7005627 school life in britain

7/31/2019 7005627 School Life in Britain

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Education is an important part of British life. There are hundredsof schools, colleges and universities, including some of the mostfamous in the world.

Education is free and compulsory for all children between the

ages of 5 - 16.

Primary schools (5 - 11 year olds)

Secondary schools (11 - 16 year olds)

Children's education in England is normally divided into twoseparate stages. They begin with primary education at the age of

five and this usually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move tosecondary school, there they stay until they reach sixteen,seventeen or eighteen years of age.

The main categories of school are:-

local authority maintained schools (State Schools)

Free to all children between the ages of 5 - 16

independent schools. (Private/Public Schools)

Parents pay for their childrens' education.

The school year in British schools starts early in September andcontinues into the following July. Classes are held from Mondays toFridays from about 9 a.m. until 3 or 4 p.m. Pupils can join inextracurricular activities, such as sport and drama clubs, during

lunch break or after school.

The lunch break usually lasts about an hour-and-a-quarter. Nearlytwo-thirds of pupils have lunch provided by the school. Parents payfor this, except for the 15% who are rated poor enough for it to befree. Other children either go home for lunch or take sandwiches.


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There is no countrywide system of nursery schools. In someareas primary schools have nursery schools attached to them, butin others there is no provision of this kind. The average child doesnot begin full-time attendance at school until he or she is about fiveand starts primary school. Almost all schools are either primary orsecondary only, the latter being generally larger.

Teaching Methods

Methods of teaching vary, but there is most commonly a balancebetween formal lessons with the teacher at the front of theclassroom, and activities in which children work in small groupsround a table with the teacher supervising. In primary schools, thechildren are mostly taught by a class teacher who teachers allsubjects. At the ages of seven and eleven, children have to take

national tests in English, mathematics and science. In secondaryschools, pupils have different teachers for different subjects and aregiven regular homework.

Do children wear a school uniform?

Most school in England require children to wear a

school uniform.The uniform

Boys

Long grey or black trousers (shorts may be worn in the Summer)

White Shirt

School tie (optional in most primary schools)

Jumper or sweater with the school logo on. The colour is the choice

of the schools.

Black shoes

Girls

As above.
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Girls may wear skirts

During the summer term girls often wear summr school dresses

What different types of schools

do you have in England?

Children's education in England is normally divided into two separate

stages. They begin with primary education at the age of five and this

usually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to secondary

school, there they stay until they reach sixteen, seventeen or

eighteen years of age.





http://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/schools.html#prim%23primhttp://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/sechttp://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/schools.html#indepen%23indepenhttp://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/schools.html#prim%23primhttp://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/sechttp://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/schools.html#indepen%23indepen


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There is no countrywide system of nursery schools. In some areasprimary schools have nursery schools attached to them, but inothers there is no provision of this kind. The average child does notbegin full-time attendance at school until he or she is about five and

starts primary school. Almost all schools are either primaary orsecondary only, the latter being generally larger.

Nearly all schools work a five-day week, with no half-day, anh areclosed on Saturdays. The day starts at or just before nine oclockand finishes between three and four,or a bit later for older children.The lunch break usually lasts about an hour-and-a-quarter. Nearlytwo-thirds of pupils have lunch provided by the school. Parents payfor this, except for the 15% who are rated poor enough for it to befree. Other children either go home for lunch or take sandwiches.

Teaching Methods

Methods of teaching vary, but there is most commonly a balancebetween formal lessons with the teacher at the front of theclassroom, and activities in which children work in small groupsround a table with the teacher supervising. In primary schools, thechildren are mostly taught by a class teacher who teachers allsubjects. At the ages of seven and eleven, children have to takenational tests in English, mathematics and science. In secondary

schools, pupils have different teachers for different subjects and aregiven regular homework.

The order children get, the more likely they are to be separated intogroups according to their perceived abilities, sometimes forparticular subjects to mixed ability classes. The rights and wrongsof this practice have generated heated debate for several decadesand there is great variety from school to school and area to area.

Introduction to School Life

Education is an important part ofBritish life. There are hundreds ofschools, colleges and universities, including some of the most famous inthe world.

Education is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 -16.
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Children's education in England is normally divided into two separatestages. They begin with primary education at the age of five and thisusually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to secondary school,there they stay until they reach sixteen, seventeen or eighteen years ofage.

Teachers in primary schools ( 4 - 11 year olds) are always addressed bytheir surname by parents and pupils alike, always Mr, Mrs or Miss Smith.. In secondary schools (11 - 16 years), teachers are always addressedas Miss or Sir.

http://booklens.com/klaus-deimling/multivalued-differential-equations

Do children wear a school uniform?

