Британская система образования на английском. Топик по английскому языку "The British Education System. State Education in Britain - Система образования в Великобритании. Государственное образование". Частное образование в Великобритании

In England and Wales compulsory school begins at the age of five, but before that age children can go to a nursery school, also called play school. School is compulsory till the children are 16 years old.
In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. Then children go to the Secondary School.

When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects in order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G. C. S. E. (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or «0 level» (Ordinary level). After that students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. If they continue, when they are 18, they have to take further examinations which are necessary for getting into university or college.
Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.
In England there are 47 universities, including the Open University which teaches via TV and radio, about 400 colleges and institutes of higher education. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree.

Questions:
1. When does compulsory school begin?
2. How long does a child stay in compulsory school?
3. What subjects do children learn in Primary School?
4. What kind of exam do students have to take when they are 16?
5. Do students have to leave school at the age of 16 or to continue their studies?
6. How do private schools differ from the regular ones?
7. How many universities are there in England?
8. What is the Open University?
9. What kinds of degrees do universities award?

Образование в Британии
В Англии и Уэльсе обязательное обучение в школе начинается с пяти лет, но до этого возраста дети могут ходить в детский сад, также называемый игровой школой. Обучение в школе обязательно до достижения детьми возраста 16 лет.
В первичной школе и начальной школе дети учатся читать и писать, а также основам арифметики. В старших классах первичной школы (или в средней школе) дети учат географию, историю, религию и, в некоторых школах, иностранный язык. После этого дети переходят в среднюю школу.
Когда ученики достигают шестнадцатилетнего возраста,
они могут сдавать экзамены по различным предметам для получения квалификации. Квалификация может быть как образца О.С.С.О. (Основное Свидетельство о среднем образовании), так и обыкновенного уровня. После этого учащиеся могут покинуть школу и устроиться на работу, или продолжить образование в той же школе, что и перед этим. Если они продолжат, то, когда им исполнится 18 лет, они должны будут сдавать следующие экзамены, которые необходимы для поступления в университет или колледж.
Некоторые родители выбирают для своих детей частные школы. Они очень дорогие, но считается, что образование в них дается на более высоком уровне и имеются предпосылки для получения хорошей работы.
В Англии 47 университетов, включая Открытый университет, обучение в котором производится по телевидению и радио, около 400 колледжей и высших учебных заведений. Старейшие университеты Англии - Оксфорд и Кембридж. Главным образом, в университетах присваиваются два типа степеней: степени бакалавра и магистра.

Education in Great Britain
England schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age. Any child may attend a school without paying fees. Over 90% of children of compulsory school age go to state schools. The most important changes in Britain’s educational system were introduced under the Education Reform Act 1988. It led to the compulsory National Curriculum for pupils aged 5 to 16 in state schools. The Act also aims to give parents a wider choice of schools for their children. Local educational authorities finance most school education at local level. They also employ teachers. Every state school in England and Wales has a governing body, responsible for the school’s main policies. Parallel reforms are introduced in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Full-time education is compulsory up to the middle teenage years. There are three stages in education. The first stage is primary education; the second is secondary education; the third is further education at university or college.
Before going to a primary school children receive nursery education (some children attend pre-school play-groups). It’s the first age of education. Around half of 3-4 years old in Britain receive nursery education. Children of nursery age need care as well as education. Social, emotional and physical needs must be taken into consideration.
Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland and at 4 in Northern Ireland. Children start their education in an infant school and move to a junior school at 7 years old. Primary schools vary in size and location. Pupils study different subjects (English, mathematics, science, history, geography, music, art, physical education). Over 80% of all primary schools are mixed.
In Britain most children of compulsory secondary school age (11-16) receive free education financed from public funds. The large majority of schools are mixed.
The school year in England and Wales begins in September and continues into July. In Scotland it is from August to June. In Northern Ireland - from September to June. At this level children start to learn a modern foreign language. The course of study at secondary school may lead to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. At 16 years old children take different examinations and have quite a lot of coursework, only after which they’re awarded GCSE.
Those who stay at school after GCSE, study for 2 more years for A (Advanced) level exams in two or three subjects.
A small proportion of children (about 8%) attend private, or independent schools, which are not financed by the state. To understand this phenomenon a little history is needed.
The British government paid little attention to education until the end of the 19th century. Schools had existed in Britain long before the government took an interest in education. A small group of schools admitted only the sons of the upper and upper middle classes. At these public schools much more attention was paid to «character-building» and the development of «team spirit» rather than to academic achievements. These were «boarding- schools» (as the pupils lived in them). The pupils wore distinctive clothes and the schools had their own traditions. The aim of those schools was to prepare young men to take up positions in the higher ranks of army, in business, civil service and politics.
A typical public school is for boys from 13. It admits fee-paying pupils. Such school is a boarding one. Each school is divided into houses with its housemaster. Public school place great emphasis on team sports. These schools are not at all luxurious or comfortable. A typical example of such a school is Eton.
British education has many different faces but one goal. Its aim is to realize the potential of all for the good of the individual and society as a whole.

