School Education in Britain and the USA

School Education in Britain and the USA

1. What types of schools do they have in the UK?

Nursery - Non-compulsory schooling for 3-4 year olds

Infant schools - Children aged 4 - 7 Junior Schools - Children aged 7 – 11

Primary schools - Combining Infant, Junior and often Nursery classes within one school

Secondary schools - for all pupils aged 11 - 16 years. Some provide additional schooling for students from 16 - 18 years.

Sixth form colleges (non-compulsory) - for students 16 - 18 years

Special schools - For the education of children with various physical, emotional and behavioral learning needs which cannot be met in the mainstream. Independent or private schools are fee paying. They normally follow the NC or the IB.

2. When do children start/leave school?

Local authority maintained schools to all children between the ages of 5 – 16.

3. What are the stages of schooling according to age? + 4. What exams do pupils have to take?

·         Primary Education

·            Infant School or Primary School

·               Reception, age 4 to 5

·               Year 1, age 5 to 6

·               Year 2, age 6 to 7 (KS1 National Curriculum Tests - England only)

·            Junior School or Primary School

·               Year 3, age 7 to 8

·               Year 4, age 8 to 9

·               Year 5, age 9 to 10

·               Year 6, age 10 to 11 (Eleven plus exams in some areas of England, Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests)

·         Secondary Education

·            Middle School, High School or Secondary School

·               Year 7, old First Form, age 11 to 12

·               Year 8, old Second Form, age 12 to 13

·               Year 9, old Third Form, age 13 to 14 (Key Stage 3 National Curriculum Tests, known as SATs (Standard Assessment Tests))

·            Upper School or Secondary School

·               Year 10, old Fourth Form, age 14 to 15

·               Year 11, old Fifth Form, age 15 to 16 (old O Level examinations, modern GCSE examinations)

·            Upper School, Secondary School, or Sixth Form College

·               Year 12 or Lower Sixth, age 16 to 17 (AS-level examinations)

·               Year 13 or Upper Sixth, age 17 to 18 (A2-level examinations. Both AS-levels and A2-levels count towards A-levels .)

5. Do school leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university?

School leavers have to take A-level exam.

6. It is well known that there is no written constitution in the UK. Is there such a thing as a national curriculum?

The National Curriculum covers learning for all children aged 5-16 in state schools, and sets out:

·         which subjects should be taught

·         the knowledge, skills and understanding your child should achieve in each subject (according to your child’s age)

·         targets - so teachers can measure how well your child is doing in each subject

·         how information on your child’s progress should be passed on to you

7. How long should it take to complete full-time compulsory education?

It should take twelve years.

8. What should primary school and secondary school concentrate on?

Education in primary schools is rather traditional: it concentrates on reading, writing and basic mathematics, but also touches already a very broad range of topics (biology, music, religion, history, etc.). When graduating from primary school around the age of 12, students enter secondary education. Here they have to choose a course that they want to follow, depending on their skill level and interests.

9. In what case can entrance exams be abandoned?

Entrance exams can be abandoned only if standardized external testing of high school students is introduced throughout the country.

10. What should be admission requirements to primary and secondary school?

Primary school should concentrate on basic skills while secondary school should offer a wider curriculum, with most subjects being optional.

11. What is the purpose of elite school education? 

The overall purpose of elite school education seems to be the promotion of the human intellectual capacities related to creativity.

12. What subjects should be an integral part of school curriculum? What subjects can be optional for university students?

core subjects — English, mathematics, and science ,seven other foundation subjects — technology (including design), history, geography, music, art, physical education, and a modern foreign

13. What is the essence of private schooling in Russia?

Private schooling in Russia doesn't necessarily mean an elite education.

14. What is a problem pupil?

A problem pupil is one who abuses fellow students and interferes with their learning not only by ongoing individual bullying and harassment but also by disrupting lessons at the detriment of entire class.

15. What is your idea of a good teacher?

A good teacher is one who is able to bond with his/her students, to understand and to resonate with their feelings and emotions.

16. Looking back on your school days, what experiences can you describe as the most 1) memorable, 2) exciting, 3) painful?

1)the last bell 2)the same 3)when I’ve received the result of my history exam

17. How do you feel on the morning of an exam?

I feel well

18. In your opinion, which exam is easier to pass: oral or written?

I think that written exam is rather easier , because you can think twice before giving the answer

19. Do you prefer to be the first to answer in an oral exam?

No I prefer to be in the mile because I usually afraid of exams and it is easier for me to wait some time in order to calm myself down

20. Do you use rough-work sheets in a written exam? Why?

Yes in order to correct something in time.

21. Do you feel uncomfortable if a teacher stands next to you during a written exam?

Yes , I’m nervous during such moments

22. Do you think a crib can be of any use?

Yes ,it is useful if you have a plenty of time for preparing in other case it only complicates situation.

