30. What are the main types of secondary schools in Britain?

British schools are divided into Arts (Humanities) and Sciences schools. A Science Students study chemistry,

physics, mathematics, while Arts students study English language, literature, music.

Today, all schools in Britain are known as State schools (that are state supported) and Independent schools

(these are fee-paying schools ranging from public schools to private experimental schools).

Schools supported by the state are of three kinds: country schools, voluntary schools (provided a voluntary

body-Church of England, for example) and Direct Grant Schools (completely independent and reside on grants

from the Department Of Education).

Independent and Fee-paid schools are known as public schools. Public schools can be full-boarding (students

live there), day-public schools (every day go home) and mixed.

Mostly public education is a privilege of upper class. But there are some grants for bright pupils. However,

there are a few places and a strong competition.

From the 16 century many Grammar schools were established. Grammar schools provide opportunity for

children from all social background to excel academically at the same level as those attending fee-paying

public schools. Firstly, most of grammar schools were single-sex.

In the 1940s secondary Modern schools were established for students who wanted to obtain education for

manual skills and clerical employment.

There are also secondary technical schools, which offer education related to industry, commerce and

agriculture.

In 1960s Comprehensive schools appeared. The idea was to combine Grammar and secondary modern schools

under one roof to give all children the same opportunity in education. Today Comprehensive schools are the

standard of secondary education.

31. What are the oldest and most famous universities in the country?

There are 90 universities in the UK. They fall into 5 broad categories: the medieval English foundations, the

medieval Scottish foundations, the 19th century ‘red brick’ ones, the 20th century ‘plate-glass’ ones, and the

previous polytechnics.

Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest and the most prestigious and privileged in the UK. Both universities grew

gradually as federation of Colleges, most of which were founded in the 14th, 15th centuries. There are about

40 colleges in Oxford, and 30 colleges in Cambridge. The construction of each college is connected with the

name of some King or Queen of England or some prominent people of the country. Each college has not only

his own name, but also symbols and traditions. For centuries, University colleges were only for men. And in

1970s most colleges opened their doors for both men and women.

The college is a place where students live and study. Within a college you can find a chapel, a dining room, a

library, rooms for students and stuff as well as rooms for teaching purposes. Each college is independent and

self-governing. Teaching is based on tutorial system (each student has a tutor who directs him, advices and

fits an eye on his progress.

The Head of University is a Chancellor who is elected for life.

Cambridge has always had a particularly high education in a field of science and mathematics, Oxford- classical

studies, humanities.

Scotland boasts four ancient Universities: Glasgow, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Aberdeen, all founded in the

15th and 16th centuries.

The 19th century ‘red brick’ universities: (instead of colleges they have faculties. In each faculty there is

a number of departments dealing with separate subjects. The head of department is usually professor)

University of Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle…

The 20th century ‘plate-glass’: most were named after regions or counties-Sussex, Kent, East Anglia and

Strathclyde.

32. What do you know about the Open University?

What do you know about Open University?

The most revolutionary of all developments in University education was the establishment of Open University

(OU).It was opened in 1971. It provides every person in Britain with the opportunity to study for a degree,

without leaving home.

It is particularly designed for adults who missed the opportunity for higher education earlier in their life. In

conducts learning through correspondence, radio and television, and also through local study centers. The

Open University uses a variety of methods including written and audio materials, the internet, disk-based software,

programs on DVD. For most courses students are supported by tutors.

The University is notable for having an open-entry policy. That means that student’s previous academic

achievements are not taken into account for entry to most courses.

The Open University aims are to extend educational opportunity to all and provide a University education for

those wishing to pursue high education on a part-time or distance learning basis, including disabled people.

The standards of degree are the same, so the degrees are awarded on the system of credits for each course

completed.