2015-05-26
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Technology [tek'nOlqdZI] – технические и прикладные науки
Eton [Jtqn] – Итон
Harrow ['hxrou] – Хэроу
Winchester ['wInCqstq] – Винчестер
Rugby ['rAgbI] – Рагби
Read and translate the text.
BRITISH SCHOOLS (1, 700)
Preschool education in England begins at the age of 3 or 4. About half of the children at this age attend nursery schools or playgroups mostly organized by parents. Little children need care as well as education. That’s why kids play a lot; learn to listen attentively and to behave.
Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5. Children start their school career in an infant school. When they are 7, pupils move to a junior school, which lasts four years till they are 11. They study a lot of subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography along with Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education. All the children are streamed into A, B, C, D classes. The most gifted attend A streams, the least talented are in D classes.
Most children (over 90 per cent) go to state schools where education is free. Only a small portion of them attend private (public) or independent schools where the fees are very high. The most notable private schools are Eton, Harrow, Winchester, and Rugby. Such schools are for the representatives of the ruling class.
Secondary education begins at 11. The majority of secondary schools are Comprehensive schools where boys and girls study together. Besides, parents can take their children to Secondary Modern schools or to Grammar schools. Many children of working families go to Modern schools, which give a very limited education but pupils get instruction in woodwork, metal work, sewing, shorthand, typing and cooking there. Grammar schools provide an academic course from 11 to 18. They prepare pupils for colleges and universities. The Comprehensive schools have their own “Grammar school” classes and “Modern classes”.
At about 16 years old teenagers take some exams and coursework to get General Certificate of Education. Those who choose to stay on at school usually study for two years more to pass A level (Advanced level) exams. These exams will give them chance to enter a university.
