First, let me state that I was overwhelmed when I began to read about the structure of the United Kingdom's education system. I never realized how different it was from ours in the United States. There really is no easy way to compare our education system to theirs - it would be like comparing apples to oranges. It was fascinating to read about how they arrange their education and to read the notes stating that different facets will change in the coming years due to new legislation.
One of the most profound changes will actually be implemented beginning in 2013. Up until now, the age for compulsory attendance for education was 16. Following the Education and Skills Act of 2008, though, the new compulsory age will be 18. The first step moving towards this will be implemented in 2013, when the new age will be 17 followed by 18 beginning in 2015.
In the United States, we have struggled with publicly subsidized preschool. In the United Kingdom, however, there are currently publicly funded nurseries and preschools for children under 5, with only limited hours available each week. I would be interested in learning more about this, because on the surface it seems like a nice compromise. I would like to know what the "limited hours" are and how conducive they truly are to worker's schedules. Also, if someone needs additional hours, are those services available at an additional cost or would they need to employ someone such as a babysitter at their own expense and time in finding someone?
Unlike the United States where individual states are responsible for developing k-12 curriculum (and it's sometimes even more localized than that), the United Kingdom developed a national curriculum. Below, is a graphic giving an overview of the required curriculum along with the 4 key stages (this is in comparison to our 13 year grade system: kindergarten through 12th grade). It is also important to note that at the end of each stage a required Standard Assessment Test is given to students to evaluate each student's knowledge. However, these tests are being phased out and I would like to know what they are replacing them with and how they are going to validate student learning in order for those students to progress through the system. Another thing to remember is that this curriculum is also being revamped beginning in 2013, and I'm guessing this is due in part to the change in the compulsory age. This outline gives you an idea of the structure of the United Kingdom's current education system.
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Resources Used
Until Next Time!
One of the most profound changes will actually be implemented beginning in 2013. Up until now, the age for compulsory attendance for education was 16. Following the Education and Skills Act of 2008, though, the new compulsory age will be 18. The first step moving towards this will be implemented in 2013, when the new age will be 17 followed by 18 beginning in 2015.
In the United States, we have struggled with publicly subsidized preschool. In the United Kingdom, however, there are currently publicly funded nurseries and preschools for children under 5, with only limited hours available each week. I would be interested in learning more about this, because on the surface it seems like a nice compromise. I would like to know what the "limited hours" are and how conducive they truly are to worker's schedules. Also, if someone needs additional hours, are those services available at an additional cost or would they need to employ someone such as a babysitter at their own expense and time in finding someone?
Unlike the United States where individual states are responsible for developing k-12 curriculum (and it's sometimes even more localized than that), the United Kingdom developed a national curriculum. Below, is a graphic giving an overview of the required curriculum along with the 4 key stages (this is in comparison to our 13 year grade system: kindergarten through 12th grade). It is also important to note that at the end of each stage a required Standard Assessment Test is given to students to evaluate each student's knowledge. However, these tests are being phased out and I would like to know what they are replacing them with and how they are going to validate student learning in order for those students to progress through the system. Another thing to remember is that this curriculum is also being revamped beginning in 2013, and I'm guessing this is due in part to the change in the compulsory age. This outline gives you an idea of the structure of the United Kingdom's current education system.
Once students complete the GCSE they can leave school, similar to seniors graduating from high school in the United States, or continue with their education. My next post will offer an in-depth look at the higher education system in the United Kingdom. Much like our higher education, it is complex in the options afforded to students.
Resources Used
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Megan