The School Year
The school year is usually divided into three terms.
Autumn term lasts from September (or August) till Christmas holiday, which is about 2 weeks. Then spring term - till Easter holiday (also 2 weeks), and summer term, which lasts till June (or July). Summer holiday is about 6 weeks.
In addition all schools have a half-term, which lasts a few days or a week in the middle of each term.

School Life
Nearly all schools work five days a week. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The school day starts at 9 o’clock and finishes between 3 and 4p.m. The lunch break usually lasts an hour-and-a-quarter. Most
pupils have lunch provided by the school. The lunch is paid by parents. Other children either go home for lunch or have a snack at school.

Exams
At 15-16 years old school children take public exams. They are not usually set up by the government (rather by independent examining boards). Each school or Local Education Authority decides which exams their pupils are to take. The boards publish syllabus for each subject. There is no single school-leaving exam or school-leaving certificate. Usually a vast range of subjects is offered for school children. Nearly all pupils do exam in English, Maths and Science. Most do exams in technology and in a foreign language. Some pupils take exams in 3-4 additional subjects.
Usually exams have nothing to do with school years. Once the examining boards decided to include certain popular television programmes on their literature syllabus.

EXERCISES
I. Answer the questions.
1. What is the goal of education in Britain?
2. What types of school do you know in Britain?
3. What school do children at 6 years attend?
4. What exams do children have to take at 16 years old?
5. What subjects do pupils learn at secondary school?
6. Is there any difference between state and independent schools?
7. What is the aim of private schools?
8. Can you give an example of a private school?
9. Is schooling compulsory for pupils of 17 years old?
10. When does the academic year begin?

II. True or false?
1. Schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age.
2. Quite a large number of children attend public schools.
3. The first stage of education is secondary education.
4. Children in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland go to school at the same age.
5. Only a small part of schools are mixed.
6. At public schools much attention is paid to character-building.
7. After finishing secondary school children are awarded GCSE.

III. Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions.
1. private education -
2. compulsory education -
3. mixed schools -
4. boarding schools -
5. GCSE -
6. academic year -
7. nursery education -
Answers
II. 1. T; 2. F; 3. F; 4. F; 5. F; 6. T; 7. T.

