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The UK Education System

 

The UK Education System

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

There is a legal responsibility for all children aged 5 to 16 receive a full-time education suited to their age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs (SEN). Prior to the Education Reform Act of 1988 schools were free to decide what they teach their students, religious education was the only compulsory subject. The National Curriculum was developed as part of the Education Reform Act 1988 introduced in England in 1992 to ensure that all pupils had a balanced education, clearly stating the standards expected to be achieved by the students.

The National Curriculum has four key stages as follows:

  • Key Stage 1: Years 1 and 2 (ages 5-7)
  • Key Stage 2: Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (ages 7-11)
  • Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8 and 9 (ages 11-14)
  • Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11 (ages 14-16)

The Foundation Stage (early years or Reception Stage - ages 3-5), became part of the National Curriculum in 2002. Key Stage 1 and 2 are taught in primary schools and Key Stage 3 and 4 are generally taught in secondary schools. Most pupils move from primary to secondary school at the age of 11.

The national curriculum consists of a core subjects - English, math and science, and the foundation are matters of design and technology, information and communication technology (ICT), history, geography, art and design, music, physical education, modern foreign languages - at Key Stage 3 only - and citizenship. Religious education is taught in accordance with agreed local curriculum.

All pupils in England, except for those from independent or private are required to comply with the National Curriculum, with the exception that in Wales, Welsh is also a central theme.

Students are assessed by examination at the end of each key stage (results collated into league tables), with the Key Stage 4 gaining General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

Update :
In October 2008, the government scrapped Key Stage 3 SATs test for 14 year olds. It is now proposed that by 2011, a new US style report card will be issued to primary and secondary schools.
In June 2009, Ed Balls (the Schools Secretary) announced that the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies for primary schools would be scrapped by 2011. Capita's contract would not be renewed and schools would be given back the initiative to decide how and what their pupils required to cover numeracy and literacy needs.

After completing GCSEs, students have the option of whether to continue with education at school or university through AS-level, A level, International Baccalaureate or vocational training or to carry out the job.

Scotland

Scotland has its own qualification framework that is independent of the national curriculum used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The curriculum in Scotland is not established by law, placing the responsibility on local authorities and schools.

The curriculum is divided into 5-14 Curriculum and Standard Grade for 14 to 16 years old. After Standard Grade, students progress to Intermediate, Advanced Higher and Higher grades, although some students may take courses at the intermediate 14 to 16.

The Year in Scotland groups are divided into primary (P) and secondary (S), with the 5-14 curriculum that covers P1-P7 to S1 and S2. Standard Grade starts in S3 and S4, S5 Senior Grade and Advanced Higher taken by most pupils in the S6 year. The first year of secondary school (S1) is equivalent to 8 Year in England, therefore those in Scotland have a year less in secondary education than those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The 5-14 curriculum is divided into six levels, A to F. Assessment of pupils achieving levels is taken by individuals or groups when teachers believes their students are ready.

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