACTs”, American College Tests.

These are the second principal tests used as criteria for admission to college or university; but they are not exams in the same way as their European or Japanese equivalents (French baccalauréat, German Abitur, English "A" levels), and are generally less demanding.

The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States.

The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a non-profit organization in the United States. The College Board claims that the SAT can determine whether or not a person is ready for college. The current SAT Reasoning Test takes three hours and forty-five minutes. Since the SAT's introduction in 1901, its name and scoring has changed several times. In 2005, the test was renamed as "SAT Reasoning Test" with possible scores from 600 to 2400 combining test results from three 800-point sections (math, critical reading, and writing), along with other subsections scored separately. The test consists almost entirely of multiple choice questions, with the exception of the essay writing section.

The ACT test is another standardized test for college admission in the United States. The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college level work. It consists of a multiple-choice section covering four skill areas (English, mathematics, reading, and science), and a Writing Test, which is optional, measuring skill in planning and writing a short essay.

Generally, colleges require one or the other test for college admission.

For Additional Information about K-12 Schooling you can visit the Elementary and Secondary

Education section.

Separation of State and Religion

The US constitution requires the separation of state and religion and forbids religious observance in public schools, but in some schools children are still expected to participate in the ritual morning pledge of allegiance to the American flag in many schools (although the words ‘under God’ are optional).

Parental Involvement

An aspect of the US education system is the high degree of parental involvement. ‘Parent power’ isn’t only accepted, but is welcomed and encouraged through local Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) attached to every school. PTAs meet regularly and concern themselves with many aspects of a school’s affairs including the curriculum, facilities, school hours and after-school activities and programs. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings and show an interest in the school and their children’s education (it is also a good way for newcomers to make friends). Schools organize parent days, ‘back to school’ nights and parent-teacher conferences, where parents can meet teachers and examine their child’s school timetable.

Individual Responsibility

Individual responsibility has an important place in the American value system. This value is taught to children from a young age. For example, beginning from kindergarten, each year students are given a handbook that outlines the details of the school’s policies and procedures, and the consequences for violating them. The handbook includes policies on Hazing, Personal Possessions, and Harassment, and is designed to help parents and students understand the district’s guidelines for acceptable behavior in all of these areas. BOTH parents and students are expected to read it and sign a form attesting they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Many teachers also ask students to sign a handout detailing policies and procedures to follow in their classes.

The following is a Map of the U.S. Education System combining all patterns at the primary and secondary education level and including post-secondary education system.

Chart Adapted from U.S. Department of Education, NationalCenter for Education Statistics

Introduction to The System Education in the USA

The Education System in the USA

Introduction

In the USA, children start school when they are five or six years old. Depending on the state, schooling is compulsory until the age of 16 or 18. Children younger than five can go to a nursery school or preschool.

At the age of five or six, the children attend elementary school (also known as grade school or grammar school), which last six years. The fist year at elementary school is called kindergarten.

After elementary school, students attend middle school (also known as junior high school) for three years. Then they continue at high school. In some states, students have to stay in school until they are 18 years old. In other states they may leave school at 16 or 17 with parental permission.

Age        School

< 5          nursery school / preschool

5-11       elementary school

11-14     middle school / junior high school

14-18     high school / senior high school

When students in the USA say what year they are in, they usually use ordinal numbers, e. g. ‘tenth grade’. (In the UK students would use cardinal numbers, e. g. ‘year ten’.)

Classes

At elementary school pupils primarily learn how to read, write and count. There are about 20 to 30 pupils in one class.

At junior and senior high school, mandatory subjects are English, maths, biology, chemistry, physics, physical education and history. Schools also offer optional courses from which the students can choose, e. g. art, modern languages, computers. Physical education is a very important subject in the United States – many students participate in sports programs.

Gifted and talented students can take advanced courses in their schools or attend additional courses at community colleges in the afternoons or during the holidays. Often such courses are later acknowledged by universities, and can facilitate early graduation.

Grading Scale

In the USA (as in other English speaking countries) letter grades are used in reports.

A > 90 % (excellent)

B > 80 % (very good)

C > 70 % (improvement needed)

D > 60 % (close fail)

E > 50 % (fail)

F < 50 % (fail)

In general, only grades A to C are a 'pass' – a plus (+) or minus (-) might be added (e. g. A-, B+).

Different Kinds of Schools

Most students in the USA are enrolled in public schools. These are financed through taxes, so parents do not have to pay for their children's education. About 10 % of US students attend private schools, where parents have to pay a yearly fee.

