Education in the UK

1. Education in the UK Jane Coates The Education System in the UK Education in the UK is divided into primary (5 - 11years), secondary (11 - 16 years), further (16 - 18 years) and higher (18+ years) education. Compulsory education lasts for 11 years - from 5 to 16 years old. Most children transfer from primary to secondary school at the age of 11, however a system of middle schools also exist where pupils attend between the ages of 8 to 12. Most secondary schools in the UK are known as Comprehensive (education is free & entrance to schools is not selective). These are all funded by local authorities, follow the national curriculum and are regularyl inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Childen’s Services and Skills (Ofsted). About 94% of children in the UK access free education at Comprehensive schools. Others schools are Academies(Private Finance Innitiatives), Grammar or Private Schools (pupils are required to pass an entrance exam & pay fees). These schools are not required to teach the National Curriculum but have to be regularly monitored for standards, either by Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Compulsory education years (primary and secondary) and further education is free.The government offers financial assistance to students from poor backgrounds to encourage them to stay on after they have completed their compulsory education. Higher education is expensive – Government loans are offered-to cover the cost of Fees and Maintenance-which students have to repay. • The National CurriculumThe National Curriculum is a standard framework for teaching and learning which was introduced in 1988. It is used for all children in compulsory education in state-maintained schools. There are 10 subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Religious Education and PHSCE (Personal, Health, Social and Moral Education). The curriculum sets out: • the subjects taught • knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject • the standards or attainment targets in each subject • how a child’s progress is assessed and reported • The National Curriculum is divided into blocks of years called Key Stages. There are four Key Stages and a Foundation Stage or Early Years Stages.Foundation Stage 3-5 years old • Key Stage 1: 5 – 7 years oldKey Stage 2: 7 – 11 years oldKey Stage 3: 11 – 14 years oldKey Stage 4: 14 – 16 years oldPupils are assessed by standard National Curriculum tests at the end of each Key Stage. The School Day The school day usually starts between 08:30 and 09:00am. Mornings start by taking a register. In primary schools all pupils stay in the same classroom for the whole day, and have one teacher who teaches all subjects. In secondary schools teachers have specialised subjects and students’ lessons are timetabled by subject. Once students have finished their compulsory education they have the option to specialise in 4 subject areas for further education. The school day finishes between 15:00 and 15:30, sometimes later for further and higher education. The School YearThe school year runs from September to July in the UK. There are 3 terms – Autumn, Spring and Summer. There is a 2 week break for Christmas, a 2 week break for Easter and a long 6 week holiday in the summer.

2. Education in the UK Jane Coates Being a Teacher in the UKTeaching is a graduate position – teachers must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in order to teach in the UK. Newly qualified teachers can expect to start on a salary of approximately £20,000 per year. Teachers are paid according to a pay scale set by the Government, depending on their performance, position and experience.Levels of progression: Classroom Teacher Subject Leader (Head of Department / Curriculum Coordinator) Deputy Headteacher Headteacher A Comparison of UK and Chinese Education Systems Chinese: 9 years of compulsory and free education School phases: Primary (6 to 12 years), Middle School (12 to 15 years), Senior / High School (15 to 18 years) Kindergarten is available to some pupils 2 Terms – Spring and Autumn, with a Winter break and a Summer break Entry exams to the Senior High Schools, There are private, fee paying schools Considerable pressure to succeed Tests in oral English UK:Inclusion – Every Child Matters 11 years of compulsory & free education (from 5 to 16 years) The National Curriculum 3 Terms – Autumn, Spring and Summer Length of the School Day Routes into teaching / teacher training Retirement age Teachers’ salaries Class size League tables Major Differences:Class size Learning by first hand experience Room arrangements / size / laboratories Teaching support Assembly / act of worship Use of computers Inclusion - special educational needs Teachers do not retire at 55 in the UK The Key issues in Education today in the UK University Fees-A University education is very expensive leaving students with huge debts Vocational training versus University/Academic Learning (Employers asking for Apprentices rather than Graduates) Poor Science education School Admissions Policy Religious Schools/Faith Schools-Fair access Self Governing Schools and Academies versus State/Government control Teachers leaving the teaching profession Poor behaviour and bullying Pupils and students from very poor backgrounds-poor social skills Free school meals “One conversation with a good teacher is better than ten years of study” – Ancient Chinese saying