THE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN GREAT BRITAIN
EDUCATION IN RUSSIA
People in our country have the right for education. It is our Constitutional right. But it is not only a right, it is a duty, too. Every boy and every girl in Russia must go to school, that is, they must get a full secondary education. So, when they are 6 or 7 years old they begin to go to school. There are thousands of schools in Russia. There are schools of general education, where the pupils study Russian (or a native language), Literature, Mathematics, History, Biology, Music, Arts, Foreign Languages. There is also a number of specialised schools, where the pupils get deep knowledge of foreign languages, or Maths, or Physics.
After finishing 9 classes of secondary school young people can continue their education at different kinds of vocational or technical schools or colleges. They not only learn general subjects, but receive a speciality there. Having finished a secondary school, a technical school or a college young people can start working, or they may ,.'•] enter an Institute or a University. Professional training makes it easier to get higher education. As for high schools, there are a lot of them in our country. Some of them train teachers, others — doctors, engineers, architects, actors and so on. Many institutes have evening and extra-mural departments. That gives the students an opportunity to study at an institute without leaving their jobs.
Words
right— право
duty— обязанность
secondary — зд. среднее
deep— глубокий
vocational school— профтехучилище
general — общий
toreceive — получать
training— обучение
higher— высшее
extra-mural— заочный
opportunity— возможность
Questions
1. Is education in our country free?
2. Is education in Russia right or duty?
3. What kind of schools are there in Russia?
4. What are the possible ways to continue educationafter the finishing of the secondary school?
5. What are the main types of educational institutionsin our country?
6. What are the types of higher education institutionsi Russia?
The system of education in any country is aimed at developing a personality for the good of the individual and society as a whole.
Pre-school education in England begins at the age of 3 or 4. Around half of the children at this age attend nursery schools or playgroups mostly organised by parents. Children of this age need care as well as education. That's why kids play a lot, learn to listen attentively and to behave.
Compulsory primary education begins at the age of five in England, Wales and Scotland and at four in Northern Ireland. Children start their school career in an in fant school. Lessons start at 9 a.m. and are over at 4 p.m. They are taught «3 R's»: Reading» wRiting, aRithme-tic. Pupils have a lot of fun at school, drawing, reading, dancing or singing.
When they are 7 pupils move to a junior school, which lasts four years till they are 11. They study a lot of subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography along with Technology, Music, Art and Physical education
Most of children (over 90 per cent) go to state schools where education is free. Only a small proportion of them attend private (Public) or independent schools. Parents have to pay for the education at these schools. The fees are high and only some families can afford it. So such schools are for the representatives of the high class of England. The most notable Public schools are Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Rugby.
Secondary education begins at 11. The majority of secondary schools are Comprehensive schools where boys and girls study together. Besides, parents can take their sons and daughters to Grammar schools or Secondary Modem Schools.
Grammar schools provide an academic course from 11 to 18. They prepare pupils for colleges and universities.
Many children of working class families go to Modern schools- They give a very limited education. Pupils get instruction in woodwork, metalwork, sewing, shorthand, typing and cooking. After finishing such a school a pupil becomes an unskilled worker.
The Comprehensive Schools have their own «Grammar school» classes and «Modern classes»
Every pupil has to choose a set of subjects to learn. If he takes up Art he will study English Literature, Music, Art, Drama and foreign languages. If he is good at exact and natural sciences, he will learn Science: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. Biology. Geography, Economics and Technical Drawing.
The British government encourages careers education in the country. That's why secondary schools try to break down the barriers between education and business. They set up close links with firms to allow their students to take part in business activities.
At around 16 years old teenagers take some exams and coursework to get General Certificate of Education. Those who choose to stay on at school usually study for two further years to pass A level (Advanced level) ex-ms. These exams will give them a chance to enter the niversity.
Words
to be aimed to— преследовать цель
pre-school — дошкольное
to attend— посещать
nursery school —
compulsory— обязательный
primary education— начальное образование
infant school— подготовительная школа
junior school— начальная школа
science— естествознание
secondary education— среднее образование
limited— ограниченный
sewing — шитье
shorthand— стенография
unskilled— неквалифицированный
toencourage — поощрять
link— связь
Questions
1) What is a system of education aimed to?
2) When does the pre-school education in England begin in England, Wales and North Ireland?
3) When does the compulsory education begin in England?
4) What are «3R's» of the infant school?
5) What are the most famous Public schools in England?
6) What are Grammar and Comprehensive schools?
7) What are Modern schools?
8) Are there compulsory subjects in UK?
9) What exams must be taken to enter the University?