Топик по английскому «Образование в Великобритании» (Education in Great Britain). Топик по английскому языку "The British Education System

Известно, что цель образования — не только знания, но и прежде всего действия. А главное — верные действия. Мы в тысячи раз больше беспокоимся о приобретении богатства, чем об образовании ума и души, хотя то, что есть в нас есть, для нашего счастья гораздо важнее материальных ценностей. Поговорим об образовании в Великобритании, где соединение традиций и новых технологий является «козырной картой» всей образовательной системы. Shall we start?

Essay on Education in the UK

The UK is a highly developed country, in general, that’s why the educational system in the UK is well developed and highly ranked. It’s important to note that the country consists of four parts Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. That fact causes some peculiarities of education in each part.

As in many other countries education in Great Britain involves nursery, primary, and secondary schools for school education; higher education institutions such as colleges and universities for higher education and also some establishments for further or adult education.

School education in the UK is compulsory and free from the age of five. Primary school is common for all students. But at the age of 11 children take exams and have the opportunity to choose the type of secondary school: grammar school with a more academic type of education; a secondary modern school which gives more general knowledge: or secondary technical school with a more practical type of education. Children are able to finish school at the age of 16 with the General Certificate of Education. There are also some alternatives to state schools such as public schools which usually have a high fee for education or becoming more and more popular home education.

On the other hand, higher education in the UK is not compulsory or free. Moreover, the cost of education in many universities is quite high. Nevertheless, it’s high standard with very strong college system and even stronger university system. Some of the UK universities are world-famous and international establishments. The most well-known are Oxford and Cambridge universities which are also the oldest ones. The duration of education for getting a Bachelor’s degree is three years and then students can continue studying to get Master’s or Doctor’s degree.

As far as I can see, the education in the UK is fundamental and high standard. There are many options for children so they are able to choose whatever they want.

Сочинение на тему Образование в Великобритании

Великобритания — в целом высокоразвитая страна, поэтому и система образования в Великобритании — хорошо развитая и престижная. Также важно отметить и то, что страна состоит из четырех частей: Уэльса, Шотландии, Англии и Северной Ирландии. Этот факт является причиной некоторых особенностей образования в каждой из частей.

Как и во многих других странах, образование в Великобритании включает в себя детские сады, начальную и среднюю школу в качестве школьного образования; высшие учебные заведения, такие как колледжи и университеты в качестве высшего образования; а также некоторые заведения для дальнейшего или последипломного образования.

Школьное образование в Великобритании является обязательным и бесплатным с пятилетнего возраста. Начальная школа — общая для всех учеников. Но в возрасте 11 лет дети сдают экзамены и у них есть возможность выбрать тип средней школы: средняя классическая школа с более академическим образованием, средняя современная школа, дающая более общие знания или средняя техническая школа с более практическим видом обучения. Дети могут закончить школу в 16 лет с аттестатом об общем образовании. Есть также и другие варианты, кроме государственных школ, такие как частные школы с высокой платой за обучение или, становящееся все более распространённым, — домашнее обучение.

С другой стороны, высшее образование в Великобритании не является принудительным или бесплатным. Более того, стоимость обучения во многих университетах достаточно высока. Тем не менее, образование отвечает высоким стандартам с сильной системой колледжей и еще более сильной системой университетов. Некоторые из университетов Великобритании являются всемирно известными и международными заведениями. Наиболее известные из них — это Кембридж и Оксфорд, которые также являются старейшими университетами. Продолжительность обучения для получения степени бакалавра — 3 года, и затем студенты могут продолжить обучение для получения степени магистра или доктора наук.

Насколько я вижу, образование в Великобритании — фундаментальное и высоко стандартизированное. Существует много вариантов, поэтому у детей есть возможность выбрать то, что они захотят.