Most school in England require children to wear a

school uniform.
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The uniform

Boys

Long grey or black trousers (shorts may be worn in the Summer)White Shirt

School tie (optional in most primary schools)

Jumper or sweater with the school logo on. The colour is the choice of the

schools.

Black shoes

Girls

As above.Girls may wear skirts

During the summer term girls often wear summr school dresses.

Why wear a Uniform?

When we go on a school trip we all look the same and so can't get lost. Stops kids worrying about what to wear each day. Everyone is equal. Parents don't have to shop for expensive and varied wardrobes for their

children to keep up with or show-off to other children Wearing a uniform instills a sense of pride and discipline in students


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Why not ot wear a uniform:

Uniforms deny students their right to personal identity and self-expression.

At what age do children start school in England?

The statutory school age in England and Wales is from 5

years to 16 years.

English children enter the reception class (first grade) of primary school in


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the next term after their fifth birthday. They attend primary school for

seven years, where they study English, arithmetic, science, Religious

education, history, geography, music, art and crafts, physical education, and

information technology (computers).

Children also learn French from the age of 7 at our school.


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What Grade / Year Group would I be in England?

Children are put into year groups (grades). The whole class moves up a year group

each year in September.

Age* England and Wales Scotland

School Key Stage Year Year

4-5Primary School or Infant

SchoolReception - P1

5-6 " KS1 1 P2

6-7 " " 2 P3

7-8Primary School or

Junior SchoolKS2 3 P4

8-9 " " 4 P5

9-10 " " 5 P6

10-11 " " 6 P7

11-12 Secondary School KS3 7 S1

12-13 " " 8 S2

13-14 " " 9 S3

14-15 " KS4 10 S4

15-16 " " 11 S5

16-176th Form at Secondary

School or CollegeA' Level - S6

17-18 " " - -


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On what days do your children attend school?

The children attend school fromMonday to Friday, from 08:55 - 15:15.

We have a two week break (holiday) at Christmas and also

at Easter. We have a six week break during our Summer

(July/August). We also have a break at mid-term which

usually lasts for about a week.


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The British Government places great importance on the need to assess and

test pupils in order to know what they have achieved. Compulsory testing

takes place at the ages of seven, eleven and fourteen in England and Scotland

(but not Wales where more informal methods of assessment are favoured).

All children in state schools are tested in English and mathematics at the

ages of seven, 11 and 14, and pupils aged 11 and 14 are also tested in science.

Most young people take GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

examinations at sixteen, and many take vocational qualifications, A/S and A

levels (Advanced levels), at seventeen and eighteen.

Age Stage Grade Tests

3-4 Foundation

4-5

5-6 Key Stage 1 Year 1

6-7 Year 2National tests and tasks inEnglish and maths (SATs)


8-9 Year 4

9-10 Year 5

10-11 Year 6National tests in English, mathsand science (SATs)


12-13 Year 8

13-14 Year 9National tests in English, mathsand science (SATs)
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14-15 Key Stage 4 Year 10 Some children take GCSEs

15-16

Year 11 Most children take GCSEs,GNVQs or other nationalqualifications

What different types of schoolsdo you have in England?


stages. They begin with primary education at the age of five and this

usually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to secondary
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State Schools

In the UK 93% of the children in England and Wales go to "state

schools". State schools are non fee-paying, funded from taxes and

most are organised by Local Authorities (LA).

Parents are expected to make sure that their child has a pen, pencil,

ruler etc. but the cost of other more specialised equipment, books,

examination fees are covered by the school.

Parents are, however, expected to pay for their child's school

uniform and items of sports wear. Charges may also be made for

music lessons and for board and lodgings on residential trips. Schoolsmay ask for voluntary contributions for school time activites - but no

pupil may be left out of an activity if their parents or guardian cannot

or do not contribute.

Primary schools(5 - 11 year olds)

In the UK, the first level of education is known as primary education.

These are almost always mixed sex, and usually located close to the

child's home. Children tend to be with the same group throughout the

day, and one teacher has responsibility for most of the work they do.

Parents are strongly encouraged to help their children, particularly

with reading and writing, and small amounts of homework are set to

all children, even during the early years at school.
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Secondary schools(11 - 16 year olds)

Most children transfer at the age of 11 - usually to their nearest

secondary school, though the law allows parents in England and Wales

to express preferences for other schools too. A place has to be

offered at the parents' perferred school unless the school has moreapplicants than places; in that case it will admit the children who have

the highest priority under its published admission arrangements

which can vary a little in different places.

