Theme “The British Educational System” Part 4

Independent (Public) Schools

Independent schools are known as "public schools" though they receive no state funding.

1. History:

The oldest of the public schools were founded to give free education to clever boys whose parents could not afford to educate them privately. They were under public management and control and were called "public schools" to distinguish them from small private schools run by individuals.

2. Significance:

Today these schools are the most expensive ones that almost entirely depend on the fees paid by their pupils' parents. The parents who buy a place in a private school are buying a ticket to success for their child. Such schools have produced Britain's most distinguished leaders, they produce leaders in all spheres (judges, directors of banks and insurance companies, MPs, etc.). The schools are often hereditary clubs for the rich and influential. Being in public schools boys acquire good connections that help them in the future.

3. Characteristics:

• Parents who wish to send their children to a public school often send them first to a preparatory school (for children aged 8-13) which prepare children for Common Examination for Entrance to Public Schools (strict selection) at the age of 13.

• Most of the public schools are boarding schools where pupils live as well as study. Most of them are boys' schools, though some are for girls and some are co-educational.

• Most of the public schools have a few places for pupils whose fees are paid by a local authority or those with a scholarship.

• Public schools do not have to teach the National Curriculum, education is traditional and academic. The schools prepare pupils fro universities (mainly Cambridge and Oxford). They have small classes and high standards of education. They develop sense of duty, obedience and ability to exercise power.

• The best well-known public schools are: Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Westminster, Rugby, St. Paul's.

Theme “The British Educational System” Part 5 Post-school and Higher Education

• Post-school education:

After school children can go to colleges of further education:

• Sixth-form colleges (academic and non-academic education)- teach children 16-18;

• Colleges (academic courses + vocational courses) — teach children 16-18;

• General colleges;

• Vocational colleges (music, art, etc.);

• Technical colleges.

These colleges do not have degree-awarding power but provide courses leading to degrees validated by the universities.

• Higher education:

Higher education is mostly provided by universities:

1. Admission:

Admission is by examination or selection (interviews). Applications for places are sent to the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). An applicant can list up to 5 universities or colleges in order of preference. The UCAS sends a copy to each of the universities and colleges. If the applicants fulfill the conditions they are accepted.

2. History:

The first universities were set up in medieval times and Tudor times: Oxford (1167), Cambridge (1209), St. Andrew's (1411). London University was founded in 1828 and is the largest traditional university in the country. The rapid growth of the cities in the 19^th century led to the establishment of so-called "red-brick" Universities (in Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.). All these universities offer a full range of courses.

3. Open University - is a special type of university. It was founded in 1969 and is the Britain's largest non-traditional university (210 000 students).It has to do with distance learning and is open to all people. There are no entry qualifications except a minimum age of 18. People who study there are making up for missed opportunities or gaining extra qualifications. They study at home:

• course materials are sent by post;

• there are special educational TV and radio programmes;

• use of modern technology: Internet-classes, CD libraries, etc.;

• sometimes face-to-face tutorials and examinations.

4. Characteristics:

• Universities are autonomous and enjoy complete academic freedom. They appoint their own staff, determine the length and the content of their courses and decide which students to admit.

• Universities are funded by several government agencies (the Higher Education Funding Council) and by tuition fees they get from students. The fees are related to parents' income. Students form poor families are exempt from fees. Sometimes loans for education are available. But still many capable young people from poor families find it difficult or impossible to get a place at a university (government's goal - to help with grants and fee-costs).

• Administration:

1. The Chancellor - is head of a university, he presides at the meetings of the council and degree-giving ceremonies;

2. The Vice-Chancellor - is the chief officer responsible for day-to-day management of a university;

3. The Council - the main governing body that consists of academic staff, non-academic staff (members of the local community) and a number of students and is responsible for staff appointments and promotion;

• Most courses last 3 or 4 years (medical- 5 years). The academic year is divided into 3 terms and begins in autumn. Universities are usually campus-based (halls of residence, libraries, entertainment places, etc.).

• Degrees/undergraduate qualifications:

• BA (Bachelor of Arts)/ BS (Bachelor of Science)/ BE (Bachelor of Education);

• MA (Master of Arts)/ MS (Master of Science)/ ME (Master of Education);

• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Postgraduate courses may be taught courses, research courses or combination of both. The students get diplomas and certificates after graduating from a university.

H/w:

1. Units 17-18 in "How do you do, Britain?" by L. S Baranovski, D. D. Kozikis.

2. Chapter 4 in "British Studies" by D. D. Kozikis, G. I. Medvedev.

• Additional Material