Recently, education in the UK is becoming more and more popular all over the world. Why is this happening? How did it happen that the knowledge provided by a modest, by modern standards, northern country, is held in such high esteem? In this article, we will try to answer all these questions. In addition, readers will learn more about school education in the UK, about its levels and organization principles. In fact, our country has something to strive for.
General Description
It just so happened that the education system in the UK for many countries is a kind of standard. Although not everyone knows that it appeared many centuries ago and, in fact, in its original form arose back in the 11th century, far from us.
It's impossible not toIt should be noted that in the British school, like in no other, to this day there is an “iron” discipline, the educational process takes place at every educational level, and the teaching methodology that has taken place deserves special respect. Yeah… Here we can say with confidence that the centuries-old history of education in the UK has left its mark on almost every area of the modern process of obtaining knowledge.
Among other things, it is in British schools that students are given the opportunity to receive not only first-class knowledge, but also an elite education, which at the same time means the acquisition of secular manners and useful connections with the strong and famous of this world.
It's no secret that almost all we althy and eminent families interested in the successful future career of their children, first of all, try to send them to prestigious English schools.
At the same time, despite the effectiveness of education, the peculiarities of education in the UK imply a certain flexibility. What is it expressed in? The thing is that in the country today there is a huge variety of various training courses, and students are given the opportunity to choose exactly what they are really interested in. In addition, if desired, the selected items can be changed, this does not take much time and does not need to draw up a pile of documents. After weighing all the pros and cons, the student must simply write an application and start classes according to the newly approved schedule.
There is somethe misconception that education in the UK in English is better than what can be obtained, for example, in German or French. Not at all. Local teachers approach their work with full responsibility, which means that regardless of the language, students will be provided with all the necessary set of knowledge in the chosen direction.
Preschool education
Primary education in the UK for little Englishmen and Englishwomen begins when (at that age) when Russian kids just go to kindergarten. Classes of three-year-old students are not much different from kindergarten ones - there are the same developing creative games and the same group work. However, they are engaged there only 3 hours a day. Longer lessons are prohibited by law. Why? The thing is that local experts unanimously decided that a child of this age should have time for games, fun and walks in the fresh air.
In order for a child to enter a preschool class at a reputable primary school, it is necessary to pass a series of entrance tests, which, by the way, are different in each individual region of Albion, which means that they will have to prepare separately and in advance.
The education system in the UK is such that, almost everywhere, authorities require parents to apply for enrollment a year before the age of three. If, for any reason, the documents were not submitted in due time, the child most likely will notwill receive places in the class and will be placed on the so-called waiting list.
It is unthinkable to imagine that a child can start studying in certain regions of England from the age of two. However, this applies mainly to private preschool classes. However, the requirement to apply to such a private institution can come as a shock! Documents in a number of classes, parents must submit before the baby is born! It’s hard for us to even imagine, not to mention the fact that some modern parents from Russia may consider such “care” a bad omen. We even try not to purchase the necessary hygiene items before the birth.
The education system in the UK. Primary Public Schools
Despite the variety of principles of primary education, in public schools the most common is the education of children aged 4 to 11.
The first year of school is called Kindergarten. If the parents submit the application in time (six months before the start of the semester), then the child from the preschool class goes to the elementary school.
Despite the great number of good elementary schools, getting a place in one of the institutions is not so easy. Even studying in a preschool class at an elite school does not guarantee a child's admission to it. Education in the US and UK is very different regarding this point. In America, a child who graduates from an elite kindergarten is automatically enrolled in the same school.
One morean important criterion for accepting a child to school is the place of residence of the family: the closer the house is to the institution, the greater the likelihood of enrolling in this educational institution. But this is not the key to a good education. Existing criteria for admission in each school can vary significantly. Therefore, parents should first of all learn the admission rules.
Education in the UK in primary school involves certain stages, which are worth talking about in more detail:
- Stage I - Ages 4 to 6. Kindergarten is replaced by first grade, and children move to second at age six.
- Stage II - Starts at age 7 and continues until the child finishes sixth grade.
Primary education. Private schools
In the independent education system, the concepts of preschool and primary are almost the same, but the names are slightly different. So, preschool classes are called pre-preparatory, and elementary schools are called preparatory.
The rules for admission to different private schools can be drastically different. So, for admission to a number of pre-preparatory classes, one can get by with simply registering a child at school (although this must be done in advance); in other institutions, the procedure for passing the entrance exams is strictly required.
The indisputable advantage of independent primary schools is the step-by-step possibility of admission. At the same time, certain proposals are possible for each age, and the existing system of such schools impliessuccessful continuation of the educational process for almost every child.
What is secondary education in the countries of Foggy Albion?
