Educational system in Great Britain

There are three main school systems in GB.

The comprehensive system introduced in the 1960s is the most popular in England and Wales. It consists of a primary school (children go there at the age of five) and upper school ( at the age of 11). Alternatively, child may go to a middle school for three or four years before going to the upper school. Children go from one school to another without taking any exams and without being selected according to their abilities.

The selective system where children are selected for certain schools according to their ability, is the oldest in Britain. After primary school they take an examination called the 11-plus. Those who are successful go to a grammar school, where they receive a more academic education. Those who fail the exam go to the secondary modern school, where they receive an education which is less academic, and more intended to train them for a job when they leave at the age of 16.

About 7 % of children go to very expensive private school . It has three levels – primary school (age four to eight), preparatory schools (8 to 11) and public schools where children go after an examination and they remain there until they are 18. Many preparatory and most public schools are boarding schools – the children live at there during the school term.

Within the three systems, there are several varieties of schools. For instance, you can find: a)schools for boys only; b) schools for girls only; c) mixed schools; and voluntary schools – often with religious background.

At the age of 16 pupils take the examinations of General Certificate of Secondary Education. It consists of the most common subjects: English, history, geography, French, German, Mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. Those who have passed their GCSE may remain at school for another two years at Advanced level.

Pupils need “A” levels to enter a university. About a third of 16-year olds choose a college of further education. Universities and colleges of higher education accept students with “A” levels from 18. About 90 per cent of students receive grants from public or private funds.

University first-degree courses usually last three or four years. The first degree of Bachelor of Arts or Science is awarded for good results at the end of the course. Further study or research is required for the degree of Master. It is required at all universities for the degree of Doctor.

Some of courses in technological universities, Concentrated on science and technology known as sandwich courses. It combines academic study with training in industry. They also provide courses in other subjects such as social studies and modern languages.

The usual method of university instruction is combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Individual tuition is given at tutorials. While seminars are a form of group teaching.

Educational system in Russia

Russia has a long-quality education for all citizens. It probably has one of the best mass-education systems in the world producing a literacy rate (98%) exceeding most Western European countries. Education is split into a compulsory Basic Education, and ongoing Higher Education.

The right to education is stated in the constitution of the Russian Federation. It`s insured by compulsory secondary schools, vocational schools and higher education establishment. It is also ensured by the development of extramural and evening courses and the system of state scholarship and grants.

Education in Russia is compulsory up to the 9^th form inclusive. After graduation from the 9^th grade, which is compulsory for all Russian citizens, a pupil obtains a Certificate of incomplete Secondary Education. If a pupil of secondary school wishes to go on in higher education, he or she must stay at school for two more years. Primary and secondary school together comprise 11 years of study. Every school has a “core curriculum” of academic subjects.

The other way to complete the secondary education is to pursue an associate degree at a Community College. It takes three to four years to complete but provides a pupil with educational qualification that is sufficient for most blue-collar jobs.

After obtaining a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education a student can enter a university or a Community College. At a community College with complete secondary education can obtain an Assosiate Degree in one or two years. A student can choose a program of higher education with a duration of four to six years. A student can choose a program of higher education with a duration of four to six years. There are three different degrees that are conferred by Russian universities: Bachelor`s Degree (4 years), Specialist`s Degree (5-6 years), and Masters Degree (6 years). Bachelors and Masters degrees were introduced relatively recently; they did not exist during the Soviet period. Even now they are not offered by many six-year institutions. Many universities have evening and extramural departments. They give their students an opportunity to study without leaving their jobs.

After obtaining a specialist`s or Master`s degree, a student may enter a university or a scientific institute to pursue postgraduate education. The first level of postgraduate education is aspirantura that usually results in the Kandidat nauk degree. The seeker should pass three exams (in his special field, in a foreign language of his choice, and in history and philosophy of since), publish at least three scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, write a dissertation and defend it. After graduation a student may continue postgraduate education. From 2 to 4 years of study in doctorantura with obtaining important scientific results, publishing therm and writing new thesis would result in the Doctor Nauk degree, but the typical way is working in a university or scientific, institute with parallel preparation of a thesis. The average time between obtaining Kandidat and Doctor degrees is roughly 10 years, and most of new Doctors are 40 and more years old. Only 1 of 4 Kandidates reaches this grade.

Higher educational establishments are headed by rectors. Protectors are in charge of academic and scientific work. An institute or a university has a number of faculties, each specializing councils which confer candidate and doctoral degrees.

The system of higher and secondary education in Russia is going through a transititional period. The main objectives of the reforms are: to decentralize the higher education system, to develop a new financial mechanism, to give more academic freedom to faculties and students.