Secondary Education System in the UK
In the UK, formal education begins at the age of 5 and lasts from 13 to 18 years old. However, it is worth noting that kindergartens in the UK are often not separated from schools, so schools accept preparatory classes from the age of 3.
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The main stages of school in the UK.
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Primary - Foundation - 3-7 years
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Preparatory School - 7-13 years
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High School - High School - 13-16 years
Lower Secondary
Primary 3-7 is an introduction to academics. The curriculum is mainly in the form of games and is not scored. Children learn arithmetic, writing and reading, and the environment. At this stage a lot of emphasis is placed on children's creativity, intellectual and aesthetic development, as well as work on fine motor skills. This is facilitated by drawing, dancing, music, drama, sports, gardening, interaction with nature and animals, and educational trips.
At this stage, the school does not yet provide accommodation for children, only daytime education. Both British and foreign children live with their parents and study 5 days a week.
Secondary School
Secondary school 7-13 is the beginning of serious schooling, studying several subjects: mathematics, English, science, art, history, geography, music, sports, swimming, foreign languages (usually French), computer science and programming.
At this stage, the child can already be sent to a British school with a residence through a study visa - he will be cared for by a team of educators, teachers, a class teacher, school psychologist and medical center staff who live with the child in the residence.
Secondary School
High school from the age of 13 to 18 leads to a certificate, first incomplete and then to a full secondary education.
In GCSE each student studies about 6-12 subjects. The compulsory subjects are mathematics, English language and literature, foreign languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, etc.), natural sciences (biology, physics, chemistry). Further subjects: Ancient (history and languages of ancient Rome and Greece), History, History of Art, Geography, Business and Economics, Politics, Psychology, Theology/Philosophy/Ethics, Computer Science (Computer Science, Programming), Fine Art, Design and Technology, Music, Drama.
After completing GCSE, students can stay at their school for A-level / IB, or enter Sixth Form College for this purpose, or enter a specialist college for secondary specialised education (Vocational College).
At A-level, each student studies 3 subjects, which he pre-selects according to his strengths, preferences and future expertise at university. The most common (facilitating subjects) are
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Mathematics and Further Mathematics
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English Literature
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Physics, Biology, Chemistry
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Geography, History
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Foreign Languages (Modern or Ancient)
You can also choose from subjects such as Economics, Business, Government and Politics, Art and Design, Ceramics, Computer Science and Programming, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Media and Communication, Psychology, Photography, Music, Religion and Philosophy and Drama.
In addition, the theoretical and academic foundations of A-levels are often enhanced by more applied BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) courses. BTECs do not include end-of-course examinations: grades are based on credits for work completed within 2 years. These courses are ideal for students who want to gain practical skills for future jobs, as well as those who do not cope well with the state exam format. Typically, British schools offer BTECs in business, sports, animal husbandry, information technology, media and communications, music, and variety arts.
The IB (International Baccalaureate) is an alternative to the A-level curriculum. It leads to an International Baccalaureate that can easily lead to entry into a university in any country.
FEATURES OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN London
Secondary schools in England develop curricula based on national standards. School curricula in England include mathematics, geography, natural sciences, English, history and literature, a foreign language, drama and visual arts, music, information and computer technology, and other subjects. Each student is given the opportunity to choose an academic or vocational course, as well as additional disciplines of interest. In addition to traditional physical education classes schools introduce a compulsory sports program, the most popular of which are soccer, cricket, tennis, rugby, and hockey.
Education in many private schools in England, which are Christian, provides such compulsory subjects as theology or religious studies. Some boarding schools in England follow classical humanities programs of education and teach Ancient Greek and Latin to their students.
The academic year in British high schools is divided into 3 terms: Michaelmas Term (September-December), Lent Term (January-March), and Summer Term (April - early July). There are long vacations between terms and short vacations between terms. The academic process usually lasts from Monday to Friday, Saturday is a day of extracurricular activities and sports games.
In secondary school in England lessons are usually held from morning to mid-afternoon, with breaks for lunch and dinner. Children are taught in modern equipped classrooms, computer classes and laboratories, creative workshops and sports halls and grounds. Travelling lessons, master-classes, and fascinating excursions are organized for the students. In boarding schools there are afternoon sports games, hobby groups, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF EDUCATION in London
General education in Britain is based on three pillars: the moral education of the child, an excellent level of education, which gives the opportunity to work fruitfully in your chosen profession, and sports to strengthen the body and spirit in constant competition. How much does it cost to go to school in England - this question depends on the specialization, prestige, equipment, the number of additional services of a particular institution. In England, education of children is treated with the same reverence and responsibility as the royal family or the royal race.
It is inconceivable that in a modern British school a child is treated rough, suppressed his will. On the contrary, the program is designed to fully develop each student's individual potential. The price of a school in England is quite high, but the payoff is significant. Unlimited prospects for further education in the best universities. In addition, living permanently in boarding school, you can make a lot of useful acquaintances who can have a positive effect on your future career. The centuries-old tradition of British education is aimed at forming a strong character and obedience to the existing laws of society.
The child is always engaged in useful work. At first glance it seems that this level of workload and discipline is too strict, but it gives excellent results, forming the character of a fighter, capable of overcoming any difficulties in life. Unfortunately, this is not always enough in today's society. The price of education in schools in England is not exorbitant, if objectively calculate the advantages of such an education.
How does it work?
Applying to a school in the UK can take a week or more, plus about 8 weeks if you need a visa.
Applying for a school place
On the date you wish to enrol, you will need to ask the school if there are any places available. For this step, all you need to do is scan your child's passport and an up-to-date current school report. Schools in the UK will usually respond within one working day.
Apply
You will need to pay a registration fee to the school. This is usually around £170 and is non-refundable.
Interviews
The next step is to arrange an interview with your chosen school.
Payment
It is common practice for schools to pay a one-off advance payment plus a deposit. These payments may vary from school to school. But remember, once you sign a contract with the school, you need to pay as stated in the contract. Payments are made directly to the school, not to us.
Visas
How much does it cost to go to school in London?
Secondary education for foreigners in the UK is not a budget item. The average cost of studying at a private school is £17,000 per year, but these are indicative figures only. The amount can be up to 30,000, to which you will need to add health insurance, return flights, accommodation costs (if the child does not attend a boarding school) etc. When applying for a student visa, you must prove that you are financially stable by preparing a letter of sponsorship showing the status of the account.
The high cost of education does not mean that private schools in the UK are primarily institutions for the wealthy, and if you are not one of these people, then you can forget about a UK education.
Nevertheless, the reputation of schools still depends on students who pass their exams and succeed in university. Such children - capable, purposeful and creative - can grow up in any family. Therefore, schools interested in talented children are ready to provide them with financial assistance in the form of tuition discounts and scholarships: academic, sports, music or fine arts. Of course, it's not enough to play sports or draw beautifully to qualify for such a scholarship. The child must have serious achievements, a good portfolio, and he must present himself while watching or listening. It is expected that after entering education the child will continue to develop and demonstrate his talents - he will play for the school team, participate in competitions, etc. Usually, scholarship applications are submitted and considered separately.