1. CONVERSATION 1
Is there anything you would change about the education system in Italy?
In your opinion, does education guarantee a good job in Italy?
3) What do you remember about your teachers? Were there any that really inspired you?
4) Were there any teachers that you didn’t like? Why?
5) What are the qualities of a good teacher?
6) What was your school like?
7) Are there problems with gangs in the schools in your country?

2. EDUCATION IN BRITAIN Schools are divided into:
1) State schools (maintained from public funds)
2) Independent schools (privately financed)
There is no common educational organization for the whole country.
Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales have somewhat different school systems.

3. EDUCATION IN BRITAIN
The education system in the UK is divided into 5 main parts and 4 “key stages”:
1) Nursery education – from 2 to 5
2) Primary education - Key Stage 1: 5 to 7
3) Secondary education - Key Stage 2: 7 to 11
4) Further education - Key Stage 3: 11 to 14
5) Higher education - Key Stage 4: 14 to 16

5. EDUCATION IN BRITAIN
Both in primary and in secondary schools students have to study:
Three core subjects: English, maths, and science
Other foundation subjects: technology, computer science and communication technology, history, geography, art, music and physical education
In secondary school they start studying a foreign language and citizenship
At the age of 16 students can leave school.

6. ASSESSMENT Students are assessed at the end of each stage.
The most important assessment occurs at age 16 when students pursue their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and they can go to university

7. EDUCATION IN BRITAIN Comprehensive Schools Non selective
For children of all abilities
From a variety of social backgrounds
National Curriculum
Grammar Schools
Selective
Admission depending on children’s aptitude and ability
Free-paying Schools
- Independent schools which are not required to follow the National Curriculum

8. National Curriculum
In England and Wales, the government introduced a National Curriculum in 1988.
The aim was to create a curriculum which was standardized and appropriate to the needs and demands of the contemporary world.
It covers all age groups and includes the ‘core subjects’ of English, mathematics, science, technology, physical education and religious education.
History, geography, music and art are taught in the earlier stages of the curriculum before becoming optional, while a modern foreign language is added later.

9. SCHOOL TIMETABLE
The school day in state and independent schools usually runs from 9.00 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the school year is divided into three terms (autumn, spring and summer).

10. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Along with sport, schools offer a substantial program of "extra-curricular activities“, that is, activities which are able to offer students a wide range of experiences, intellectual, cultural and relaxing.
Music, drama, science and literary societies are offered in all schools, and there will be opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities, such as visits to theatres and concerts and to places relevant to the courses of study (such as art galleries and museums, religious centers or historical sites, scientific companies and projects).

11. EDUCATION IN THE USA
The organization of the American school system varies from state to state.
Elementary school begins at the age of six in some states and at seven in other states.
Education in the United States is based on two levels:
elementary
secondary

12. EDUCATION IN THE USA
It consists of a series of grades from K (Kindergarten) to 12th grade.
Elementary Schools start with grade K and end at grade 6. Pupils stay at this school level until they are twelve. Here they learn to read, write, do arithmetic and study history, geography, art and physical education.
At the end of grade 6 they enter Junior High School where they study new subjects such as social studies, a foreign language and science.
After the 9th grade (at about 15) students go to the Senior High School where hundreds of courses are offered.

13. EDUCATION IN THE USA
Compulsory education ends at the age of 16, 17 or 18, depending on the organization of the school system of the state in which students live.
Students can choose an academic level, if they want to continue their studies and go to a university or college. This is particularly suitable for students who are interested in specialized fields such as business, trade, economics, science, engineering and so on.
The general level is for those who don't want to continue their studies, and a High School diploma is awarded

14. ACTIVITY 1
Compare the organization of the British, American and Italian school systems and fill the grid

15. Britain
United States
Italy
Compulsory levels
From … to …
Core subjects
…………………
………………….
Optional subjects
…………………..
Children start studying a foreign language
When they are
Children have to pass a state exam
……………………
At the end of
Types of Secondary school
…………………….

16. UNIVERSITY
Bsc (Bachelor of Science)/Ba (Bachelor of Arts): Laureato in Scienze e Lettere - laurea di 1° grado = 3-4 anni di università – undergraduate degree
Msc (Master of Science)/Ma (Master of Arts): laurea di 2° grado = altri 1-2 anni + tesi – master’s degree
Phd (Doctor of Phylosophy): laurea di 3° grado- dottorato = 3-4 anni di ricerca + tesi – doctorate, level degree

17. UNIVERSITY Diploma di laurea: degree (certificate)
Diploma universitario : university degree
Laurea: degree
Diploma di scuola superiore: secondary-school diploma/certificate (USA: degree)
FALSE FRIEND
Education: istruzione
Educazione: politeness, good manners

18. EXAMS
Exams results can be given as marks (usually out of 10 or 100) or as grades (A, B, C, etc.).
IELTS: International English Language Testing: an accepted qualification in universities and institutions all over the world.