United Kingdom
Although the two countries share a common heritage and language, the school systems of Great Britain and the US differ widely. In England, independent secondary schools are called 'Public Schools' and are usually boarding programs. Also private, a 'Preparatory School' prepares for Public School, not for college or university. The school year is traditionally divided into three terms running from mid September to mid July, with a month’s vacation in both winter and spring.
Grade Levels. An essential difference in the structures of the two systems is the concept of grade levels. A four-year secondary program, found almost universally in the US, does not exist as such in England. Boys and girls in English schools do not progress automatically from grade to grade (the term 'grade' is not part of the English school lexicon). Nor do pupils accumulate 'credits' for having covered work at a certain grade level. Depending entirely on ability, a student may be placed in one of several basic 'forms' and in different 'sets' for mathematics and languages. Once ability has been demonstrated, a pupil may be promoted during the year, sometimes more than once. There is no automatic promotion at year’s end.
The National Curriculum. In 1988, England and Wales instituted a standardized national curriculum that was designed to result in a more balanced and broader program. The curriculum comprises four Key Stages: KS 1 (ages 5-7), KS 2 (ages 7-11), KS 3 (ages 11-14) and KS 4 (ages 14-16). There is no legally prescribed national curriculum in Scotland, and Northern Ireland conducts a somewhat similar curriculum.
Examinations. Required for admission to most Public Schools is successful passage of the Common Entrance Examinations (CEE), taken before age 14. After two to three years in a Public School, the student may begin taking the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), and later the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced (‘A’) levels, the British equivalents of national examinations. The Advanced Supplementary (‘AS’) levels enable students to complement their intensive ‘A’ level courses with less demanding ‘AS’ levels. A typical pupils takes three courses at ‘A’ level and three at ‘AS’ level each term.
The GCSE, taken around age 16, usually covers six to eight subjects (with a maximum of 12) spread over several terms. Once these are behind him or her, the student moves into the Sixth Form to begin in-depth study and specialization in preparation for university entrance. Most work during the next two years is concentrated on a continuous course in two or three subjects, typically in the same general field. At the end of this period (ages 17 and 18), the student takes the GCE ‘A’ levels in his or her chosen subjects only.
Students who go on to college usually stay another term or two and take University Scholarship Exams. Six GCSE and two GCE subjects are generally required for university entrance, but even further study may be necessary as competition for admission increases.
British schools do not hold graduation ceremonies. A student remains as long as necessary and then departs. The British use the term 'leaver' to designate a graduate.
Age and Grade Equivalencies. Passage of the British GCSE roughly corresponds to graduation from an American secondary school. By age 15 or 16, the average British student has covered the same ground as a 17- or 18-year-old in the US. British children, however, begin school at age five and have a slightly longer school year calendar. The American student who has graduated from a secondary school before going to England is usually fitted into a second-year Sixth Form with his own age group. Successful results in the GCE ‘A’ levels are regarded as the equivalent of having completed at least the first year of an American college course.
College Preparation and Entry. Only about one-third of the students who 'leave' a British Public School go on to university. Several factors account for this. Until recently, the concept of a liberal arts college was unknown in Britain. Many young people choose higher education only if a degree is required for an intended career such as law or medicine. Often, firms and industries actually prefer to take students directly from school to conduct their own training.
The examination and selection procedures in British schools tend to screen university candidates rather thoroughly. Despite the 'new universities' founded in recent years and a growing number of colleges of technology, commerce, business studies and the creative arts, competition for entrance is even keener than in the US because there are comparatively fewer places available.
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