Education in Great Britain (continued)
At the age of 16 pupils can leave school. But quite a lot of them want to continue their education. Only 1/3 of all leave school at 16 and look for a job. (The general level of unemployed is high today. Some of them find job immediately and many take part in training schemes (which means job combined with part-time college courses).
In England and Wales those who stay at school study just three subjects in preparation for taking A-level exams (Advanced Level).
These academic exams are set by the same examining boards that set GCSE exams. They’re taken by pupils at the age of 18 years old, who wish to continue their education.
Universities usually select students on the basis of A-level results and an interview (students who wish to enter Oxford and Cambridge have to take certain exams). Those who have better A-level results are usually accepted.
Higher education has become more available in the second half of the 20th century. In 1960 there were less than 25 universities in Britain. By 1980 there were already more than 40, and by 1995 there were over a hundred institutions with university status.
Universities take the better students, that’s why nearly all students complete their studies. The normal course of study lasts 3-4 years. Students are not supposed to take a job during the term. Unless their parents are rich, they receive a state grant, which covers most of their expenses, including the cost of accommodation. Quite a lot of students live on campus (or in college) or in rooms nearby.
However, nowadays the government reduces the amount of the students and encourages a system of top-up loans. That’s why quite a lot of students can’t afford to live in college and many more of them are forced to do a part-time job, but this reduces the traditionally high quality of British university education. And, in addition, the number of students from low-income families has been greatly reduced.
There are no great distinctions between different types of universities in Britain. But still there are some categories of them.
First of all, Oxbridge. Oxford and Cambridge were founded in the medieval period. These Universities consist of semi-independent colleges, each of them having its own staff («Fellows»).
The «Fellows» teach the college students either one-to one or in very small groups. This system is unique in the world and known as tutorials in Oxford and supervisions in Cambridge.
Then, Scotish universities. By 1600 Scot-land had 4 universities - Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews. St. Andrews resembles Oxbridge very much. In the other three most of the students live at home or find their rooms in town. The process of study at these universities is very close to the continental one. There is less specialization than at Oxbridge.
During the 19th century various institutions of higher education (usually technical ones) were founded in the industrial towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Their buildings were of local brick, so they got the name «redbrick» universities. They contrasted chiefly with Oxford and Cambridge. At first, they prepared students for London University degrees, but later they were given the right to award their own degrees. They became universities themselves. Now they accept students from all over the country. These universities are financed by local authority.
One of the developments in education in Britain is certainly the Open University. It was founded in 1971. Some people don’t have an opportunity to study full-time, and this university allows them to study for degree. The university’s courses are taught through television, radio and course books. Its students work individually and with tutors, to whom they send their papers. The students discuss their work at meetings or through correspondence. In summer they attend short courses.

EXERCISES
I. Answer the questions.
1. Do pupils at 16 prefer to continue their education or to find job?
2. How many subjects are studied by pupils in preparation for taking A-level exams?
3. When do pupils take their A-level exams?
4. How do universities select students?
5. Why do all students usually complete their studies?
6. Why has the high quality of British university education been reduced recently?
7. When was the Open University founded?

Education in Great Britain: Higher Education (1)

There is a considerable choice of post-school education in Britain. In addition to universities, there are also polytechnics and a series of different types of assisted colleges, such as colleges of technology, art, etc., which tend to provide more work-orientated courses than universities.

Some of these courses are part-time, with the students being released by their employers for one day a week or longer periods.

Virtually all students on full-time courses receive grants or loans from the Government which cover their tuition fees and everyday expenses (accommodation, food, books, etc.).

Universities in Britain enjoy complete academic freedom, choosing their own staff and deciding which students to admit, what and how to teach, and which degrees to award (first degrees are called Bachelor degrees). They are mainly government-funded, except for the totally independent University of Buckingham.

There is no automatic admission to university, as there are only a limited number of places (around 100,000) available each year. Candidates are accepted on the basis of their A-level results. Virtually all degree courses are full-time and most last three years (medical and veterinary courses last five or six years).

Students who obtain their Bachelor degree (graduates) can apply to take a further degree course, usually involving a mixture of exam courses and research. There are two different types of postgraduate courses - the Master"s degree (MA or MSc) and higher degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Образование в Великобритании: Высшее образование (1)

Существует значительный выбор послешкольного образования в Великобритании. В дополнение к университетам есть также политехнические институты и ряд различных типов вспомогательных колледжей, таких как технологические колледжи, искусства и т. д., которые имеют тенденцию обеспечивать курсы обучения более ориентируемые на работу, чем университеты.

