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.