Education in Great Britain

The system of education in any country is aimed at developing a personality for the good of the individual and society as a whole.

Pre-school education in England begins at the age of 3 or 4. Around half of the children at this age attend nursery schools or playgroups mostly organized by parents. Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland and at 4 in Northern Ireland. Children start their school career in an infant school. Lessons start at 9 a.m. and are over at 4 p.m. They are taught “3 R’s”: Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic. Pupils have a lot of fun at school, drawing, reading, dancing or singing.

When they are 7 pupils move to a junior school, which lasts four years till they are 11. Most of children (over 90 per cent) go to state schools where education is free. Only a small proportion of them attend private (Public) or independent schools. Parents have to pay for the education at these schools. The fees are high and only some families can afford it. The most notable Public schools are Eton, Harrow, Winchester and Rugby.

Secondary education begins at 11. The majority of secondary schools are Comprehensive schools where boys and girls study together. Besides, parents can take their sons and daughters to Grammar schools or secondary Modern schools.

Grammar schools provide an academic course from 11 to 18. They prepare pupils for colleges and universities.

Many children of working class families go to Modern schools. They give a very limited education. Pupils get instruction in woodwork, metalwork, sewing, shorthand, typing and cooking. After finishing such a school a pupil becomes an unskilled worker.

The Comprehensive Schools have their own “Grammar school” classes and “Modern” classes.

Every pupil has to choose a set of subjects to learn. If he takes up Art he will study English Literature, Music, Art, Drama and foreign languages. If he is good at exact and natural sciences, he will learn Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics and Technical Drawing.

The British government encourages careers education in the country. That’s why secondary schools try to break down the barriers between education and business. They set up close links with firms to allow their students to take part in business activities.

At around 16 years old teenagers take some exams and coursework to get General Certificate of Education. Those who choose to stay on at school usually study for two further years to pass A level (Advanced level) exams. These exams will give them a chance to enter the university.

12. Translate into English:

Преследовать цель, дошкольное образование, посещать, обязательный, начальное образование, подготовительная школа, начальная школа, среднее образование, ограниченный, шитье, стенография, неквалифицированный, поощрять, связь.

13. Answer the questions:

1. What is a system of education aimed to?

2. When does the pre-school education in England begin in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

3. When does the compulsory education begin in England?

4. What are “3 R’s” of the infant school?

5. What are the most famous Public schools in England?

6. What are Grammar and Comprehensive schools?

7. What are Modern schools?

8. Are there compulsory subjects in the UK?

9. What exams must be taken to enter the University?