SECONDARY STATE EDUCATION. Children begin their secondary education at about eleven years of age

Children begin their secondary education at about eleven years of age. There are different types of secondary schools in England and Wales. The most popular and mostly often used by pupils are comprehensive schools. These are large state secondary schools for boys and girls of all abilities aged 11-16 (or - 18). Comprehensive schools were introduced in the 1960s with the aim to replace the system of dividing children between more academic (grammar) and less academic (secondary modern) schools.

Before the introduction of comprehensive schools children at the age of 11 used to sit for the 11 plus examinations. The examinations consist of an Intelligence Quotient (I.Q.) test, an English test and an arithmetic test. An intelligence test includes a large number of short questions and it mainly measures the inborn abilities of a child and not what he has learned at school.

Then children who passed the exam would be sent to the grammar school which provide education of an academic type and a large number of grammar school children go on to universities; the other children would go to the secondary modern schools which give a general education with a practical bias. But selection at such an early age as 11 was strongly criticized by many educationalists and teachers. Now the 11 plus is forced out and children can enter comprehensive schools which are open to all children whatever their intellectual ability may be.

By the end of the 20th century most local education authorities had changed to the comprehensive system. Some grammar schools that remained have become independent of the local authorities. There are also some secondary schools that offer an introduction to vocational training.

In comprehensive schools teaching is done in mixed ability classes. It means that children of all abilities are put in one class so you will have less able children, more able children and average children all in one class.

Different methods of grouping children within a school are used. One of the ways is the system known as “streaming”. This means that children of the same age are put into different groups or “streams” according to their level of general ability. There may be any number of streams up to nine or more depending on the size of the school.

According to the National Curriculum, introduced in 1988, children at the age of 7, 11, 14 and 16 are tested. At the age of 16 most children take some sort of public examination. These examinations are taken at the same time throughout the country. At present there are two forms of examination at 16. There is the GCE (General Certificate of Education, “O” /ordinary/ level examination) and CSE examination (the Certificate of Secondary Education). Science pupils study Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Maths), Economics, Technical Drawing, Biology, Geography. Besides, secondary school students must do general education subjects like Physical Education (PE), Home Economics for girls and Technical subjects for boys, General Science and Computers which take the leading position in education. Usually pupils are graded into eight levels for all subjects except art, music and physical education.

At 16 the compulsory education finishes. Children then may choose to leave school and go to work. Children who stay on at school are to take what is called GCE – “A” /advanced/ level. This course lasts for 2 years, pupils choose three subjects and are examined in these three subjects at the end of two years when they are 18.

If pupils have some learning difficulties or they are handicapped their parents may be given an official document saying that the child has special educational needs. Some handicapped children may attend ordinary secondary school, others attend maintained special schools. Special education is intended to enable handicapped children to overcome their difficulties so that they may, as far as possible, take their place in society.

The choice of a secondary school depends on children's abilities and health, their parents’ wishes, and what schools are closer to their houses.

Exercise 2. Read the sentences translating Russian words and word combinations into English.

1. Usually pupils (делятся) into eight levels for all subjects except art, music and physical education.

2. Some (недееспособные) children may attend ordinary secondary school, others attend maintained special schools.

3. The choice of a secondary school depends on children’s (способности) and (здоровье).

4. They (принимают) pupils who successfully passed examinations at the age of 11.

5. Grammar schools teach more academic subjects than (общеобразовательные) schools.

6. Why are children separated into different (потоки)?

Exercise 3. Put the sentences in the right order.

1. In the 20^th century authorities changed to the comprehensive system.

2. There are different types of secondary schools.

3. The choice of schools depends on parents.

4. There are secondary schools that offer vocational training

5. Grammar schools admit those who passed exams successfully.

Exercise 4. Expand the following.

1. There are large secondary schools for boys and girls.

2. Grammar schools still exist now.

3. Children at the age 7, 11, 14 and 16 are tested.

4. Science students study different subjects.

5. Some subjects take leading position in education.

6. There are two examination systems.

Text 4

Exercise 1. Read and translate the text.

FURTHER EDUCATION

There is a wide network of further education institutions in Britain. They give students the chance to increase their theoretical background and professional training. Students may get further education after they have passed their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) exams taken at the age of 16.

Further education includes sixth-form colleges and classes where students work for "A" (Advanced) level exams necessary to enter a university. It also includes colleges of further education which provide a theoretical background and professional qualification training in nursing, accountancy, management, art, music, etc. Besides there are some vocational training courses in such fields as engineering, building, secretary skills, hairdressing and others. Many further education courses prepare people for jobs, some lead them to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other certificates and diplomas. So-called sandwich courses offer students periods of paid work as well as periods of study.

