The British Education System
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 MD system
The British Education System
Watch the video about the British education system on the next slide and answer the questions afterwards
What do you already know about British schools? Write down anything that comes to mind.
True or false? Britains that go to a public school must pay tuition (lesgeld/collegegeld).
True
False
True or false? Very few schools in the UK have uniforms.
True
False
Just about all schools in the UK have some sort of uniform!
What do you think are the advantages of wearing a school uniform?
According to the video, what is the main reason British schools use uniforms?
To limit discrimination
To illiminate peer pressure of wearing expensive brands
To help children dress in the morning. They don't need to think about what to wear!
To create a sense of belonging, identity and pride
At what age do British children take their GCSE exams (General Certificate of Secondary Education)?
11
12
16
18
Take a look at the next slide
Be prepared to explain 2 or 3 differences between the British and the MD education system on the following slide.
Use the information you learned in the video as well.
Early years and primary education
In the UK, children under five years old learn under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This framework sets the standards for learning, development, and care in nurseries, preschools, childminders, and reception classes. EYFS helps children develop essential skills in communication, language, physical development, early literacy, and social growth. By the end of reception (around age five), teachers complete an EYFS profile to check each child’s progress and whether they’ve met the early learning goals.
Primary Education
After EYFS, children move into primary school, split into key stages 1 and 2. Key stage one includes school years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7), while key stage 2 is years 3 to 6 (7 to 11). In year 1, children take (phonics screening check) to assess their ability to read and recognise words. In year 2, pupils may take optional tests in English reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and maths. Teachers also track progress in maths, English, and science throughout the year. Throughout key stage 2, teachers track writing and science progress to make sure children meet learning expectations. At the end of year 6, pupils take national curriculum tests (SATs) in English reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and maths.
Key stage 3 covers school years 7 to 9 (ages 11 to 14). At this stage, pupils move from primary to secondary school and study a range of subjects. This includes English, maths, science, history, geography, modern languages, design and technology, art and design, music, and computing. They also cover citizenship, religious education, relationships and health education, and sex education. There are no national exams at this stage.
Secondary School
Years 10 to 11 (ages 14 to 16) belong to key stage 4. At the end of this stage, most students take General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs). These are subject-based exams in core subjects like English, maths, and science, and optional choices, such as humanities, arts, and languages. Students generally take 9-10 GCSEs, including core subjects and optional choices.
In England, GCSEs are graded on a 9-1 scale, with nine as the highest and one as the lowest, replacing the old A*–G system. Schools in Wales and Northern Ireland use different grading scales.
Students can choose vocational alternatives to GCSEs, such as Business and Technology Education Council (BTECs) and OCR Nationals
Now think about the MD education system...
On the next slide, write 2 or 3 differences between the British and MD 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 MD. 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 Moldovan and British education systems here
Want to hear a little more about the British education system?
Watch the 4 min. video on the next slide
OK, that's it for now!
If you are interested in learning a little more about the British education system, continue on the next slides:
- 4 min. video
- Slides about famous British universities