Похожие сочинения

Education in Great Britain - Образование в Великобритании

Education in Britain is compulsory (1) between the ages of 5 and 16 (4 and 16 in Northern Ireland).
Primary education includes three age ranges: nursery for children under 5 years, infants from 5 to 7, and juniors from 7 to 11 years old. About half the children under the age of 5 receive nursery education (2) , and many other children attend pre-school playgrounds mostly organised by parents.
Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland, and 4 in Northern Ireland. Children usually start their school career (3) in an infant school and move to a junior school or department (4) at the age of 7.
Pupils in England and Wales begin to tackle (5) a range of subjects including those stipulated (6) under the National Curriculum, which will form the basis of their education until the age of 16. Subjects covered include English, mathematics and science, along with technology, history, geography, music, art and physical education and, for older pupils, a modern language. Religious (7) education is available (8) in all schools, although parents have the right to withdraw (9) their children from such classes. Secondary schools are generally much larger than primary schools. A small proportion attend fee-paying (10) private, or ‘independent’ (11) (‘public’) schools. The large majority of schools teach both boys and girls together. The school year in England and Wales normally begins in September and continues into the following July. In Scotland it runs from August to June and in Northern Ireland from September to June and has three terms. Pupils of all ages take part in workplace activities (12) that, teachers believe, ‘help them to develop personal as well as commercial skills (13) ’.
At 7 and 11 years old, and then at 14 and 16 at secondary school, teachers measure children’s progress in each subject. Parents receive regular information about the way their child’s school is performing (14) , as well as their child is progressing.
The main school examination, the General Certificate of secondary education (GCSE) examination is taken in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at around the age of 16. If pupils are successful, they can continue to more advanced (15) education or training. Many study for ‘A’ (Advanced) and ‘AS’ (Advanced Supplementary (16) ) level qualifications. These are two- year courses in single subjects. Students usually take two or three subjects which may be combined with one or two ‘AS’ courses, which are offered by both schools and colleges. These exams are the main standard for entry university education and for many forms of professional training.
There is also a Certificate of Pre-Vocational (17) Education (CPVE) for those staying at school for a year after the age of 16; this provides (18) a preparation (19) for work or vocational courses.

Образование в Великобритании является обязательным в возрасте от 5 до 16 лет (4 и 16 в Северной Ирландии).
Начальное образование включает три возрастные группы: дети до 5 лет, дети от 5 до 7 лет, подростки от 7 до 11 лет. Около половины детей до 5 лет посещают детский сад и немало детей ходит в дошкольные группы, в основном организованы родителями.
Обязательное начальное образование начинается в возрасте 5 лет в Англии, Валии, Шотландии, и с 4 лет в Северной Ирландии. Дети начинают свою школьную жизнь в младшей школе, затем переходят в среднюю школу или отдел с 7 лет.
Ученики в Англии и Валии начинают изучать предметы, предусмотренные национальной программой образования, которые составляют базу их образования до 16 лет. Предметы включают английский язык, математику, естественные и технические науки, историю, географию, музыку, рисование, физическое воспитание и для старших детей современный английский язык. Религиозное образование предусматривается во всех школах, хотя родители имеют право запретить детям посещать такие уроки. Общеобразовательные школы больше начальных. Незначительное количество учеников посещает платные частные или "независимые школы". В большинстве школ мальчики и девочки учатся вместе. Учебный год в Англии и Валии обычно начинается в сентябре и продолжается до июля. В Шотландии он длится с августа до июня, а в Северной Ирландии с сентября до июня и состоит из трех семестров. Учащиеся всех возрастных категорий работают в мастерских и на производстве, поскольку учителя убеждены, что это помогает в формировании личности и коммерческих навыков.
В возрасте от 7 до 11 лет, а впоследствии от 14 до 16 в средних школах учителя определяют успехи детей из каждого предмета. Родители регулярно получают информацию о том, как их ребенок учится и многом достигла наибольших успехов.
Основной школьный экзамен на сертификат среднего образования составляют дети в Англии, Валлії и Северной Ирландии в 16-летнем возрасте. Если его составлен успешно, можно продолжать образование на высшем уровне обучения или производственной специализации. Многие продолжают обучение на уровне "А" (повышенной сложности) и уровне "AS" - дополнительном уровне квалификации. Это двухгодичное обучение отдельного предмета. Студенты учатся, как правило, из двух, трех предметов, которые объединяются в одну или две "AS" программы, которые предлагаются как в школах, так и в колледжах. Эти экзамены являются базой для поступления в университет и многих видов профессиональной деятельности.
Существует также сертификат профессиональной школы для тех, кто учился в школе еще на протяжении одного года после 16-летнего возраста. Это обеспечивает подготовку к работе по призванию.

