Examinations
GCSE : General Certificate of Secondary Education
GCEA: General Certificate of EducationAdvanced
GNVQ: General National Vocational Qualifications
Higher Education
History and types of university
Famous universities
History of University
12th and 13th centuries: Oxford and Cambridge
14th and 15th centuries: four Scottish universities
Can a housewife or a coal miner go to university in Britain? ______________________________________
Do you know any famous universities in the U.K.? If yes, can you list the names of them? __________________________________________
Higher Education
British universities receive funds from the central government. The amount of funding each university receives is based on its size, the number of students it teaches, and the research it conducts.
Chapter 5 Education
Part One British Education
Learning Focus
Primary Education Comprehensive School Grammar School Independent School Exams in Secondary Education Oxbridge
Before You Read
Warm-up
What courses are taught in British primary schools? _______________________________________
Do you know the main examinations for secondary school students? _______________________________________
Primary Education
Pre-schooling
Before primary schooling some children have an opportunity to attend the few kindergartens, which are called “Nursery Schools”.
Types of Secondary Schools
Independent and public Sschools
◆ Independent schools are also confusingly called public schools.
◆ Independent schools are funded through the private sector, tuition fees and minimal government assistance.
Curriculum in School
Religion, English, Maths, History, Geography, Nature studies, Hygiene, Art Handicraft, Music and Physical Education.
Secondary Education
Grammar schools
◆ The oldest schools in the U.K. ◆ Select the children who get high marks in
the “ Eleven Plus” examination, or show academic potential.
The children begin secondary education at the age of 11.
Types of secondary schools Examinations
Types of Secondary Schools
Comprehensive schools
◆ They were established before 1960. ◆ Such schools provide general education.
State Schools
They are funded by local and central governments.
Co-educated Schools
These schools admit both boys and girls.
Academic Year
Begins in September, and is divided into three terms, with holidays at Christmas, Easter, and in the summer.
Primary Schools
Two sections State schools Co-educated schools Academic year Curriculum iInfant section: for ages 5 to 7 Junior section: for ages 7 to 11