Colleges of further education offer a wide range of part-time courses when students learn their skills at work and get education attending college one or two days a week over several years. Degree courses at universities are also referred to further education. There are more than 500 institutions of further education that offer people part-time courses. Over 700,000 full-time and sandwich course students attend institutions of further education in Britain. A lot of further education courses prepare people for jobs. But they are paid, not free.

Exercise 2. Answer the questions.

1. There is a wide network of further education, isn’t there?

2. When do students get further education?

3. What does further education also include?

4. Do so-called sandwich courses offer periods of study or work?

5. How many institutions are there in Britain?

6. A lot of further education courses aren’t free, are they?

Exercise 3. Prove that:

1. Further education institutions give students the chance to increase professional training.

2. Colleges provide a theoretical background and professional qualification training.

3. Besides there are some vocational courses of further education

4. Colleges of further education offer a wide range of part-time courses.

Text 5

Exercise 1. Read and translate the text.

HIGHER EDUCATION

The term "higher education" is not often used in Britain. When it is used it refers to degree courses at universities after 12 years of elementary and secondary schooling.

In order to get higher education school leavers may hand in applications to different universities. The final decision is taken by Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UСAS) which, in accordance with the students’ results of the "A" level exams, offers a place to this or that university. The better results of the exams are the better university or college place can be offered.

After three years of studies at the university a student may get a first degree, it is Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. The first degree is usually an honours degree. The letters BA or BSc are often added after the graduates' names. However, the title of a degree does not necessarily reflect the field in which the student has studied. For example at some universities the Bachelor of Arts is awarded to students in all, or almost in all, disciplines – Science, Engineering, etc., as well as Arts subjects.

Those graduates who want to continue their studies at the university may work for a master's degree or a doctorate. To get a master's degree a student needs one more year of study. After that he or she gets the degree of Master of Arts, Master of Science or Master of Business Administration. Doctorate is the highest degree in Britain's universities. The letters "Dr" before a person's name indicate that he or she has the title of "Doctor", the highest title at the university - PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

University teaching combines lectures, practical classes (in scientific subjects) and small group teaching in either seminars (discussion groups) and tutorials or supervisions (run by tutors or supervisors). The teachers at the university may be: A professor (a senior member of staff or the person in charge of a department), lecturers (teaching and research staff) and research associates (junior academic staff).

The oldest and most famous universities in Britain are Oxford and Cambridge. Other not less famous and respected universities are London, Durham, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and some others.

At most universities in Britain the academic year is divided into three terms. Examinations are not necessarily taken annually. At many universities students study one or two main subjects throughout their degree course. Most courses end in a series of exams called finals. At some universities the student’ work may be assessed at regular intervals, and the results of these assessments are taken into consideration in determining the degree classification. If the student's results are not up to the standard for an honours degree this student may be awarded a pass degree.

University education may be not only full-time but also part-time. Some people want to get a degree but they need only evening or correspondence courses. At some universities there is a department of continuing education which runs four, five or even more year courses for students combining their work and education.

There is no single body or organization responsible for the planning and development of university education in Britain. All the universities and colleges are independent, self-governing institutions, although they receive substantial aid from the state through the University Grants Committee.

British universities are known to have high standards of professors and lecturers. Technical equipment, made on a solid production base, different kinds of visual aids, the internet service, TV and computers are widely used in university teaching. Students have every opportunity for discussing, brainstorming, critical thinking and self-assessment so necessary for a person with university education.

Exercise 2. Match the words in pairs:

A person, the title of, run by, throughout, responsible for

The degree course, (by) tutors, in charge, planning work, “Doctor”

Exercise 3. Find English equivalents.

Не менее известные и популярные университеты, государственные экзамены, в соответствии с результатами, на протяжении всего курса на получение стипендии, младшие научные сотрудники, самоуправляемые учреждения, наглядные пособия.

Exercise 4. Use the correct preposition.

An application … a university, the academic year is divided … 3 terms, in accordance … the results, a decision taken … a university, a degree awarded … the students, to work … a master’s degree, classes … scientific subjects, in charge … a department.

Exercise 5. Complete the sentences:

1. In order to get higher education school leavers may …

2. A students may get Bachelor of Science degree after …

3. The letters “Dr” before a persons name indicate that …

4. In most English universities the academic year is divided into …

5. The results of the students work assessments are taken into consideration in determining …

6. English universities receive aid from the state through …

Text 6

Exercise 1. Read the text and get ready to do the task.