Most secondary schools cater for both sexes. They tend to be much

larger than primary schools.

Grammar Schools are selective, they offer academically orientedgeneral education. Entrance is based on a test of ability, usually at 11

(11+).Grammar schools are single sexed schools i.e. Children either go

to a boys Grammar School or a Girls Grammar School.

Comprehensive Schools are non-selective, they do not select pupils on

grounds of ability. Comprehensive schools are mixed sexed schools.

High schools are also non-selective. Children of all abilities attend

these schools. High Schools are single sexed schools.

Fee Paying Schools

Independent Schools

7% of the children in England go to independent schools. Independent

schools are private schools and public schools . Parents pay for their

children to attend these schools.

Nursery/Kindergarten 2 to 4 years

Pre-preparatory 3 or 4 to 7 years

Preparatory 7 to 11 or 13 years

Public 11 or 13 to 18 years
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Prep Schools

A preparatory school is a school to prepare pupils to go to a public

school.

Public SchoolsA public school is an independent secondary school. Public schools in

England are not run by the government. The entrance exams used by

most public schools are known as Common Entrance exams and are

taken at the age of 11 (girls) or 13 (boys).

The most famous public schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

Higher Education

Around 30% of the 18 to 19 year olds enter full-time higher

education. The formal entry requirements to most degree courses are

two A-levels at grade E or above. In practice, most offers of places

require qualifications in excess of this.

What are the school terms and

holidays in England?We have six school terms. The school year starts in September and endsin July the following year.

School Terms


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Term 1 1/9/05 to 21/10/05 7 weeks 2 days

Term 2 31/10/05 to 16/12/05 7 weeks


Term 4 20/2/06 to 31/3/06 6 weeks



Total days 195 days

Schools are required to have at least 380 half-day sessions in eachschool year.

Find out the dates of the school holidays on our School Diary Page.

School HolidaysThe main summer holiday is from mid-July to early September. Childrenalso have 2 weeks holiday at Christmas and at Easter, plus a week inmid-October and in mid-February. Exact dates vary between eacheducation authority.

When are school vacations?

How long do they last?

The British academic year runs from September to July and is split

into three terms, with a one week (usually) half term in the middle of

each (This is due to change this year). There are 195 days teaching in

the year.
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English schools have six terms (semesters), separated by holidays

(vacations).

The school year is 39 weeks long and is divided into six terms:

Term 1 - September to October (followed by a one week holiday)

Term 2 - October to December (followed by a two week holiday)

Term 3 - January to February (followed by a one week holiday)

Term 4 - February to March (followed by a two week holiday)

Term 5 - April to May (followed by a one week holiday)

Term 6 - June to July (followed by a six week summer holiday)

Holidays / Vacations

Our main School holidays are:

Christmas - 2 weeks

Spring - 2 weeks

Summer - 6 weeks

We also have a one week holiday at the end of every odd numbered

term.

When does the School Year start?

The new school year starts in September, at the end of summer

vacation.

Who decides the dates of the School terms and holidays?

The local educational authority decides the dates of the school terms

and the school governing bodies determine the times at which schools

open and close each day.


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What school events do you have

in a typical school year?

There are many school events during the year, such as:


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Sports day

Students compete in sporting

activites and relay races.

Excursions (school trips)

To points of historical or

geographical significance.

Musical and drama performances by our children

Music Concert

Christmas Nativity Play

In Year 6, our students go on a residential trip to France.


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How long is your school day?

School usually starts at nine o'clock in the morning and finishes at about

three o'clock in the afternoon. Most schools in Britain require their students

to wear a school uniform.

Our School starts at 8:55 with registration.

At 9:10 we go to assembly. In assembly we sing songs, listen to a story and
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pray.

Our first lesson begins at 9:20.

We have break time from 10:20 until 10:35. During break time, the children

have a snack and play games out doors.

Afterwards, we go back in for another lesson until lunch at 12:00.

Afternoon lessons begin at 1:10 and end at 3:15, when the children go home.

We do not have a break in the afternoon.

Actual taught time as defined by D.F.E = 23.5 hours weekly.

In British schools, children can usually choose between a hot or cold dinner provided

by the school or a packed lunch taken from home. Some children are entitled to afree school dinner, but most children pay for theirs.

Our lunch break is from 12.15 noon to 1.15 p.m. and children may have a school meal

or bring a packed lunch.
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School lunches are priced at 1.60

School Life for a 13 year old British Boy

My School is a mixed 11-18 school. There about 1,150 students in my

school, including 200 in the sixth form. It is called a Technology


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College and specialises in Computers and Maths. My school has over

1200 computers (including over 400 tablet PC's)

I am in Year 8 and at the end of Key Stage 3 (a year earlier than

normal). I am presently having to decide what GCSEs I would like tostart working towards. I sit my GCSE exams next year instead of the

year after when most other people of my age will be doing them.