Another option is homeschooling: approximately 1-2 % of parents in the USA educate their children at home. Some reasons for homeschooling are religious views, special needs (e. g. handicapped children), or problems in traditional schools (bullying, drugs etc.). However, there is also opposition to homeschooling claiming that the students have difficulties socializing with others, that homeschooling (often carried out by the parents) is of a poor academic quality and that (especially concerning religion) extremist views might be encouraged.

School Uniforms

It is not common for students in the USA to wear school uniforms, but many schools have dress codes telling students what kind of clothing is or is not allowed in school. Some schools (especially private schools) have started to require their students to wear school uniforms in order to improve school discipline and avoid 'fashion cliques'.

https://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/countries/usa/school

https://educationusa.state.gov/ 

The United Kingdom's Geographic Challenge

Stratfor examines the main geographic factors that have shaped the British Isles and its relationships, internally and externally.

Introducing Great Britain

Start exploring Great Britain with Lonely Planet’s video guide to getting around, when to go and the top things to do while you're there. For more travel tips, head to...

Window on Britain

Discover the History of English

Did you know that the English word "human" has a Latin origin? And did you know that the word "people" actually comes from French? Today, hundreds of millions of people speak English either as their first or second language. But hundreds of years ago, the English language that we know today did not exist. It has been evolving through the centuries and continues to do so now. In this lesson, I will teach you the history of invasions, migrations, and other influences that have helped to shape English as we know it. You will also discover English words that have origins in Latin, French, and other languages. Don't miss this fascinating lesson!

History of English (combined)

Take a look at the history of the English language (this is a combination of all 10 parts of the series into one video)

Where did English come from?

When we talk about ‘English’, we often think of it as a single language. But what do the dialects spoken in dozens of countries around the world have in common with each other, or with the writings of Chaucer? Claire Bowern traces the language from the present day back to its ancient roots, showing how English has evolved through generations of speakers.

Материал для самостоятельной работы

Материал для самостоятельной работы по дисциплине Лингвострановедение (английский язык) направление Лингвистика 3 курс АО Бакалавриат

Part 1 – the UK

Задание - 100 баллов

Составить тесты (кол-во – 25).

Каждый вопрос должен быть представлен пятью вариантами.

Образцы тестов: 

1)      Выбор одного правильного ответа (1 вопрос - 4 балла)

Выберите правильный ответ

What parts does the United Kingdom consist of? ______

№да

England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

№нет

England, Scotland, Wales

№нет

England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland

№нет

England, Scotland, Wales, Northern and South Ireland

 

2)      Выбор двух правильных ответов (1 вопрос - 4 балла)

Выберите два правильных варианта

These sights we can visit in the USA________

№да

Disneyland

№да

The Grand Canyon

№нет

The National Railway Museum

№нет

Windsor Castle

№вопрос2

3)      Установить соответствие (1 вопрос - 4 балла)

Образуйте словосочетание, установив соответствие между словами

1.Senate

2.assembly

3.White House

4.Downing Street

№да

the smaller upper assembly in the US

№да

a group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose

№да

the official home in Washington DC of the President of the United States

№да

 the official home of the UK prime minister

4)      Расположить в правильной последовательности (1 вопрос - 4 балла)

Расположите пропущенные фрагменты в правильной последовательности

For the first 15 or 20 years after the Declaration was written, people didn’t celebrate it much on any date. It was too new and too much else was happening in the young nation.

1.______________________________________________________________

One party, the Democratic-Republicans, admired Jefferson and the Declaration. But the other party, the Federalists, thought the Declaration was too French and too anti-British, which went against their current policies.

By 1817, John Adams complained in a letter that America seemed uninterested in its past. But that would soon change.

2._____________________________________________________________

Printed copies of the Declaration began to circulate again, all with the date July 4, 1776, listed at the top. The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4, 1826, may even have helped to promote the idea of July 4 as an important date to be celebrated.

3._____________________________________________________________

Almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written. Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas.

4.____________________________________________________________

And now they do keep to this date.

№да

By the 1790s, a time of bitter partisan conflicts, the Declaration had become controversial.

№да

Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870. Almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written.

№да

Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870.

№да

Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1939 and 1941.

5)      Заполнить пропуск / Ответить одним словом (1 вопрос - 4 балла)

Заполните пропуск

Once a student finishes secondary education they have the option to extend into further education to take their _______, GNVQ's, BTEC's or other such qualifications.

№да

A-Levels

1 группа (акад)

ФИО студента	Тема для разработки тестов
	British Monarchy
	The British Political System
	Parliament
	Population and Religion
	The System of Justice

 

2 группа (акад)

ФИО студента	Тема для разработки тестов
	British Monarchy
	The British Political System
	Parliament
	Population and Religion
	The System of Justice

3 группа (акад)

ФИО студента	Тема для разработки тестов
	British Monarchy
	The British Political System
	Parliament
	Population and Religion
	The System of Justice