The British education system is probably one of the most conservative in the world. This is partly due to her age - the country and the emergence of the first secondary schools in Oxford date back to the twelfth century. From then until today, discipline and a high level of teaching quality have remained the main features of the British education system. However, this does not mean that it has not undergone any changes. On the contrary, the English education system has not only evolved with the times, but often surpasses it: here the pursuit of excellence and reverence for tradition coexist perfectly with the latest educational programmes and practices.
The advantages of studying at a UK university
Studying at a UK university is a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get a world-class education, but you also experience a vibrant culture and make lifelong friends. From the hustle and bustle of London and Manchester to the picturesque Cornish countryside, there is something for everyone in the UK.
Studying in the UK gives students access to some of the best universities in the world. With first-class facilities and renowned staff, these universities offer students an unrivalled learning experience. In addition, many colleges offer courses suitable for international students, enabling them to gain valuable knowledge in their chosen field, as well as an understanding of English culture and language.
In addition, studying at a university in England can provide students with valuable networking opportunities. With a diverse population and thriving economy, England is home to some of the most influential people in business and politics. By attending university here, you can make connections that will help you in your career after graduation.
The structure of primary education in the UK.
The UK primary education system is very different from schools in other countries. Education in the UK is considered to be one of the most prestigious and high quality. Parents from many different countries tend to send their children to schools in the UK
General information about primary education
Primary education in the UK is called primary school and lasts between 5 and 11 years. However, children as early as 3-4 years old attend a preparatory class or kindergarten organised by a school-repeat school. This step is not compulsory, but it will help the child to start learning in primary school more easily. Thus, unlike some foreign children, the British start their education very early.
Usually classes in British schools are small, so teachers pay enough attention to all children and are aware of all their achievements and failures. The groups of children maintain a friendly and comfortable atmosphere and the teachers treat the pupils with respect.
Primary school education develops pupils' social skills to a large extent. As a result, children learn to interact with others and to take responsibility for their own words and actions. In schools, both private and public, any discrimination based on colour, gender etc. is discouraged. Children are taught to be tolerant and more open to the world.
Primary school curriculum
All primary education is divided into two levels according to age: KS1 - 5-7 years and KS2 - 7-11 years. Each level therefore studies a different subject.
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KS1 - English, Mathematics, Literature, Natural Sciences (Chemistry. Physics, Biology), sports, art, music, and the basics of computer literacy. The education is not abstract, but applied: the programme is explained in subjects that the child can understand. Thanks to this, the knowledge gained in the first year of school can easily be applied by the pupils in their everyday lives.
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KS2 - In addition to KS1 level subjects, children also study history and geography, the humanities. Again at KS2 level, the procedures become more complex. Education is based on the study of the world around them, just as it is in the first year of school.
Tests are administered regularly in order to monitor academic performance and the assimilation of knowledge.
The gradual complexity of school subjects and the applied nature of knowledge enables the child to be better prepared for secondary and high school. By the end of primary school the child has a general idea of what he is interested in learning and he wants to do more.
The British school day model
The aim of education is for children to acquire knowledge that is useful to them in real life. In particular, a special daily routine is aimed at this.
The usual school day starts at 9.00 and lasts until 15.00. Lessons last 60 minutes.
The first two lessons, as a rule, are mathematics and English, the most difficult subjects, which require the greatest concentration. These lessons are followed by a large break lasting two hours. This is when the children play in the school playground, interact with each other and have lunch. After that, several easier lessons are held, for example, the basics of science, music, art etc. Much of the time in class is spent on creativity, research, science experiments and group work.
Types of primary schools in the UK
All British schools, including primary schools, are divided into three types - state secular, state religious and private. Let's consider the function of each type separately.
State secular schools
As a rule, state primary schools exist separately. Children enter an educational institution on a territorial basis: you need to choose a school located closer to home.
Education in state secular primary schools is free of charge and classes are mixed, boys and girls study together.
State religious schools
Primary education here is free, but unlike secular schools, funding comes from the state and the religious community. In addition, boys and girls study separately in such schools. Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Anglican, Hindu and other religious schools now operate in the UK.
Religious education, of course, plays an important role in such schools. However, these educational institutions offer strong academic knowledge - even of a higher quality than the state. It is for this reason that many parents seek to send their children to religious primary schools, but this is not easy to do: membership of a particular religious community is necessary for enrolment. It is also important that regular donations are made in her favour.
