Schools

In Britain it is compulsory for everyone between the ages of 5 and 16 years to receive some officially recognized form of schooling, though most secondary schools continue to provide education until the age of 18. The vast majority of pupils attend state schools, which are absolutely free (including all text books and exercise books), but there are also about 500 private schools providing secondary education. The most famous of these schools, confusingly known as public schools, are Eton and Harrow.

There is no statutory age at which students change from primary to secondary school, nor are school "specialized" - pupils choose from the numerous subjects taught in their particular school. The recently introduced National Curriculum has made it compulsory, however, for three core subjects -English, mathematics and science - and seven other foundation subjects -technology (including design),

history, geography, music, art, physical education and a modern foreign language - to be included in the curricula of all pupils. Passage from one academic year to the next is automatic. After a two-year course, usually from 14 to 16 years of age, most pupils take their General Certificate of Secondary Education {GCSE), assessed on the basis of a mixture of course work and a written examination, in individual subjects. Pupils obtaining at least five passes at GCSE can then specialize for two years (usually from 16 to 18 years of age) in two or three subjects, in which they take the General Certificate of Education Advanced level (A-level) examination. This is used as an entrance qualification for university (minimum two passes) and other types of higher education, as well as for many forms of professional training.

Ответьте на вопросы.

1. Is schooling compulsory for children of 5 to 15 years of age?

2. What types of school do you know in Britain'?

3.What exams do children have to take at 16 years old?

4. When do children take their General Certificate of Secondary Education?

5. At what age can children leave school?

6. What type of education is there after school?

Напишите вопросы к этим ответам.

1. /name?/ …………….. What's your name? Paul.

2. /married or single?/............................... I'm married.

3. /American?/......................................... No, I'm Australian.

4. /howold?/............................................. I'm 30.

5. /a teacher?/............................................ No, I'm a lawyer.

6 /wife a lawyer?/...................................... No, she's a designer.

7. /from?/................................................... She's Italian.

8. /her name?/............................................ Anna.

9. /how old?/.............................................. She's 27.