Некоторые из этих курсов для студентов с частичной занятостью, работодатели освобождают их на один день в неделю или на более длительные периоды.

Фактически все студенты на курсах с полной занятостью получают гранты или ссуды от правительства, которые покрывают их плату за обучение и ежедневные расходы (жилье, питание, книги и т. д.).

Университеты в Великобритании имеют полную академическую свободу, набирая свой собственный штат и решая, каких студентов принять, что и как преподавать, и какие степени давать (первая степень называется Бакалавр). Они главным образом финансируются правительством, за исключением полностью независимого Букингемского Университета.

Не существует автоматического приема в университет, поскольку есть только ограниченное число доступных каждый год мест (приблизительно 100 000). Кандидаты принимаются на основе их результатов А-уровня. Фактически все курсы на степени - с полной занятостью, и большинство длится три года (медицинские и ветеринарные курсы длятся пять или шесть лет).

Студенты, которые получают степень Бакалавра (дипломированные специалисты), могут подать заявление, чтобы изучать курс на следующую степень, обычно включающую экзамены за курс обучения и исследования. Есть два различных типа аспирантуры - степень Магистра (МА или MSc), и более высокая степень Доктора Философии (PhD).

,который поможет вам разобраться в непростой системе британских образовательных учреждений.

​Топик по английскому Образование в Великобритании (Education in Great Britain) – очень интересная тема, потому что позволяет сравнить систему образования британцев с другими.

Который также поможет сформировать представление о том, что и где изучает ваш британский собеседник, а также какие экзамены ему предстоит сдавать.

Топик по английскому Образование в Великобритании (Education in Great Britain) рассказывает не только о школах, но и об известных высших учебных заведениях Великобритании, а также на какие типы подразделяются университеты в Великобритании.

Текст​-----

Education in Great Britain

Education in Great Britain is compulsory and free for children from 5 to 16 years old. Some children attend kindergartens from the age of 3. However, it"s not compulsory. In kindergartens, children learn very simple things like colours, numbers and letters. They also play games and sleep after lunch. There is always someone keeping an eye on children, no matter what they do.

Compulsory education lasts 6 years; it begins at the age of 5 when children go to primary school. There are two periods: pupils from 5 to 7 years old attend infant schools and pupils from 7 to 11 years old attend junior schools.

The classes in infant schools usually consist of playing games and getting acquainted with teachers, classrooms and desks.

When children are 7 years old, the real studying begins. Pupils don"t play very much, they have classes where they sit at desks, write, read and answer the questions.

Compulsory secondary education consists of 5 forms and lasts 5 years. It begins when children are 11 or 12 years old. Children study History, English, Art, Mathematics, Geography, Music, Science and Foreign languages. There are also lessons of Physical training and Religion. At the age of 7, 11 and 14 pupils take examinations in the core subjects – Mathematics, English and Science.

There are 3 types of state secondary schools in Great Britain: comprehensive schools, grammar schools and modern schools.

Comprehensive schools take pupils without exams. Children are divided into humanitarian or technical groups according to their abilities.

Grammar schools give secondary education of a very high standard. At the age of 11 children pass tests to enter a grammar school.

Modern schools don"t prepare pupils for universities, but for practical jobs.

At the age of 16, pupils take the General Certificate of Secondary Education examination. The subjects for the exams are chosen by the pupil in the third or in the forth form.

After GCSE pupils have a choice: either they go to a Further Education College or continue their education in the sixth form. Those who stay at school, study for 2 more years for Advanced Level Exams in two or three subjects. It is necessary to get a place at one of British universities.

There are also about 500 private schools in Great Britain, they are very expensive and only 5% of schoolchildren attend these schools. The most famous British public schools are Harrow, Eton and Winchester.