PRIVATE EDUCATION

Outside the state system of education there exists the system of private or independent schools. These schools vary widely in type from small preparatory and preparatory (Prep) schools to the famous public schools. As well as the state school system they provide primary and secondary education,

Pre-preparatory schools take children up to the age of 8 or even 11. Then comes an independent preparatory school admitting pupils at about 7 up to 13. At the age of 12 or 13 pupils usually take the Common Entrance examination (exam). Girls take this exam at the age of 10. Those pupils who pass the Common Entrance exam successfully become students of a public school. Most public schools as well as preparatory ones are for either boys or girls.

The term "public school" corresponds to a private school, but in Scotland it refers to a State school,

About 10 per cent of children attend independent public schools which are for children of rich parents, not for the general public. Britain's 200 public schools take fee-paying children whose parents are able to pay several thousand pounds a year. Public schools are believed to provide a better education in comparison with state schools. They are also known to give the right social background for top jobs in the Establishment. Most public figures were educated in public schools.

Some public schools are rather old and very famous. One of the most famous and best known public schools is Eton College. It was founded by King Henry VI in 1440, when he was only eighteen. Today, there are about a thousand boys at the school. Because Eton College is so popular it is very difficult for parents to get a place for their sons. So some parents put their sons' names on the waiting list, while they are still babies! Those people who studied at Eton College call themselves Old Etonians.

The first education establishment of this kind was Winchester College opened in 1382, which is now very popular among the boys. Harrow School (founded in 1571) is known to have educated Winston Churchill (1874-1965), who was a politician, a member of Parliament (from 1900 till 1965), Britain's Prime Minister, the Nobel Prize winner, an honorary US citizen. One of the best-known British public schools for girls now is Cheltenham Ladies’ College (established in 1853). Not far from the southern city Brighton there is Roedean School known as the leading public school for girls.

Most public schools are boarding schools where students live during term-time. The discipline in public schools is rather strict. These may be the reasons why some wealthy people choose public schools for their children in Britain. A great number of former public school students become the students of the most famous and prestige universities. Oxford and Cambridge Universities are the first among them.

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions.

1. Why are private schools also called independent schools?

2. What types of private schools are there in Britain?

3. What children can study at public schools?

4. What education do public schools offer to pupils? What are the most famous public schools?

Text 7

Exercise 1. You will hear 5 utterances. Set up a correspondence between the utterances 1 – 5 and the statements given in list A-F. Use each letter only once. There is one spare statement. You will hear the texts twice.

This speaker says that she/he

A. enjoyed the activities at the university.

B. liked the friendly atmosphere of the university.

C. traveled a lot when she/he was a student.

D. owes her/his success to the university teachers.

E. has been able to develop as a person.

F. studies the same university longer than she/he was going to.

Text 8

Exercise 1. Read two texts devoted to famous universities of Great Britain and do the test.

OXBRIDGE

Notes: gown – мантия (студента университета, судьи и т. п.)

graduation – окончание курса (в учебном заведении), получение ученой степени.

rivals- соперники, конкуренты.

crew – экипаж корабля.

to bump – ударять, налетать, наскочить

When people speak about the universities of Oxford and Cambridge together and want to distinguish them from other British universities they usually use the word "Oxbridge", which is made up from the names of the two universities - Oxford and Cambridge. To use one word "Oxbridge" is quite natural because both universities do not differ greatly and have much in common. Oxford and Cambridge universities date back to the Middle Ages and have always been the universities for gentlemen. Now in both there are colleges for women. Each university consists of a number of semi-independent colleges. To become a student of Oxford or Cambridge one has to take an entrance exam in addition to "A" levels and after that he (she) may be accepted at one of the university colleges.

The teaching in both universities is based on the tutorial system. Students have tutorials called supervisions at Cambridge. Every student has a tutor who plans his (her) work. The student has to write essays and papers on the subjects he (she) is studying. The student is also required to submit regularly the results of his (her) work to the tutor who gives advice and helps him (her) in time of need.

Both universities are believed to be the best institutions to get education at. Most graduates of Oxbridge are former students of famous public schools. An Oxbridge degree is highly valued and recognized by the public and the government. As a rule most Oxbridge graduates get leading positions in Britain and become politicians, MPs and prime ministers.

In both universities students wear gowns. As for Oxford students, when taking exams or being at a degree ceremony, they have to wear a gown on top of their academic dress consisting of a black suit or skirt, black shoes and socks or tights, a white shirt or a blouse and a black tie. Besides they have to put on a black hat with a flat, square top. Cambridge students wear gowns when they become members of the university and at graduation.

The students of Oxford and Cambridge always compete with each other. They are rivals in academic affairs, in debating and sport. Rugby and cricket teams competitions as well as the Boat Races held each year attract public attention. Each May the river Thames, known at Oxford as the Isis, becomes like a Venetian carnival when colleges row against each other. Crews try to bump the boat in front of them. The leading crew at the end of four days wins the title Head of the River

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