Conversation about the education in the uk

D.: Hi, Adrew! Are you in a hurry? Let’s revise the material for the English classes.

A.: Hi, Danil! With pleasure. As far as I remember we are to get information about the educational system

in the UK.

D.: You are absolutely right. First of all, we should memorize that the system of education in Britain is

divided into three stages: primary, secondary and further educational.

A.: And don’t forget that there are state and private schools in the UK.

D.: Good for you. But, you see, about 93 per cent of British children go to state-assisted schools. As far as I

know, both primary and secondary education, between the ages of 5 and 16, is compulsory in Britain.

A.: Yes, I agree with you. And at the age of 15 or 16 pupils take an examination called the General

Certificate of Secondary Education, abbreviated GCSE …

D.: Sorry for interrupting you I want to add, that most pupils, who stay in school beyond the age 16, prepare

for the General Certificate of Education examination at Advanced level, A level. It is abbreviated GCE.

Well, and what about higher education?

A.: I know exactly, that British universities are not part of the public system of education.

D.: Right! They are independent corporations, but they are mainly supported by public funds.

A.: And have you heard about the Open University?

D.: Yes, it is unique in providing degree courses by correspondence for students working in their own

homes. They are supported by books and broadcasts.

A.: Oh, you know so much about it.

D.: Thanks for your assistance.

A.: It was no trouble at all.

Ex.5. Заполните пропуски данными словами:

(Thirty; University; education; offer; years; industry; differ; summer; courses; one; time; school; each; Degree; studies; important; three; full-time; higher) Life at College and University

1.There are about … hundred universities in Britain. 2. The academic year in Britain’s universities, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics is divided into … terms. 3. English universities greatly differ from … other. 4. They … in size, history, tradition, general organization, methods of instruction, way of student life. 5. After three … of study university graduates leave with the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, etc. 6. Later you may continue to take a Master’s Degree and then a Doctor’s … . 7. Research is an … feature of university work. 8. During late sixties the Government set up … Polytechnics. 9. The Polytechnics offer first and … degrees. Some of them … full-time and sandwich courses. 10. Colleges of Education provide two-year … in teacher education. 11. Some of those who decide to leave … at the age of 16 may go to a further … college where they can follow a course in typing, engineering, town planning, cooking or hairdressing, … or part-time. 12. Further education colleges have strong ties with commerce and … . 13. There is an interesting form of … which is called the Open University. People study in their own free … and “attend” lectures by watching TV and listening to the radio. 14. They keep in touch by phone and letter with their tutors and attend … schools. 15. The Open … students have no formal qualifications and would be unable to enter ordinary universities.

Ex.6. Разыграйте диалог в парах. Переведите русские реплики на английский язык.