British Education System

British Education Children in the United Kingdom are required to attend school from age 5 to age 16. State schools are maintained by local government and offer pupils free education up to the age of 18, while the so-called public schools are private institutions that charge attendance fees. The country has many universities, colleges, and adult education facilities.

I. The purpose of school Common goals Common goals The three “ R ’ s ” The three “ R ’ s ” The purpose of the British education The purpose of the British education “ to socialize children ” “ to socialize children ”

II. The debate on education Corporal punishment Corporal punishment Varieties in English Varieties in English Class inequality & education Class inequality & education

III. History The Ministry of Education The Ministry of Education The influence of the Church on schooling The influence of the Church on schooling

Eton College is a private secondary school in Berkshire County in southern England. The preparatory school was founded by King Henry VI in A statue of Henry VI stands in the courtyard of the college.

The playing fields of Rugby School, in Warwickshire, witnessed the birth of rugby football in 1823 when William Webb Ellis, a pupil, picked the ball up while playing football. Founded in 1567, the school is a leading English public school, renowned for its science education.

Before 1870 Before 1870 voluntary, closely related to churches voluntary, closely related to churches 1870 effects of Industrial Revolution 1870 effects of Industrial Revolution first Education Act (inspired by Germany) first Education Act (inspired by Germany) 1880 compulsory education (5-10) 1880 compulsory education (5-10) 1902 LEA 1902 LEA WWI the school leaving age 14 WWI the school leaving age 14 WWII new system emphasizing equality WWII new system emphasizing equality 1944 the Education Act (5-15) 1944 the Education Act (5-15)

1960s comprehensive schools 1960s comprehensive schools Grammar schools & vocational schools Grammar schools & vocational schools “ the Great Education Debate ” 1976 “ the Great Education Debate ” 1989 National Curriculum 1989 National Curriculum changes changes

IV. The present education system Compulsory education (5-16) Compulsory education (5-16) State schools or private schools State schools or private schools Public schools in Britain Public schools in Britain Progress in education Progress in education

School's Out in Belfast A group of primary school children race across a street in Falls Road, Belfast. Early education is an important objective in Northern Ireland. In addition to primary school education, the government provides nursery school education for children under five years old. All Northern Irish children are entitled to free schooling; however, a number of popular private schools attract local students, as well as pupils from overseas.

Pre-primary schooling (before 5) Pre-primary schooling (before 5) Primary schools (5-11) Primary schools (5-11) co-educational (mixed) co-educational (mixed) Secondary schools (11-19) Secondary schools (11-19) mixed / boys (girls) schools mixed / boys (girls) schools “ 11+ Exam ” ; GCSE Exam; A-level Exam; GNVQ Exam “ 11+ Exam ” ; GCSE Exam; A-level Exam; GNVQ Exam Tertiary education Tertiary education

V. Higher education Well-known universities Well-known universities Elitists Elitists

Five categories: Five categories: Foremost univ. (Oxbridge, St Andrews, etc) Foremost univ. (Oxbridge, St Andrews, etc) Redbrick univ. (19 th -20 th century) Redbrick univ. (19 th -20 th century) Ultramodern univ. (last half of the 20th c.) Ultramodern univ. (last half of the 20th c.) Polytechnics (science and applied tech.) Polytechnics (science and applied tech.) Open Univ. Open Univ.

Oxford University

Christ Church, Oxford University

England ’ s oldest institution of higher learning, Oxford University, is a federation of 35 colleges, each with its own structure and activities. Many prominent people have attended the All Souls College, shown here.

Students at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England, prepare to receive their academic degrees. The sashes of their gowns are lined with different colors of silk, designating each student ’ s respective college or field of study.

Cambridge University

Founded in the 13th century, Cambridge University is one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Among its many distinguished graduates are Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, Oliver Cromwell, and John Milton.

Trinity College, Cambridge University

King ’ s College, Cambridge University

Question Why does the author say that universities in Britain have been rather elitist? Why does the author say that universities in Britain have been rather elitist?

The Open University The Open UniversityQuestion What is the Open University in Britain? What do you think of this system?