Monday, 22 February 2010

Education System (lecture 2/8)

It was interesting to learn about the UK's education system and how it differes so much from Americas education system. The way it is structured is pre-school (3-4), primary school-compulsory (5-11), secondary school- compulsory (11-16), sixth form (16-18) then finally university (18-21). It is only mandatory for them to attend up to age 16 (or secondary school) where they are able to take 6-11 main exams (GCSE's) in math, english, science, etc. By the time they enter sixth form students must have already decided what route they want to take in their career since they are only allowed to choose (focus on) 3 subjects for their last two years. Then if they do decide to go to a University it only takes three years or four years if they do a language or study abroad. The UK education system is very efficient since by the age of 21 (when they finish university) most individuals have a degree and are ready to begin working which is totally different in America.
In America high school (15-18) is typically considered a social event where we take general courses (math, english, social studies, science, etc.) By the time we graduate no one has really put a thought on what they want to do (career wise.) since college/university is where most people go to figure their futures out. Most people take up to six years in order to get their bachelors degree since it takes a while for most to finally decided on a field of study. By the time people graduate they are age 21 (rare)- 24 and even then most people feel uneasy about their futures and return to school to get their Masters degree. By the end most students end up returning home since they are heavily in debt and it's often the case that it becomes really hard for many to get a decent paying job in their field of study. Which is hardly the case here in London where we have met so many people our ages who are already graduated and are working in great jobs!
Overall I think the American education system should take a real close look at the UK education system. Maybe then more students would go to college, would not waste so much time and money at a university (trying to figure out their majors) and would enter the working force at a faster rate!
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2 comments:

  1. Jessica Ramirez24 February 2010 at 08:08

    It's funny that you say that a lot of student return home because they are heavily in debt, especially if you attend a private university because it's so true! I have known a lot of people in that situation. Even though the UK system is efficient, I feel that there are some cons to that. Young adults don't know what they want to do half the time and in this system, it would be hard to get out of it. On the other hand, it enables early independence, which is generally seen later on in adult years when it comes to a lot of American students. Interesting viewpoint!

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  2. Kelsey25 February 2010 at 11:42

    I also find it so interesting that it is only mandatory for students to stay in school until they are 16. Personally, if I was done with school at 16, I don't think I would know what to do. It is such a young age to stop recieving an education.

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