23. Have you ever panicked during an exam?

Every time

24. Do you think it is a way out to copy from other students?

No , it is not. I believe it is obvious when a student use someone's material

25. What is the most difficult thing about exams?

To prepare for them properly

26. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools (boarding schools, co-educational vs single-sex schools, school uniforms)?

Private schools, unlike their public counterparts, are not free to the public, and families must consider costs when choosing a private or public school. Tuition for private schools can be costly, and while some offer scholarships or sliding scale fees based on need, many do not. Furthermore, some schools may charge tuition up front, or they may allow parents to pay on a monthly basis. Another cost consideration is that families of private school students must provide their own transportation to and from the school. 

27. Is it a good idea for pupils to specialize in their “best” subjects at school?

Yes , I believe it is a good idea , because it will be very useful for their future profession.

28. What's the best age for children to start primary school? Why? 

Frankly speaking I think it is better to start the education as earlier as it is possible.

29. Should children stay at school until they are 18 or 19? 

No they shouldn't they should go on further education 

30. Is it a good idea for pupils to participate in the running of schools?

Yes , because all children want to be significant.

31. Are national and international exams necessary? What are the pros and cons of regular performance tests and continuous assessment by teachers and lecturers?

Exams are absolutely necessary because they show teachers and parents the level of children’s education. On the other hand the process of passing the exam is very nervous 

32. Can computers assess learning?

Yes , but only part of it because works of creative character can not be checked by electronics.

Laboratory Work

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

MP3 AUDIO 3.1

1. You’ll hear short descriptions of the education systems in England, the USA and Australia. Make notes on how a ‘typical’ pupil passes the system in each country.

Educational Institutions in Order	England	the USA	Australia
1	primary school (age 5)	elementary school (age 6)	primary school (5)
2	secondary (comprehensive) (11-16)	junior-high school (11)	intermediate school(11)
3	GCSE (16)	senior-high school (14)	high school (age 13)
4	A-level (18)	High School

2. Listen again and check your knowledge of the education systems in Britain and the USA. Fill in the gaps in these sentences.

1.    Before they start school, very young children in Britain may go to a nursery school where they play with other children and learn to socialize.

2.    British children start primary school at the age of 5 and move to a secondary school at 11 or 13. At the age of 18 or 19 they may go on to high education at a university, polytechnic or college.

3.    At the age of 16, British pupils take GCSE exams. They may stay on at school to take A-level two years later when they are in the sixth form.

4.    A British school or university year is divided into three terms; in America the year is divided into two terms.

5.    In Britain, private boarding schools are known as independent schools – in the USA, this term refers to the normal kind or state schools.

6.    At the end of a university course, graduates are awarded a degree - probably a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science) or Bed Bachelor of Education); post-graduates can take a further course or do research and write a dissertation in the hope of getting an MA (Master of Arts) or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

2. What are the main differences between the education system in Russia and those described in the recording? Give a brief account of the education system in Russia.

Education in Russia is organised and coordinated by the state, which ensures that general education is free and available for everyone. Most schools are state schools but private schools have also been established in recent years.

Education usually begins with pre-school before the age of six, although it is not compulsory. Children typically go to kindergartens or other pre-schools which focus on both intellectual and physical activities. The next step is primary school, which is part of the general education programme.

General education in Russia comprises three stages: primary education, which lasts for four years; basic general education lasting for five years and secondary education which lasts for two to three years.

Russian general education is aimed at the intellectual, emotional, moral and physical development of the individual. It aims to develop the abilities that will allow a student to adapt to life in society as well as helping individuals to make conscious choices concerning professional education.

General education normally consists of 34 weeks of study per year and 27 to 36 hours of study per week. The academic year typically runs from 1 September to the beginning of June. School examinations are in June.

The language of instruction is Russian in all state-accredited educational institutions, except in pre-schools. Citizens of the Russian Federation also have the right to receive their basic general education in their native languages. 

General education is compulsory. The basic curriculum for has some compulsory fields of study such as the Russian language, foreign languages, mathematics, history, politics, natural sciences etc. Every school designs its own curriculum, which is based on state requirements, and there can be some extra or optional disciplines. In Moscow, there are also schools that specialise in certain subjects, such as maths, music, arts, and sports. These schools can also offer extra education for children, alongside the general courses.

After completing primary and basic general education, the students participate in final examinations. They are awarded a Certificate of Basic General Education, Attestat ob Osnovom Obshchem Obrazovani, which entitles the student to be admitted to either secondary general education, to vocational education or to non-university level higher education.

After completing the secondary general education, the students need to pass the State final attestation (final examinations), after which they will be awarded a Certificate of Secondary General Education, Attestat ob Sredem Obshchem Obrazovanii. This school leaving certificate will allow students to continue to higher education: either vocational education or both non-university and university level education.

Recently, new types of secondary schools have emerged called gymnasium and lyceum, which can be both state owned or private. The duration of studies can exceed that of secondary general schools, and the educational programmes can be more advanced.

