The second lecture that I found interesting was the lecture on the education system. I’ve always wondered what the equivalent of A-levels was or how our grades compare to theirs (i.e. high school grade 12). I think for the majority of the points on their system, I prefer our education system better, but I think that they have their pros as well.
Their education structure is set up as Pre School (3-4), Primary (5-11), Secondary (11-16), Sixth Form (16-18), and Uni (18-21). Before secondary you take your GCSE’s and sixth form is taken to study for your a-levels for Uni. Their school system is also split into two as Independent schools and State schools. Independent schools feature Public which are the super exclusive and Private which are less expensive but still up there price wise. For state schools, which are free, you have comprehensives, which most kids go to, faith schools/grammar schools and then new academics. State schools get some bad raps though and new academics are the ones that were poor but the government is pouring money into to improve them.
I like the fact that when most students go out of Uni, they are 21 which I think is better because you get to settle into your career earlier on compared to our system where it’s a wider age range. That is one of the one advantage I see though. I feel like sending a 3 year old to preschool is very early, and the fact that you have to decide your college direction when you’re a younger teenager makes it seem like a lot of students would end up in something they won’t like in the long-run. I also think that you can receive a great education from our own public schools though it seems like if you want to go to a top school, its best to be in their independent schools. Another aspect to our university system that I think is better is that you are allowed to minor while in the system here you cannot, and in my class I would have definitely not been able to take fashion classes while completing business classes. Overall, I think there is no perfect school system, but I am happy with our own.
That is a good point Gabby. Minors and double majors and all of that are great for people that have multiple interests of study! Though they get out of school so much younger here in the UK, I much prefer all the options we are given, I just wish we actually got out "on time" like we are supposed to.
ReplyDeleteIs pre-school compulsory? I don't remember. But I agree, there are definitely pros and cons to every school system. Something I really like about theirs is the emphasis on traveling--it is normal for students in Uni to study abroad. Wish the US did that..it's a great experience ;D
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the fact that you put a picture with your blog posting. It definitely made it more appealing to the eye. Eventhough, your summary was great. I do agree with most of your points. I had always wondered a few things about the UK education system before as well.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures added to your blogs it pulls my attention to them and makes me want to read them. Your summary was a great take on the lecture. I liked how you put a lot of your thoughts rather than summarizing the lecture. I agree with most of your points. 3 is really early to send a child off to pre school and I also like that our system allows us to have minors.
ReplyDelete