Private schools
Private primary schools charge fees. Sometimes the cost of study reaches £15,000. At the same time, the child receives a better education here. For entry to public schools, children pass an entrance exam. Especially a big competition and a queue of elite educational institutions. Because of this, parents often apply for admission immediately after the birth of their child.
There are now two types of private primary schools in the UK.
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Preparatory schools - not dependent on a secondary school.
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Junior schools - are linked to a specific secondary school and are the first step in education.
The cost of entry to a junior school is usually higher than that of a preparatory school.
The structure of secondary education in the UK
In state schools, 11-year-olds attend secondary school and graduate from primary school. Each year, pupils sit the General Academic Achievement Standards Assessment tasks, or SATs: tests developed and controlled by a government body that are the same for everyone. When a pupil completes secondary school, he passes the General Certificate of Secondary Education (or GCSE) examinations, gaining an Incomplete Secondary Education Certificate - today in the UK, this is the main and most common schooling document. GCSEs are designed to test the level of knowledge and education in each of the main subjects (GCSEs can also be taken in selected electives) and are divided into theory, practical and coursework. There are two types of such tests.
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GCSEs (external examinations) accepted throughout the UK
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IGCSE (International GCSE), which meets international standards and is more standardised.
Almost all state school students study regularly for GCSEs in Mathematics, Physical Education, English and Natural Sciences, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and Social Studies, but the latter exams are not held. GCSE 'desirable' subjects can include English Literature, Modern Foreign Languages, Design and Technology, and Religious Studies.
Public schools in the UK also provide for transition to secondary education after the age of 11, but there are some institutions that accept children aged 13 and over in principle - these are usually elite rated institutions. You will need to apply in advance and prepare for a fairly thorough entrance exam. The exams are set by an independent school board, which includes members of the school board: these are tests in English, mathematics and natural sciences; the results of studies in geography, foreign languages, history and religious studies are also taken into account.
By the age of 14-16, pupils have begun planning, intensively preparing for their GCSEs: it is recognised as the official document for secondary education in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Usually 8-10 subjects from the school curriculum are taken - exams are awaiting students at the end of the 11th year of study.
The highest mark for honours is considered to be an a* and the lowest mark is a U (students are not eligible). The marks from D to G belong to the 1stst level of qualification, the marks A*-C- to the second: the latter are considered more prepared students and have a higher chance of entering a good college or university (the most highly regarded educational institutions do not even sometimes accept C grades, only A*-B).
In private schools they can independently set a list of subjects to be examined at GCSE level, usually offering the following subjects.
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English
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English Literature
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Biology
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Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Arabic, Chinese)
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Geography
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Computer Science
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Drama and Theatre
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Design
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Music
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Arts
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Religious Studies.
If you are unhappy with the standard of your current school, the process of preparing for your GCSE is your last chance to change educational institutions: many institutions are reluctant to accept new students once the GCSE course has started.
The structure of higher education in the UK.
Higher education is a programme of study after which students are awarded a degree.
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Bachelors - Bachelor's degree.
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Master's degree - Master's degree.
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PhD degree or Doctorate - Doctorate.
Let's take a closer look at what each of them is.
Bachelor's degree
This is the first stage of higher education, allocated to students of higher education institutions, and is conditional on the successful completion of three courses. But there are also universities that increase the duration of this bar to four years, thanks to a sandwich course - compulsory industrial practice.
Master's degree
The second stage is characterised by a wealth of specialisations and orientations and is considered to be postgraduate education.
Depending on the chosen course, you can take a course to improve your knowledge, complete a master's degree in a scientific and technical direction, etc.
Here you will have to study for a further 1-2 years after your bachelor's degree, attending lectures and practical courses. Finally, each student is obliged to submit a diploma project, to complete it according to all the rules and to pass a national examination. Only if these tests are successfully completed will the student receive a diploma and be awarded a master's degree.
In the case of studies under a research-oriented project, students are awarded a diploma throughout their studies. Finally, they are awarded the Master of Philosophy degree (M.Phil - Master of Philosophy).
Doctoral degree
The PhD programme will be entirely devoted to research.
The duration of its passage is 2-3 years. Finally, the student is required to publish the results of his work in a specialised publication. In addition, he has to write a dissertation.