Some subjects are compulsory like Maths, English, Science and a

foreign language. I am not sure what other GSCEs I will be taking. I

will have to decide soon.

My School Day

I leave home at 6:45 and walk 20 minutes to catch a bus to school.

The bus is a special one just for kids going to my school. The journey

on the bus takes an hour because it has to keep stopping to pick up

other students along the way.

When I arrive at school, I collect my Tablet PC from the Flexi

(Flexiable Learning Centre). Then I go to my Tutor Room for

Registration at 8:30. We listen to announcements to see what specialthings are happening at school today or this week.

At about 8:50 we leave Tutor Room to go to our First Period. Every

day I have a different Lesson the first period. Normally it is

Humanities but I also have Maths, Drama and Music, and French on

the other days. Each period lasts an hour.

All my lessons are in different rooms and places around the school.

Each Room either has a three digit number or a name. The numbersare very hard to remember!. I have different teachers for each

lesson. I have a locker where I can store some of my stuff but

otherwise I have to carry it all around with my in my bags.
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Swipe Cards

Every Student carries a swipe card. We swipe into every lesson to let

the school know that we have attended that certain lesson and to

know where we are in case of emergencies.

On the Swipe Card there are two stripes, a black and a brown. The

brown is to swipe into lessons and the black is to get into the toilets

and buildings.

We can put money on our Swipe cards instead of carrying cash

around. When we want to pay for snacks at the Tuck Shop or canteen

we just hand over our cards and they deduct the money.

Subjects

Maths, English Science ICT

Drama Music Art PE

Humanities (History, Geography, and

Religion)

French or Spanish

Time Table

9:00 1st Period

10:00 2nd Period

11:00 - 11:20 Break

During break, I have a snack and play and chat with my friends.

Usually we play 'IT' a chasing game. Snow ball fight when it snows is

dead fun.

11:20 3rd Period

12:30 4th Period


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1:30 - 2:10 Lunch

I bring a packed lunch to school but occasionally I have school dinners

in the School Canteen.

2:10 5th Period

3:10 End of School

Sometimes I stay after school for clubs.

Canteen

The Canteen is open at Lunch Time and Break Time. Most hot food is

served only at lunch time. Chips are only available on Mondays and

Fridays.

Tablet PC

We don't use our Tablet PCs in all lessons because some rooms do not

have enough power sockets. We use the Tablets to do our work on

and to search the Internet. Our Tablet PCs are connected to a

Network so we can send our work straight to our teachers. and they

can send them back with their comments.

Written by Erik


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What subjects do you learn?

We follow the National Curriculum for England and Wales.

What is taught in state schools is set by government guidelines. The main aim

of the National Curriculum is to raise standards, making sure all children

have a broad and balanced education up to the age of 16 and to ensure that

schools in all parts of the country are following the same courses.

The National Curriculum specifies what children must study and what they

are expected to know at different ages. This ties in with the national tests

that check whether children are meeting these targets.

Subjects studied in Key Stage 2 (5 -11 year olds)

English, Mathematics, Science, Information Technology (Computers),

Religious Education (RE), Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art,

Music and Physical Education (PE).

The National Curriculum at Key Stage 3includes English, Mathematics,

Science, Design and Technology, IT, History, Geography, Modern Foreign

Languages, Art, Music and PE. In addition to the National Curriculum, RE is

also taught and, for secondary pupils, Sex Education.

At Key Stage 4students have to study English, Mathematics, Science,

Design and Technology, a Modern Foreign Language, IT and PE. RE and Sex

Education are also taught, although parents can choose not to let their child
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study these subjects.


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What sorts of games do primary school students

play during break times (recess)?The amount of time devoted to break times differs from school to school, but

at many schools there are two breaks, lasting about 20 minutes each, for keystage 1 children, and one 20 minute break for key stage two children. The

children also have an hour long lunch break. During break times and lunch times

the children go out and play in the playground.

Our Adventure Playground

Kids play on an adventure playground or form

teams to play soccer and basket ball. Also

popular are skipping and such games as tag.

On rainy days and at other times when they can't go outside, children spend the

time chatting with their friends, play board games or reading and drawing in the

classroom


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We believe extra-curricular activities play a very important role in the life

of the pupil and the school. We therefore offer a variety of clubs for our

students to join and enjoy. Many of our students also learn a musical

instrument.