Vocabulary

1. compulsory - обязательный
2. nursery education - образование в детском саду
3. career - карьера
4. department - отдел
5. tackle - иметь дело (с), заниматься
6. stipulate ["stɪpjəleɪt] - предусматривать
7. religious - религиозный
8. available [ə"veɪləbl] - припадок, полезный
9. withdraw - изымать, отводить
10. fee-paying - платный
11. independent - независимый
12. workplace activities - работа в мастерских или на производстве
13. skill - навык, умение
14. perform - здесь: учиться
15. advanced - передовой, прогрессивный, повышенной сложности
16. supplementary - дополнительный
17. vocational - профессиональный
18. provide - предоставлять, обеспечивать
19. preparation - подготовка

Questions

1. What is the compulsory schooling age in different parts of Great Britain?
2. What can you say about religious education?
3. What other schools besides comprehensive give (provide) secondary education?
4. How long does the school year last in Britain?
5. When do teachers measure children’s progress in each subject?
6. What is the main school examination?
7. When is the GCSE examination taken?
8. What are ‘A’ and ‘AS’ level qualifications?
9. What are these exams the main standard for?

In England and Wales compulsory school begins at the age of five, but before that age children can go to a nursery school, also called play school. School is compulsory till the children are 16 years old.
In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. Then children go to the Secondary School.

When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects in order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G. C. S. E. (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or «0 level» (Ordinary level). After that students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. If they continue, when they are 18, they have to take further examinations which are necessary for getting into university or college.
Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.
In England there are 47 universities, including the Open University which teaches via TV and radio, about 400 colleges and institutes of higher education. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree.

Questions:
1. When does compulsory school begin?
2. How long does a child stay in compulsory school?
3. What subjects do children learn in Primary School?
4. What kind of exam do students have to take when they are 16?
5. Do students have to leave school at the age of 16 or to continue their studies?
6. How do private schools differ from the regular ones?
7. How many universities are there in England?
8. What is the Open University?
9. What kinds of degrees do universities award?

Образование в Британии
В Англии и Уэльсе обязательное обучение в школе начинается с пяти лет, но до этого возраста дети могут ходить в детский сад, также называемый игровой школой. Обучение в школе обязательно до достижения детьми возраста 16 лет.
В первичной школе и начальной школе дети учатся читать и писать, а также основам арифметики. В старших классах первичной школы (или в средней школе) дети учат географию, историю, религию и, в некоторых школах, иностранный язык. После этого дети переходят в среднюю школу.
Когда ученики достигают шестнадцатилетнего возраста,
они могут сдавать экзамены по различным предметам для получения квалификации. Квалификация может быть как образца О.С.С.О. (Основное Свидетельство о среднем образовании), так и обыкновенного уровня. После этого учащиеся могут покинуть школу и устроиться на работу, или продолжить образование в той же школе, что и перед этим. Если они продолжат, то, когда им исполнится 18 лет, они должны будут сдавать следующие экзамены, которые необходимы для поступления в университет или колледж.
Некоторые родители выбирают для своих детей частные школы. Они очень дорогие, но считается, что образование в них дается на более высоком уровне и имеются предпосылки для получения хорошей работы.
В Англии 47 университетов, включая Открытый университет, обучение в котором производится по телевидению и радио, около 400 колледжей и высших учебных заведений. Старейшие университеты Англии - Оксфорд и Кембридж. Главным образом, в университетах присваиваются два типа степеней: степени бакалавра и магистра.

Education in Great Britain
England schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age. Any child may attend a school without paying fees. Over 90% of children of compulsory school age go to state schools. The most important changes in Britain’s educational system were introduced under the Education Reform Act 1988. It led to the compulsory National Curriculum for pupils aged 5 to 16 in state schools. The Act also aims to give parents a wider choice of schools for their children. Local educational authorities finance most school education at local level. They also employ teachers. Every state school in England and Wales has a governing body, responsible for the school’s main policies. Parallel reforms are introduced in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Full-time education is compulsory up to the middle teenage years. There are three stages in education. The first stage is primary education; the second is secondary education; the third is further education at university or college.
Before going to a primary school children receive nursery education (some children attend pre-school play-groups). It’s the first age of education. Around half of 3-4 years old in Britain receive nursery education. Children of nursery age need care as well as education. Social, emotional and physical needs must be taken into consideration.
Compulsory primary education begins at the age of 5 in England, Wales and Scotland and at 4 in Northern Ireland. Children start their education in an infant school and move to a junior school at 7 years old. Primary schools vary in size and location. Pupils study different subjects (English, mathematics, science, history, geography, music, art, physical education). Over 80% of all primary schools are mixed.
In Britain most children of compulsory secondary school age (11-16) receive free education financed from public funds. The large majority of schools are mixed.
The school year in England and Wales begins in September and continues into July. In Scotland it is from August to June. In Northern Ireland - from September to June. At this level children start to learn a modern foreign language. The course of study at secondary school may lead to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. At 16 years old children take different examinations and have quite a lot of coursework, only after which they’re awarded GCSE.
Those who stay at school after GCSE, study for 2 more years for A (Advanced) level exams in two or three subjects.
A small proportion of children (about 8%) attend private, or independent schools, which are not financed by the state. To understand this phenomenon a little history is needed.
The British government paid little attention to education until the end of the 19th century. Schools had existed in Britain long before the government took an interest in education. A small group of schools admitted only the sons of the upper and upper middle classes. At these public schools much more attention was paid to «character-building» and the development of «team spirit» rather than to academic achievements. These were «boarding- schools» (as the pupils lived in them). The pupils wore distinctive clothes and the schools had their own traditions. The aim of those schools was to prepare young men to take up positions in the higher ranks of army, in business, civil service and politics.
A typical public school is for boys from 13. It admits fee-paying pupils. Such school is a boarding one. Each school is divided into houses with its housemaster. Public school place great emphasis on team sports. These schools are not at all luxurious or comfortable. A typical example of such a school is Eton.
British education has many different faces but one goal. Its aim is to realize the potential of all for the good of the individual and society as a whole.