After leaving secondary school young people apply to a college, university or a polytechnic.
The Universities of Great Britain are divided into 5 types:
- The Old ones (founded before the 19th century, e.g. Oxford, Cambridge);
- The Red Brick (founded in the 19th or 20th century);
- The Plate Glass (founded in 1960s);
- The Open University (students learn subjects and do exercises at home, then send their works to their tutors for checking);
- The New Universities (former polytechnic academies and colleges).

The University of Cambridge, The University of Oxford, London Imperial College, London School of Economics and London University College are considered the best universities.
Universities select students basing on their interviews and A-level results.

Students graduate from universities with the Degree of a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Engineering after three studying for three years. After that some students continue their studies for a Master"s Degree and then a Doctor"s Degree (PhD).

Образование в Великобритании

Образование здесь обязательное и бесплатное для детей от 5 до 16 лет. Некоторые дети с 3х лет ходят в детский сад. Однако, это не обязательно. В детских садах дети познают простейшие вещи, такие как цвета, цифры и буквы. Помимо этого, они играют и спят после обеда. За детьми всегда кто-то присматривает, чем бы они не были заняты.

Обязательное образование длится 6 лет, оно начинается с 5 лет, когда дети идут в начальную школу. Оно подразделяется на 2 периода: дети с 5 до 7 лет посещают школу для малышей, а дети с 7 до 11 лет ходят в начальную школу.

Уроки в младшей школе состоят из игр и знакомства с учителями, классам и партами.
Когда детям исполняется 7 лет, начинается настоящая учёба. Ученики не очень много играют, и отвечают на вопросы

Обязательное среднее образование состоит из 5 классов и длится 5 лет. Оно начинается, когда детям исполняется 11 или 12 лет. Дети изучают историю, английский язык, изобразительное искусство, математику, географию, музыку, естествознание и иностранные языки. Так же проводятся занятия по физической культуре и религии. В возрасте 7, 11 и 14 лет школьники сдают экзамены по основным предметам - математике, английскому языку и естествознанию.

Существует 3 вида государственных школ среднего образования: общеобразовательные школы, грамматические школы и современные школы.

Общеобразовательные школы принимают учеников без вступительных экзаменов. В таких школах дети обычно распределяются на гуманитарные и технические группы в зависимости от владения теми или иными навыками.

Грамматические школы дают среднее образование очень высокого уровня. Для поступления в такую школу необходимо сдать письменный экзамен в возрасте 11 лет.
Современные школы готовят детей не к поступлению в университет, а к рабочим специальностям.

В возрасте 16 лет ученики сдают экзамен на получение сертификата об окончании средней школы. Предметы для сдачи этого экзамена они выбирают в 3-м или 4-м классе.

После этого экзамена у учеников есть выбор: продолжить дальнейшее обучение в колледже, либо перейти в 6-й класс. Те, кто остаётся в школе, учатся ещё 2 года, после чего сдают экзамены уровня «А» по двум или трём предметам. Это необходимо для поступления в один из британских университетов.

В Великобритании также существует около 500 частных школ, обучение в них очень дорогое, поэтому их посещает только 5 % школьников. Наиболее известные частные школы Великобритании: Харроу, Итон и Винчестер.

После того как учащийся окончил школу, он может подать заявление в колледж, университет или техникум.

Британские университеты делятся на 5 типов:
- Древние (Основаны до 19 века, такие как Оксфорд и Кембридж);
- «Красного кирпича» (основаны в 19 или 20 веке);
- «Стеклянные» (основаны в 1960-х годах);
- Открытый университет (студенты изучают предметы и выполняют упражнения дома, затем посылают готовые задания преподавателям на проверку);
- Новые (бывшие политехнические академии и колледжи).

Кембридж, Оксфорд, Имперский колледж Лондона, Лондонская школа экономики и Университетский колледж Лондона считаются лучшими университетами.
Получение места в университете зависит от результатов собеседования и экзаменов уровня «А».
​
После трёх лет обучения студент выпускается из университета со степенью бакалавра гуманитарных, естественных или технических наук. После этого некоторые студенты продолжают учёбу, чтобы получить степень магистра, а затем и доктора наук.

