3 Szkoła

1. Przedmioty nauczania, oceny i wymagania, system oświaty

Ćwiczenie 1.

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Public vs. Private

It is easy to become confused by terminology related to the British school system. The state provides free education in state schools, but increasing numbers of parents opt for fee-paying private education which can be obtained at 'independent schools'.

The most prestigious and, incidentally, most expensive independent schools in England are known as 'public schools'.

Public schools mustn't be confused with private schools. Although their fees may amount to as much as £10,000 a year, they are not run for profit and are not privately owned.

To add to the confusion, in Scotland and the USA, the term 'public school' and 'public-school education' is used to refer to the free system supplied by the state.

School Organisation & Control in the US

School Control

The authority over school education in the US rests with individual state departments of education; there is no form of Federal (central) Government control, although the Department of Education is responsible for maintaining educational standards. Parents may choose to send their children to the local public school for free education or to a private, fee-charging school. Private schools and public schools are organised in a similar fashion, however, private schools maybe church affiliated, single sex, or cater for students with learning disabilities. Many private schools are 'college prep' schools, with a curriculum directed to ensuring students' admission to university or college. (Please note, in the US a college means the same as a University, and should not be confused with sixth form colleges and similar UK institutions.)

School Grade Levels

Schooling for children may begin at age five or less at independently run private nursery schools, referred to as pre-schools or nursery schools. By age six, most children attend kindergarten. Elementary and secondary education includes instruction given to children from the age of 6 to 18 years. Twelve formal years of education usually begins with elementary/primary school (grades one to six), then middle/junior high school (grades seven and eight), finishing with secondary/high school (grades nine to twelve). Variations exist, but the basic curriculum for each grade is the same. Elementary schools provide instruction in the fundamental skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as history, geography, civics, crafts, music, science, health and physical education. Foreign languages are often introduced towards the end of elementary school or in middle/junior high school.

American High School Education

Overview

Public high school education is co-educational and comprehensive. Each student takes certain required courses, as outlined by the state, for a prescribed number of years or semesters (terms). Required courses may include English, mathematics, physical education, general science and social sciences, including classes similar to US history and government, world history and social problems. Students wanting to attend college or university choose courses with a special emphasis within their interests, e.g. academic sciences ( biology, chemistry or physics), higher mathe­matics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus), foreign languages, advanced English literature, composition or social sciences. Students interested in business or industry may take typing, shorthand, bookkeeping, business machines or business English'. Depending on the school, it may be possible to take agricul­tural, technical or fine arts-related subjects as well.

Grading and Exams

Continuous Assessment

Unlike in Britain, US schools do not train students for externally set examinations such as the GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), Highers, AS (Advanced Subsidiary Level) or A-levels. Rather there is a continuous evaluation system; a 'cumulative file' or 'folder' is opened and will follow the student throughout his or her educational career. Marks range from 'A' (excellent) to T' (foiling) in each subject. A student's marks will depend upon test performance, given at intervals during the year, class participation, homework assignments, independent projects, etc. Generally twice a year the student's parents are sent a 'report card' indicating the grades earned in each subject. The student's overall academic history is recorded in a 'transcript', which is later requested by universities wanting to evaluate the student.

University Admissions Tests

For students planning to attend university/college it is advisable to take college entrance exams during the last two years in high school. These tests are set up by various independent institutions and are primarily multiple-choice. They are designed to assess verbal and mathematical skills and are not based directly on course work. The most widely recognised, are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the SAT II Subject Tests administered by The College Board. The American College Testing Programme runs another parallel exam, called the American College Test (ACT), and although this is not as common as the SAT, both are recognised by accredited colleges and universities as a means of evaluating potential students.

Pytania

1. How does the range of subjects taught at American schools compare with that at Polish schools? Are the two school systems similar or different in your opinion? Present and justify your opinion.

2. To what extent is assessment at school a source of stress for pupils? If you could change something about assessment in your own school, would you like more of your work to be externally assessed, i.e. by teachers who do not teach you? Why? Why not?

3. The tests that American teenagers take to be admitted into university (SAT) are not based on course work. Do you think that it would be a good idea if Polish universities recruited students on the basis of their verbal and mathematical skills? Why? Why not?

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