The School Year
The school year is usually divided into three terms.
Autumn term lasts from September (or August) till Christmas holiday, which is about 2 weeks. Then spring term - till Easter holiday (also 2 weeks), and summer term, which lasts till June (or July). Summer holiday is about 6 weeks.
In addition all schools have a half-term, which lasts a few days or a week in the middle of each term.

School Life
Nearly all schools work five days a week. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The school day starts at 9 o’clock and finishes between 3 and 4p.m. The lunch break usually lasts an hour-and-a-quarter. Most
pupils have lunch provided by the school. The lunch is paid by parents. Other children either go home for lunch or have a snack at school.

Exams
At 15-16 years old school children take public exams. They are not usually set up by the government (rather by independent examining boards). Each school or Local Education Authority decides which exams their pupils are to take. The boards publish syllabus for each subject. There is no single school-leaving exam or school-leaving certificate. Usually a vast range of subjects is offered for school children. Nearly all pupils do exam in English, Maths and Science. Most do exams in technology and in a foreign language. Some pupils take exams in 3-4 additional subjects.
Usually exams have nothing to do with school years. Once the examining boards decided to include certain popular television programmes on their literature syllabus.

EXERCISES
I. Answer the questions.
1. What is the goal of education in Britain?
2. What types of school do you know in Britain?
3. What school do children at 6 years attend?
4. What exams do children have to take at 16 years old?
5. What subjects do pupils learn at secondary school?
6. Is there any difference between state and independent schools?
7. What is the aim of private schools?
8. Can you give an example of a private school?
9. Is schooling compulsory for pupils of 17 years old?
10. When does the academic year begin?

II. True or false?
1. Schooling is compulsory for children of 5 to 16 years of age.
2. Quite a large number of children attend public schools.
3. The first stage of education is secondary education.
4. Children in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland go to school at the same age.
5. Only a small part of schools are mixed.
6. At public schools much attention is paid to character-building.
7. After finishing secondary school children are awarded GCSE.

III. Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions.
1. private education -
2. compulsory education -
3. mixed schools -
4. boarding schools -
5. GCSE -
6. academic year -
7. nursery education -
Answers
II. 1. T; 2. F; 3. F; 4. F; 5. F; 6. T; 7. T.