Education in Great Britain is provided by the Local Education Authority (LEA) in each county. Until recently, each LEA was free to decide how to organize education in its own area. However, in 1988 the «National Curriculum» was introduced. It means that there is greater government control over what is taught in schools now.

Children under five don’t have to go to school, but there is some free nursery-school education before that age. The places are usually given to families in special circumstances, for example families with one parent only. That’s why in many areas parents have formed play groups where children under five years can go for a morning or afternoon a couple of times a week.

At the age of five children go to primary schools, first to infant schools for pupils aged from 5 to 7 and then to junior, schools for pupils from 8 to 11 years.

Some parents choose to pay for private education though there are free state schools. Private schools are called by different names compared to state schools. The preparatory schools are for pupils aged up to 13, and the public schools are for 13 to 18 year-olds. These schools are very expensive and they are attended only by about 5 per cent of the schoolchildren.

Free secondary education has been available to all children in Britain since 1944. Children must go to school until the age of 16, and pupils may stay on for one or two years more if they wish.

Over 80 per cent of schoolchildren go to comprehensive schools at the age of 11. These schools are not selective - you don’t have to pass an exam to go there. But before 1965 all children took an exam at the age of 11 called the «11+». The top 20 per cent were chosen to go to the academic grammar schools. Those who failed the «11+» went to secondary modern schools. A lot of people thought that this system of selection at the age of 11 was unfair on many children. So comprehensive schools were introduced to offer education for pupils of all abilities. There are a few LEAs who still keep the old system, but most LEAs have now changed over completely to nonselective education in comprehensive schools.

Comprehensive schools want to develop the talents of each individual child. So they offer a wide choice of subjects, from art and craft, woodwork and domestic science to the sciences, modern languages, computer studies, etc. All these subjects are enjoyed by both girls and boys. All pupils move to the next class automatically at the end of the year.

At the age of 14 or 15 pupils begin to choose their exam subjects. In 1988 a new public examination - the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) - was introduced for 16 year- olds. This examination assesses pupils on the work they do in the 4th and 5th year at secondary school, For University entrance pupils have to take «А» Level (Advanced Level) GCE exam.

Many people decide to leave school at the age of 16 and go to a Further Education (FE) College for practical vocational training, for example in engineering, typing, cooking or hairdressing.

Education in Great Britain (5)

Twelve million children attend about 40.000 schools in Britain. Education in Great Britain is compulsory and free for all children between the ages of 5 and 16. There are many children who attend a nursery school from the age of 3, but it is not compulsory. In nursery schools they learn some elementary things such as numbers, colours, and letters. Apart from that, babies play, have lunch and sleep there. Whatever they do, there is always someone keeping an eye on them.

Compulsory education begins at the age of 5 when children go to primary school. Primary education lasts for 6 years. It is divided into two periods: infant schools (pupils from 5 to 7 years old) and junior schools (pupils from 7 to 11 years old). In infant schools children don"t have real classes. They mostly play and learn through playing. It is the time when children just get acquainted with the classroom, the blackboard, desks and the teacher. But when pupils are 7, real studying begins. They don"t already play so much as they did it in infant school. Now they have real classes, when they sit at desks, read, write and answer the teacher"s questions.

Compulsory secondary education begins when children are 11 or 12 and lasts for 5 years. Secondary school is traditionally divided into 5 forms: a form to each year. Children study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Art, Geography, Music, a Foreign language and have lessons of Physical training. Religious education is also provided. English, Mathematics and Science are called "core" subjects. At the age of 7,11 and 14 pupils take examinations in the core subjects.

There are 3 types of state secondary schools in Great Britain. They are:

1) comprehensive schools, which take pupils of all abilities without exams. In such schools pupils are often put into certain sets or groups, which are formed according to their abilities for technical or humanitarian subjects. Almost all senior pupils (around 90 per cent) go there;

2) grammar schools, which give secondary education of a very high standard. Entrance is based on the test of ability, usually at 11. Grammar schools are single sexed schools;

3) modern schools, which don"t prepare pupils for universities. Education in such schools gives good prospects for practical jobs.

