The Educational System in Great Britain

1. Put each of the following words or phrases in its correct space in the passage below.

State; terms; seminar; degree; co-educational; private; primary; nursery school; tutorial; graduate; grant; secondary; lecture; break up; compulsory; fees; academic.

When children are two or three years old, they sometimes go to a (a) __________, where they learn simple games and songs. Their first real school is called a (b) ____________ school. In Britain children start this school at the age of five. The (c) ____________ year in Britain begins in September and is divided into three (d) ____________. Schools (e) ____________ for the summer holiday in July, (f) ____________ education begins at the age of about eleven, and most schools at this level are (g) ____________, which means boys and girls study together in the same classes. In Britain education is (h) ____________ from five to 16 years of age, but many children choose to remain at school for another two or three years after 16 to take higher exams. Most children go to (i) ____________ schools, which are maintained by the government or local education authorities, but some children go to (j) ____________ schools, which can be very expensive. University courses normally last three years and then students (k) ____________, which means they receive their (l) ____________. At university, teaching is by (m) (an individual lesson between a teacher and one or two students), (n) ____________ (a class of students discussing a subject with a teacher), (o) ____________ (when a teacher gives a prepared talk to a number of students) and of course private study. Most people who receive a university place are given a (p) by the government to help pay their (q) ____________ and living expenses.

2. Read the information about different types of school in Britain. Put them in the right order: from the lowest to the highest level.

Academic year

The year beginning in October in universities and establishments of further education or higher education, and September in schools (see school year), and ending in late June or early July. The year, which is usually divided into three terms, ends with important examinations, such as GCSE and A-level in schools or a first degree in a university.

Academy

The name of certain schools and colleges, in particular some private secondary schools and a number of public schools in Scotland (eg, Edinburgh Academy).

A-level

Advanced level. A higher level examination, usually taken at the age of 17 or 18, two years after the GCSE examination. It is the standard for entrance to university and other higher education, and to many forms of professional training.

AS-level [‘ei’es levl]

Advanced Supplementary level. An examination that is an alternative to A-level or additional to it. A combination of A-level and AS –level passes is usually required for higher education.

CFE [,si ef `i:]

Colege of Further Education. An educational establishment, other than a polytechnic or university, where students can go after they leave school for additional full-time or part-time education. (See further education, higher education)