The British Education system

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• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

The British Education System

Learning goals

In this lesson, you will learn about the British education system.

At the end of the lesson you:

- Have a general idea of how the system works;

- Can explain some differences between the UK and Dutch system.

What do you already know about British schools? Write down anything that comes to mind.

Watch the video about the British education system on the next slide and take notes. You will get questions afterwards.

True or false? Britains that go to a public school must pay tuition.

A

True

B

False

C

D

True or false? Very few schools in the UK have uniforms.

A

True

B

False

C

D

What do you think are the advantages of wearing a school uniform?

What do you think are the disadvantages of wearing a school uniform?

According to the video, what is the main reason British schools use uniforms?

A

To limit discrimination

B

To illiminate peer pressure of wearing expensive brands

C

To help children dress in the morning. They don't need to think about what to wear!

D

To create a sense of belonging, identity and pride

At what age do British children take their GCSE exams (General Certificate of Secondary Education)?

A

11

B

12

C

16

D

18

Now think about the Dutch education system...

On the next slide, write 2 or 3 differences between the British and Dutch education systems. Here are some questions that may help you out:

• What does the level where you are now (secondary/high school) consist of (in terms of years)?

• What are the requirements to pass a particular step/level in the system?

• What about the system we use in the Netherlands (VMBO, HAVO, VWO...)... Is a similar system used in the UK?

• Are all schools the same in terms of payment/a fee?

• Until what age is education compulsory?

• Are students required to wear a uniform?
  

Write 2 or 3 differences between the Dutch and British education systems here

Article: Eton to raise fees to £63,000 per annum in response to VAT change

Read the article and answer the following eight questions

1. How much did Eton charge annually before the VAT change?

2. How much will parents pay after the increase?

3. Why is the British government removing the VAT exemption?

4. From what date will private schools have to charge VAT?

5. How is the Girls’ Day School Trust responding differently from Eton?

6. Why does the GDST say it cannot make major cuts to staff costs?

7. Who decides how private schools deal with the additional costs?

8. Does the journalist explicitly support or oppose the measure? Explain your answer