Flashcards on Overview of the British Education System

Overview of the British Education System for Students

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What are the main types of schools in Great Britain and which are free or paid?

State schools are free. Private schools (called 'public' schools) are paid and very expensive. Church schools are paid.

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British education system

12 cards

Card 1

Question: What are the main types of schools in Great Britain and which are free or paid?

Answer: State schools are free. Private schools (called 'public' schools) are paid and very expensive. Church schools are paid.

Card 2

Question: What are characteristics of British public (private) schools?

Answer: Students often wear uniform; many are single-sex; most are boarding schools. Famous examples: Eton, Harrow, Rugby.

Card 3

Question: What does preschool education in Great Britain include and what ages does it cover?

Answer: Preschool includes creches or playgroups and then kindergarten; it covers from a few months to about 5 years old.

Card 4

Question: How is primary education in Great Britain structured and what ages does it cover?

Answer: Primary education: infant/primary school (5–7 years) and junior school (from 7 to 11 years).

Card 5

Question: What are the stages and age range of secondary education in Great Britain?

Answer: Secondary school runs from 11 to 16 years. Types include Secondary Modern, Grammar School, and Comprehensive School (non-selective). After 16 students

Card 6

Question: What qualifications do British students take at age 7 and 11, and what subjects are tested?

Answer: SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) at ages 7 and 11, testing English and maths.

Card 7

Question: What examination do students take at age 16 and what does it cover?

Answer: GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at 16, covering English, maths, science and optional subjects; taken by all children at the end of

Card 8

Question: What are A-levels, at what age are they taken and what are they used for?

Answer: A-levels (Advanced Level) are taken around age 19, usually in 2 or 3 subjects, and serve as entry qualifications for university.

Card 9

Question: How do students pay for university in Great Britain?

Answer: Universities are not free. Students can get loans (to be repaid after finishing studies) or receive grants to pay course fees and living expenses.

Card 10

Question: What terms describe students before and after finishing an undergraduate degree?

Answer: While studying at university students are called undergraduates. After finishing they are graduates and receive a Bachelor's degree (after about 4 yea