Eleventh birthday for a child means a new period in his life - the stage of high school.
Despite the fact that there are both public and private schools in the UK, they all adhere to the same educational standards. In addition, the state provides the right to study in secondary school for children under 16, i.e., it should be noted that free education in the UK is not only in demand, but is also very popular among different social strata.
According to the results of training, students pass the final exam and receive a certificate, which, however, is not a guarantee of admission to universities, but provides the right to work opportunities.
Public schools are free, they can also teach foreigners aged 8 to 18 (a prerequisite is parents living in England).
Education in independent schools is prestigious. Mostly English schoolchildren (85%) study in them. Good private schools have hundreds of hectares of land at their disposal, where all kinds of educational, he alth, sports and entertainment buildings are located.
Vocational education
In addition to schools, there are also institutions in the UK that provide secondary specialized education. The difference between these two systems is similar to Russian schools, the full completion of which involves admission to a technical school, and then to an institute, and vocational schools - institutions in which children receive a specific profession. Such institutions in England are called Tertiary Colleges. They tend to change educational programs and qualifications frequently.
Further predestination of the graduate largely depends on the latter. Thus, the NVQ qualification involves exclusively practical work in the areas of business and production. However, it is a multi-level system, and, in principle, provides the necessary knowledge for further continuation of education. Has five skill levels. You can earn each of them by showing yourself in practice, doing work of one level or another.
ND - a kind of colleges of further education, education in which ends with the issuance of an international diploma. Thus, before receiving a vocational education, the child and his parents should carefully consider and choose the right decision.
Higher education in the UK
It takes three years to complete a bachelor's degree in England and Wales. If the training involves the passage of industrial practice, then, accordingly, the period increases. Specific speci alties, such as design and art history, require the passage of a basic course of study, after which three years in the speci alty. To study medicine in the UK or become, for example,architect, you will have to study for at least seven years.
All courses of study are divided into degrees, respectively, the higher it is, the more valuable the graduate.
- A bachelor becomes after 3-4 years of study. It is noteworthy that the English baccalaureate is highly valued not only at home, but throughout the world.
- Intermediate degree. This level is a kind of stepping stone on the way to further education.
- The Master's degree is divided into two categories (depending on the orientation of the study program): research and professional.
- Doctor's degree. To receive such a higher education in the UK, the student must be actively engaged in research activities, the duration of which is 2-3 years. The results obtained during the work are published in scientific reports and journals. The doctoral degree is awarded immediately after the defense of a scientific work - a dissertation.
UK Boarding Schools
The dream of any parent is a successful and educated child. Thousands of loving hearts are ready to give a lot for the education of their child in an English private school.
It would seem that there is nothing complicated, because there are a great many private schools in the UK. And here is the biggest hitch! After all, it is not so easy to choose a good institution that will suit not only the parents themselves, but, first of all, the child.
Today, English schools are happy to accept children from Russia and the CIS countries. To dispel all doubts regarding the quality of teaching and academic preparation,there are ratings of boarding schools. This guideline is followed by most parents.
Rankings are based on the principle of learning outcomes. So, if school graduates demonstrate excellent results, then, accordingly, the level of the school increases significantly. However, getting into it is not so easy. The child's abilities must be above average, and in order to determine them, he must pass an entrance exam or test.
An important factor for Russian parents should be the percentage of Russian-speaking children in school. The fewer of them, the sooner and more effectively the child will speak English perfectly (this applies even to those students who studied at home in schools with in-depth study of the language).
Student life in the UK
The opinion that life in England is almost the most expensive is very common. However, is this true? Are there simple student tricks to save money? Is it possible to somehow overcome these problems of education in the UK? Of course!
A student before the start of the first academic year in his life in England must take care of the choice of housing. Two options are optimal: renting a separate room, living in a hostel. Practice shows that renting a room will save the student at least 25 pounds! To buy cheap food for yourself, as in Russia, you need to run around, ask the price, and then the savings will surely be guaranteed.
In fact, if desired, each student cansave. Transport, entertainment, shopping - if you are not lazy and try to find the most correct solution, then success and an extra hundred pounds are guaranteed.
Requirements for foreign applicants
The current education system in the UK does not allow students from Russia and the CIS countries to enter colleges and universities immediately after graduating from schools in their homeland.
To enroll in an English university, you must at least complete 2 courses of the institute at home or undergo special training in England.
They fall into two categories:
- A-Level lasting 2 years makes it possible to enroll in all universities in the country. Gifted students can complete the same program in just one year.
- Basic (or Foundation) - term 1 year. The reduced program provides an opportunity to enter a limited number of universities.
Such preparatory systems are key for those wishing to graduate in the UK.