In total, general education takes 11 years to complete. Children are enrolled in schools at the age of six and normally they finish school by the age of 17.

FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

MP3 AUDIO 3.2

1. You’ll hear two accounts of a first day at school – one from a little boy’s point of view, the other from a young teacher’s point of view. The first extract is taken from ‘Cider with Rosie’ by Laurie Lee (1959), the second extract is from ‘Decline and Fall’ by Evelyn Waugh (1928). How did the two protagonists feel about the first class before the day started and after it finished? Sort the adjectives in the table to characterize the emotions of the main characters on the first day at school. You will not need to use ALL the adjectives.  

EMOTIONS	LAURIE LEE	PAUL PENNYFEATHER
agreeable         angry              bewildered brave               calm                clumsy defeated         delightful        eager embarrassed    fierce               grumpy happy              helpless           jolly lively               nervous           obedient obnoxious       panicky           proud relieved           repulsive         scary thankful          thoughtless     uptight victorious        worried           zealous	grumpy , defeated , obedient, uptight, worried, obnoxious, angry	panicky , nervous , helpless ,  eager , fierce

2. Comment on each emotion in the above task using the information in the audio stories.

Laurie Lee felt grumpy as he behaved too childish on his first day at school.

Laurie Lee felt defeated &obedient when his sisters forced him to go to school.

Laurie Lee felt uptight& worried as he experienced school life the first time.

Laurie Lee felt obnoxious& angry because of the absence of present.

Paul Pennyfeather felt panicky&nervous as he thougth that he couldn’t calm the children down.

Paul Pennyfeather felt eager because he couldn’t listen to all children greetings.

Paul Pennyfeather felt helpless& fierce because he didn’t find way to calm the boys and had to shout.

3. Here are some excerpts about school from ‘Decline and Fall’ by Evelyn Waugh. What impression about school education do you get after reading the excerpts? Give a small account of the school, the staff, and pupils described by the author.

‘Augustus Fagan, Esquire, Ph.D., Llanabba Castle, N.Wales, requires immediately junior assistant to teach Classics and English to University Standard with subsidiary Mathematics, German and French. Experience essential; first-class games essential...’

'Might have been made for you,' said Mr. Levy.

'But I don't know a word of German, I've had no experience, I've got no testimonials, and I can't play cricket,' said Paul.

'It doesn't do to be too modest,' said Mr. Levy. 'It's wonderful what one can teach when one tries..' (Part One, Chapter One)

'But what am I to teach them?' said Paul in sudden panic.

'Oh, you shouldn't try to teach them anything, not just yet, anyway. Just keep them quiet.' (Part One, Chapter V)

"We class schools, you see, into four grades: Leading School, First-rate School, Good School, and School. Frankly," said Mr. Levy, "School is pretty bad..." (Part One, Chapter One)

Unfortunately , it is very difficult to judge this particular school and its level of education , because of the very short excerpts, but I can say a few words about my first impression. I can’t even imagine a school where a teacher has no work experience and knows no word of a required language. A school is a place where children are taught ,in order to be well-educated and it is impossible without qualified teachers.

LIVE AND LEARN

MP3 AUDIO 3.3

1. In your opinion, what are the reasons students stay away from school? Think about boredom, influence of friends, problems at school, family problems. What problems can truancy cause a student?

Truancy is when children leave for school or go to school but then slip off to meet with friends or do something that may involve breaking rules.

There are many problems that can cause truancy.Children  may be wanting to get attention, trying to impress their friends or they may    be angry because of school or home problems. Truancy may happen when there are learning problems. Children who truant a lot sometimes go on to break the law as they get older. Children who truant usually try not to let their parents find out. Truancy sometimes happens when parents are not very interested in the child getting a good education, and perhaps don’t get on very well with the school themselves.

2. You are going to listen to the interview with headmaster of East Crompton Comprehensive School Dr. Charles Greenway. For questions 1-7 choose the correct answer (A, B or C).

1. B    

2. C    

3. A    

4. B

5. A

6. A

7. A

3. Which of the following things would be most effective in combating truancy? Rank them and give a short account describing your choice.

-          more interesting lessons – I believe it is the only way to solve the problem of truancy, because an interesting lesson will attract students to attend it

-          more responsible parenting – Parents are responsible for their children and they should control them

-          teaching students to respect school  - It is also very important because children spend at school most part of their time as well as teachers and students should respect everything which is one for them

-          police involvement – I don’t think that police can somehow solve this problem

-          strict punishment – Is not the way to solve the problem at all

MP3 AUDIO 3.4

1. Listen to two people discussing the issue of public vs. state schooling. What are they saying about: cost, quality of education, increased life chances? What do you agree with most?

Speaking about the cost of education it is an open secret that public schools are available mostly for rich people when state schools are free. On the other hand public schools provide their student with plenty of opportunities such as many optional subjects and the ability to enter the best universities of the country