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All public schools in the UK are free, and schools provide their students
with books and equipment for their studies.
Nine million children attend 35,000 schools in the UK. Education is
compulsory from the age of 5 to 16. Children start primary school at the
age of 5 and continue it until the age of 11. Most children study
together, boys and girls in the same class. At the age of 11, most
students go to secondary schools called General education, 90 percent
of secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales are co-educational
institutions.
At 16 students take a national exam called "G. C. S. E." (General
certificate of secondary education), and then can leave school if they
wish. Some 16-year-olds continue their education in the sixth form of
school or in a sixth-form college. The sixth form prepares students for
the national exam called «A» level (advanced level). You need an «A»
level to go to University. Other 16-year-olds prefer to go to College for
more practical degrees, such as hairdressing, writing, or mechanics.
Universities and colleges of higher education accept students with "a"
level from 18 years of age. Students study for an average of three years.
Most students graduate at 21 or 22 and receive their degree at a
special graduation ceremony.
Questions:
1. What do state schools in Britain provide their pupils?
(Schools in Britain provide their pupils with books and equipment for
studying)
2. What can parents choose?
(Parents can send their children to kindergarten or play group to
prepare them for school)
3. When do children start primary school?
(Children start primary school in 5 years)
4. When do pupils take a national exam called G.C.S.E.?
(At 16 students take a national exam called "G. C. S. E.").
5. What prepares pupils for the national exam called «A» level?
(Sixth grade prepares students for the national exam called "a" level)
6. How long do students study for a degree?
(Students majoring in learning an average of three years.)
7. Whom do universities and colleges of higher education accept?
(Universities and colleges of higher education accept students with
"A" level from 18.)