Studying inBritain

HISTORY

Today British education run by government Government provides money and standards Historically education was voluntary & set up by

Churches Church influence still strong today with daily prayers All students given right to free secondary & good

education In 1989, National Curriculum was set: all must study

English, mathematics, science, religious, history, geography, technology, music, art, modern foreign language, and all must pass National tests

PRESENT EDUCATION SYSTEM OBLIGATORY: age of 5-15 (4-15 in Northern Ireland) All may choose state (free) or private schools Students usually go near home but may go a

distance for better education Students in the age of 5-11 attend primary school, 11-

19 are in secondary school At the end of primary school, national test is held to

get GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), which shows progress/course pursue

After finishing secondary school, students may quit or continue to university or vocational training

Primary School Subjects

One teacher teaches:– Art– Analysis– Drama– English– Geography– History– Mathematics

Secondary School Subjects

Mathematics Science Technology and design Information Technology English Foreign languages

(French, German, Spanish)

Geography

History Social Education Religion Cooking Music Physical education Greek and Latin

HIGHER EDUCATION

Most Universities are paid by government University of Buckingham is an exception

(private university) There is The Open University (TOU): no

requirements to register, take courses through textbooks, TV, radio, correspondence, videos, and a network study centers

Students of TOU are from many backgrounds: coal miners to housewives

Undergraduate Courses

Usually only three years Specialise in one subject Entrance requirements

– Good English proficiency– Previous examinations

Postgraduate courses

Masters– Can be teaching or research based– Usually examined by dissertation– One or two years

Doctorate– Always research, never taught

University degrees

Bachelor’s degrees– B.A., B.Sc., B.Ed.

Master’s degrees– M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil.

Doctorates– Ph.D.

Oxford University

Students at Cambridge

Questions to Ponder

What are the main differences between education in Britain and in your own country?

Do you think education should be free? Are there advantages in a fee-paying system?

Is a university education necessary for professional jobs? What other ways are there to get professional qualifications?