Once the children have joined a club they are expected to attend regularly.

Some of the clubs only run at certain times of the year. Please see the

teacher in charge for more details.

Club Day Time Year Group

Computers

Mon

12:15 - 12:45

5

ComputersMon

12:45 - 1:15

3

ComputersMon

3:15 - 4:15

3

Country DancingMon

3:15 - 4:00

3 & 4

Football Mon 3.15 - 4.30 6

Netball Mon 3.15 - 4.15 6

Netball Mon 3.15 - 4.15 5

NewpaperReporters

Mon 3.15 - 4.15 6

RecordersTues

Lunchtime

ALL

JudoTues

3.15 - 4.00

3

JudoTues

4.00 - 4.45

4

ComputersWed

12:15 - 12:45

6

ComputersWed

12:45 - 1:15

4

ComputersWed

3:15 - 4:15

5
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Eco/ScenceEnviromental Science Wed

3:15 - 4:15

5

DanceWed

3:15 - 4:15

3 & 4

ComputersThu

12:15 - 12:45

6

ComputersThu

12:45 - 1:15

4

Choir Thu 3.15 - 4.00 ALL

ComputersThu

3.15 - 4.156

Drama Thu 3.15 - 4.15 6

Maths Thu 3.15 - 4.00 5

ComputersFri

12:15 - 12:45

5

ComputersFri

12:45 - 1:15

3

ComputersFri

3:15 - 4:15

4

Cross Country Fri 3.15 - 4.00 ALL


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What different types of schools

do you have in England?


stages. They begin with primary education at the age of five and thisusually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to secondary








State Schools

In the UK 93% of the children in England and Wales go to "state

schools". State schools are non fee-paying, funded from taxes and

most are organised by Local Authorities (LA).

Parents are expected to make sure that their child has a pen, pencil,ruler etc. but the cost of other more specialised equipment, books,

examination fees are covered by the school.

Parents are, however, expected to pay for their child's school

uniform and items of sports wear. Charges may also be made for

music lessons and for board and lodgings on residential trips. Schools

may ask for voluntary contributions for school time activites - but no

pupil may be left out of an activity if their parents or guardian cannot

or do not contribute.

Primary schools(5 - 11 year olds)

In the UK, the first level of education is known as primary education.

These are almost always mixed sex, and usually located close to the
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child's home. Children tend to be with the same group throughout the

day, and one teacher has responsibility for most of the work they do.

Parents are strongly encouraged to help their children, particularly

with reading and writing, and small amounts of homework are set toall children, even during the early years at school.

Secondary schools(11 - 16 year olds)

Most children transfer at the age of 11 - usually to their nearest

secondary school, though the law allows parents in England and Wales

to express preferences for other schools too. A place has to be

offered at the parents' perferred school unless the school has more

applicants than places; in that case it will admit the children who havethe highest priority under its published admission arrangements

which can vary a little in different places.

Most secondary schools cater for both sexes. They tend to be much

larger than primary schools.

Grammar Schools are selective, they offer academically oriented

general education. Entrance is based on a test of ability, usually at 11

(11+).Grammar schools are single sexed schools i.e. Children either goto a boys Grammar School or a Girls Grammar School.

Comprehensive Schools are non-selective, they do not select pupils on

grounds of ability. Comprehensive schools are mixed sexed schools.

High schools are also non-selective. Children of all abilities attend

these schools. High Schools are single sexed schools.

Fee Paying Schools

Independent Schools

7% of the children in England go to independent schools. Independent

schools are private schools and public schools . Parents pay for their

children to attend these schools.


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Nursery/Kindergarten 2 to 4 years

Pre-preparatory 3 or 4 to 7 years

Preparatory 7 to 11 or 13 years

Public 11 or 13 to 18 years

Prep Schools

A preparatory school is a school to prepare pupils to go to a public

school.

Public Schools

A public school is an independent secondary school. Public schools inEngland are not run by the government. The entrance exams used by

most public schools are known as Common Entrance exams and are

taken at the age of 11 (girls) or 13 (boys).

The most famous public schools are Eton, Harrow and Winchester.

Higher Education

Around 30% of the 18 to 19 year olds enter full-time highereducation. The formal entry requirements to most degree courses are

two A-levels at grade E or above. In practice, most offers of places

require qualifications in excess of this.


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What is the difference between

Grammar Schools and Comprehensive schools?

Grammar schools are selective, they offer academically

oriented general education. Entrance is based on a test ofability, usually at 11, called the Eleven Plus (11+).

(Find out about the 11+).

Comprehensive schools, on the other hand, are non-

selective, they do not select pupils on grounds of ability.


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