Flashcards on Comparative Education Systems: USA vs UK
Comparative Education Systems: USA vs UK – A Student Guide
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School Systems in English-speaking Countries
16 cards
Card 1
Question: What is the typical age range for compulsory education in many US states according to the content?
Answer: From about 5/6 years old to 16/17/18 years old (compulsory education varies by state).
Card 2
Question: What federal body in the US is compared to a 'Ministry of Education' and what does it mainly handle?
Answer: The Federal Department of Education; it mainly cares about finance and special education programmes.
Card 3
Question: How are US schools broadly divided by ownership?
Answer: Public schools and private schools.
Card 4
Question: Name two characteristics of private schools mentioned in the content.
Answer: Parents usually pay a fee; some are provided or paid for by religious groups and can have strict rules.
Card 5
Question: What types of early childhood provision are listed before elementary school in the US system?
Answer: Nursery school for about 3–4-year-olds (care-focused) and kindergarten for 4–5-year-olds (preparation for elementary school).
Card 6
Question: What activities or goals are kindergarten programs said to focus on?
Answer: Preparation for elementary school through learning numbers, colours, letters, and cooperating with parents in play activities.
Card 7
Question: How is compulsory school education divided by grades in the US system described here?
Answer: Elementary school up to around 6th grade; junior high (7th–8th); senior high (9th–12th), totaling 12 grades.
Card 8
Question: Which core subjects are taught in US elementary/junior/senior schools according to the content?
Answer: English, Math, Science, Geography, and a second language (usually Spanish).
Card 9
Question: What is a special practical subject mentioned that US students may study, and what does it teach?
Answer: Manual work — practical household skills like cooking and vehicle maintenance (motorcycle/car fixing).
Card 10
Question: How are student performances typically assessed in US schools as described in the content?
Answer: By essays and a letter-grade system (A, B, C, D, E, F) often tied to percentage ratings rather than traditional exams/tests.