2. Przedmioty nauczania, oceny i wymagania, system oświaty, życie szkoły
Ćwiczenie 2.
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The British Education System
Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 (i.e. eleven years of schooling). At the age of 16, students wishing to continue academic study take examinations in a number of subjects in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) commonly known as O-levels.
Following GCSE, students take two further years of study, following between two and four subjects (usually three). The number of subjects is small and the range of disciplines followed is generally narrow. It is common for example to take either all arts-based subjects or all science-based subjects. It is less common to mix them. Each subject is studied to a high level of specialization and the coursework and the examinations involve a considerable amount of essay writing. At the end of this two-year period of study students take the examinations for the Advanced level of the General Certificate of Education (known as A-levels).
Students in the United Kingdom have therefore normally had thirteen years of full-time education before entering university. This is one year more than most American high school students have on entering an American college.
Admission to universities in the United Kingdom is competitive and around 35% of the age group normally expect to go on to higher education. Universities in Britain are autonomous bodies, empowered under their Charters or other acts of incorporation to award their own degrees. Undergraduate degrees in the United Kingdom normally take three years - one year less than most Bachelor degree schemes in the United States.
Comparison of the British and IS Education systems
Although the two systems are not completely comparable, it might be helpful to look at schooling in the following way:
UNITED STATES |
UNITED KINGDOM |
School Grades 1-12 (age 5-17) |
School Grades 1-11 (age 5-16) GCSE at age 16 School 'Sixth Form' - 2 years |
University Freshman Year |
A-level at age 18 |
Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year and Graduation |
University 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year and Graduation |
What Are AS Levels?
Advanced Subsidiary Level, or AS level examinations are the first 'half of a complete A-Level and are usually taken during Year 12 (age 16/17). You can go on to the second part, now called A2, after you have passed all your AS exams and course work. An entire A-level is made up of 6 units, so an AS level just has 3 units that you can re-sit once if you fail .Your overall A-Level grade will be based on your best results.
• Why have AS Levels been introduced?
The government wanted to give students more choice and AS Levels mean that you can 'try out' a range of topics and then select what suits you best for study in year 13. Something you enjoyed at GCSE might seem less interesting at A-level, so you can leave it behind after year 12 rather than having to go on and worry about failing. Picking subjects that truly reflect your interests and abilities will increase your chances of success.
• How do I choose which subjects to take ?
The likelihood is that you will do better at subjects you enjoy, but at 16 you have to start considering which career you might like to pursue. The advantage of AS Levels is that they give you experience of more subjects, whatever you go on to specialise in, broadening your choice of directions to take. Speak to your teachers, family and friends about the range and combination of subjects that will support your long-term goals and have a look at the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) website for information on the qualifications you will need to go on to Higher Education.
Harry had almost forgotten that the exam results were still to come, but come they did. To their great surprise, both he and Ron passed with good marks; Hermione, of course, came top of the year. Even Neville scraped through, his good Herbology mark making up for his abysmal Potions one. They had hoped that Goyle, who was almost as stupid as he was mean, might be thrown out, but he had passed, too. It was a shame, but as Ron said, you couldn't have everything in life.
Tuesday, May 12th
Had a long talk with Mr Vann the Careers Teacher today. He said that if I wanted to be a vet I will have to do Physics, Chemistry and Biology for O level. He said that Art, Woodwork and Domestic Science won't do much good.
I am at the Crossroads in my life. The wrong decision now could result in a tragic loss to the veterinary world. I am hopeless at science. I asked Mr Vann which O levels you need to write situation comedy for television. Mr Vann said that you don't need qualifications at all, you just need to be a moron.
PYTANIA:
In some countries children start school at the age of four, in Poland at six. What do you think is the ideal age for starting school? Why?
Is specialization a good thing in education? How early should young people be forced to make up their mind about what subjects they want to study in future? Justify your opinion.
To what extent are English A-level exams similar to Polish secondary-school finals 'matura'? How are they different?
Would you like your course work to be taken into account more in calculating your final marks in the exams? Give reasons for your opinion.