After five years of secondary education, at the age of 16, pupils take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination. When they are in the third or in the forth form, they begin to choose their exam subjects and prepare for them.

After finishing the fifth form pupils can make their choice: they may either leave school and go to a Further Education College or continue their education in the sixth form. Those who stay at school after GCSE, study for 2 more years for "A" (Advanced) Level Exams in two or three subjects which is necessary to get a place at one of British universities.

There are also about 500 private schools in Great Britain. Most of these schools are boarding ones, where children live as well as study. Education in such schools is very expensive, that"s why only 5 per cent of schoolchildren attend them. Private schools are also called preparatory (for children up to 13 years old) and public schools (for pupils from 13 to 18 years old). Any pupil can enter the best university of the country after leaving this school. The most famous British public schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

After leaving secondary school young people can apply to a university, a polytechnic or a college of further education.

There are 126 universities in Britain. They are divided into 5 types:

The Old ones, which were founded before the 19th century, such as Oxford and Cambridge;

The Red Brick, which were founded in the 19th or 20th century;

The Plate Glass, which were founded in 1960s;

The Open University It is the only university offering extramural education. Students learn subjects at home and then post ready exercises off to their tutors for marking;

The New ones. They are former polytechnic academies and colleges.

The best universities, in view of "The Times" and "The Guardian", are The University of Oxford, The University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, London Imperial College, London University College.

Universities usually select students basing on their A-level results and an interview.

After three years of study a university graduate get the Degree of a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Engineering. Many students then continue their studies for a Master"s Degree and then a Doctor"s Degree (PhD).

Образование в Великобритании (5)

В Великобритании 12 миллионов детей посещают около 40 тысяч школ. Образование здесь обязательное и бесплатное для детей от 5 до 16 лет. Многие дети идут в детский сад, когда им исполняется 3 года, но это не обязательно. В детских садах дети познают элементарные основы, такие как цифры, цвета и буквы. Помимо этого, они там же играют, едят и спят. Что бы они ни делали, за ними всегда кто-то присматривает.

Обязательное образование начинается с 5 лет, когда дети идут в начальную школу. Начальное образование длится 6 лет. Оно подразделяется на 2 периода: школа для малышей (с 5 до 7 лет) и начальная школа (с 7 до 11 лет). В младшей школе у детей нет уроков. Они в основном играют и учатся через игру. Это время, когда дети ещё только знакомятся с классной комнатой, доской, партами и учителем. Но когда детям исполняется 7 лет, для них начинается настоящая учёба. Они уже не уделяют столько времени игре, как это было в младшей школе. Теперь у них настоящие уроки: они сидят за партами, читают, пишут и отвечают на вопросы учителя.

Обязательное среднее образование начинается, когда детям исполняется 11 или 12 лет, и длится 5 лет. Средняя школа по традиции делится на 5 классов - по классу на год обучения. Дети изучают родной язык, математику, естествознание, историю, изобразительное искусство, географию, музыку, какой-либо иностранный язык и занимаются физкультурой. Предусмотрено и преподавание религии. Английский язык, математика и естествознание являются основными предметами. В возрасте 7, 11 и 14 лет школьники сдают экзамены по основным предметам.

Существует 3 вида государственных школ среднего образования:

1) Общеобразовательные школы. Они принимают учеников с любыми способностями без вступительных экзаменов. В таких школах дети обычно распределяются по разным группам - в зависимости от их уровня владения техническими или гуманитарными предметами. Практически все старшеклассники (около 90 %) идут в эти школы.

2) Грамматические школы. Они дают среднее образование на очень высоком уровне. Поступление в такую школу зависит от результатов письменного экзамена, который дети сдают в возрасте 11 лет. В грамматических школах практикуется раздельное обучение мальчиков и девочек.

3) Современные школы. Они не готовят детей к поступлению в университет. Обучение в таких школах даёт перспективы только в рабочей сфере деятельности.

После пяти лет обучения в средней школе, в возрасте 16 лет, ученики сдают экзамен на получение сертификата об окончании средней школы. Уже в 3-м или 4-м классе они начинают выбирать предметы для сдачи экзаменов и занимаются подготовкой к ним.

По окончании 5-го класса ребятам предоставляется выбор: они могут либо окончить школу и продолжить обучение в колледже, либо перейти в 6-й класс. Те, кто остаётся в школе после экзамена на получение сертификата об окончании средней школы, учатся ещё 2 года, после чего сдают экзамены уровня «А» по двум или трём предметам, что необходимо для поступления в один из британских университетов.

В Великобритании также существует около 500 частных, или независимых, школ. Большинство из них являются школами-интернатами, где дети не только учатся, но и живут. Обучение в таких школах стоит очень дорого, поэтому их посещает только 5 % всех школьников. Существуют подготовительные частные школы (для детей до 13 лет) и привилегированные частные школы (для детей от 13 до 18 лет). Наиболее известные частные школы Великобритании: Итон, Харроу, Винчестер.

После того как учащийся окончил школу, он имеет право подать заявление в университет, техникум или колледж для дальнейшего образования.

В Великобритании 126 университетов. Они делятся на 5 типов:

Древние. Основаны до XIX в., к их числу относятся Оксфорд и Кембридж;

- «Красного кирпича» (Red Brick). Основаны в XIX или XX в.;

- «Стеклянные» (Plate Glass). Основаны в 1960-х гг.;

Открытый университет (Open University). Это единственный университет, предлагающий заочное образование. Студенты изучают предметы дома, а затем посылают готовые задания преподавателям на проверку;

Новые. К ним относятся бывшие политехнические академии и колледжи.

По мнению журналов Тайме и Гардиан, лучшими университетами являются: Оксфорд, Кембридж, Лондонская школа экономики, Имперский колледж Лондона, Университетский колледж Лондона.

Получение места в университете зависит от результата экзаменов уровня «А».

После трёх лет обучения выпускник университета получает степень бакалавра гуманитарных, естественных или технических наук. Многие студенты продолжают учёбу, чтобы получить степень магистра, а затем и доктора наук.

Questions:

1. When do British boys and girls begin to go to school?
2. What subjects do they study at school?
3. How long does secondary education last?
4. What subjects are called "core" subjects?
5. At what age do children have their exams?
6. What"s the difference between modern and grammar schools?
7. What are private schools?
8. Would you like to study in Britain? Why?
9. Compare British and Russian education.
10. What types of British universities do you know?

Vocabulary:
compulsory - обязательный
free - бесплатный
to attend - посещать
nursery school - детский сад (государственный)
letter - буква
to keep an eye on smb. - следить за кем-либо
primary school - младшие классы, начальная школа, школа первой ступени
infant school - школа для малышей, младшая школа
junior school - начальная школа (для детей от 7 до 11 лет)
to get acquainted - знакомиться
secondary education - среднее образование
to be divided into - делиться на
Science - естествознание
Art - изобразительное искусство
core subject - основной предмет
comprehensive school - общеобразовательная школа
according to - в соответствии с
ability - способность
grammar school - грамматическая школа
entrance - поступление
single sexed school - школы для мальчиков и для девочек (разделённые по половому признаку)
modern school - современная школа
GCSE - экзамен на сертификат об окончании среднего образования
"A" (advanced) Level Exam - экзамен уровня "А" (продвинутого)
private school - частная школа
boarding school - школа-интернат, школа-пансион
preparatory school - подготовительная частная школа
public school - привилегированная частная школа
to apply - подавать заявление
extramural - заочный, вечерний
polytechnic - политехникум
tutor - преподаватель
Degree of a Bachelor - степень бакалавра
Master"s Degree - степень магистра
Doctor"s Degree - докторская степень