Education in Great Britain (continued)
At the age of 16 pupils can leave school. But quite a lot of them want to continue their education. Only 1/3 of all leave school at 16 and look for a job. (The general level of unemployed is high today. Some of them find job immediately and many take part in training schemes (which means job combined with part-time college courses).
In England and Wales those who stay at school study just three subjects in preparation for taking A-level exams (Advanced Level).
These academic exams are set by the same examining boards that set GCSE exams. They’re taken by pupils at the age of 18 years old, who wish to continue their education.
Universities usually select students on the basis of A-level results and an interview (students who wish to enter Oxford and Cambridge have to take certain exams). Those who have better A-level results are usually accepted.
Higher education has become more available in the second half of the 20th century. In 1960 there were less than 25 universities in Britain. By 1980 there were already more than 40, and by 1995 there were over a hundred institutions with university status.
Universities take the better students, that’s why nearly all students complete their studies. The normal course of study lasts 3-4 years. Students are not supposed to take a job during the term. Unless their parents are rich, they receive a state grant, which covers most of their expenses, including the cost of accommodation. Quite a lot of students live on campus (or in college) or in rooms nearby.
However, nowadays the government reduces the amount of the students and encourages a system of top-up loans. That’s why quite a lot of students can’t afford to live in college and many more of them are forced to do a part-time job, but this reduces the traditionally high quality of British university education. And, in addition, the number of students from low-income families has been greatly reduced.
There are no great distinctions between different types of universities in Britain. But still there are some categories of them.
First of all, Oxbridge. Oxford and Cambridge were founded in the medieval period. These Universities consist of semi-independent colleges, each of them having its own staff («Fellows»).
The «Fellows» teach the college students either one-to one or in very small groups. This system is unique in the world and known as tutorials in Oxford and supervisions in Cambridge.
Then, Scotish universities. By 1600 Scot-land had 4 universities - Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews. St. Andrews resembles Oxbridge very much. In the other three most of the students live at home or find their rooms in town. The process of study at these universities is very close to the continental one. There is less specialization than at Oxbridge.
During the 19th century various institutions of higher education (usually technical ones) were founded in the industrial towns and cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Their buildings were of local brick, so they got the name «redbrick» universities. They contrasted chiefly with Oxford and Cambridge. At first, they prepared students for London University degrees, but later they were given the right to award their own degrees. They became universities themselves. Now they accept students from all over the country. These universities are financed by local authority.
One of the developments in education in Britain is certainly the Open University. It was founded in 1971. Some people don’t have an opportunity to study full-time, and this university allows them to study for degree. The university’s courses are taught through television, radio and course books. Its students work individually and with tutors, to whom they send their papers. The students discuss their work at meetings or through correspondence. In summer they attend short courses.

EXERCISES
I. Answer the questions.
1. Do pupils at 16 prefer to continue their education or to find job?
2. How many subjects are studied by pupils in preparation for taking A-level exams?
3. When do pupils take their A-level exams?
4. How do universities select students?
5. Why do all students usually complete their studies?
6. Why has the high quality of British university education been reduced recently?
7. When was the Open University founded?

Education in Britain

In Primary School and First School children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic. In the higher classes of Primary School (or in Middle School) children learn geography, history, religion and, in some schools, a foreign language. Then children go to the Secondary School.

When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects in order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G.C.S.E. (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or "O level" (Ordinary level). After that students can either leave school and start working or continue their studies in the same school as before. If they continue, when they are 18, they have to take further examinations which are necessary for getting into university or college.

Some parents choose private schools for their children. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.

In England there are 47 universities, including the Open University which teaches via TV and radio, about 400 colleges and institutes of higher education. The oldest universities in England are Oxford and Cambridge. Generally, universities award two kinds of degrees: the Bachelor"s degree and the Master"s degree.

Образование в Британии

В Англии и Уэльсе обязательное обучение в школе начинается с пяти лет, но до этого возраста дети могут ходить в детский сад, также называемый игровой школой. Обучение в школе обязательно до достижения детьми возраста 16 лет.

В первичной школе и начальной школе дети учатся читать и писать, а также основам арифметики. В старших классах первичной школы (или в средней школе) дети учат географию, историю, религию и, в некоторых школах, иностранный язык. После этого дети переходят в среднюю школу.

Когда ученики достигают шестнадцатилетнего возраста, они могут сдавать экзамены по различным предметам для получения квалификации. Квалификация может быть как образца О.С.С.О. (Основное свидетельство о среднем образовании), так и обыкновенного уровня. После этого учащиеся могут покинуть школу и устроиться на работу или продолжить образование в той же школе. Если они продолжат обучение, то, когда им исполнится 18 лет, они должны будут сдавать следующие экзамены, которые необходимы для поступления в университет или колледж.

Некоторые родители выбирают для своих детей частные школы. Они очень дорогие, но считается, что образование в них дается на более высоком уровне и имеются предпосылки для получения хорошей работы.

В Англии 47 университетов, включая Открытый университет, обучение в котором производится по телевидению и радио, около 400 колледжей и высших учебных заведений. Старейшие университеты Англии - Оксфорд и Кембридж. Главным образом, в университетах присваиваются два типа степеней: степени бакалавра и магистра.

Questions:

1. When does compulsory school begin?
2. How long does a child stay in compulsory school?
3. What subjects do children learn in Primary School?
4. What kind of exam do students have to take when they are 16?
5. Do students have to leave school at the age of 16 or to continue their studies?
6. How do private schools differ from the regular ones?
7. How many universities are there in England?
8. What is the Open University?
9. What kinds of degrees do universities award?

Vocabulary:

compulsory - обязательная
nursery school - детский сад
exam - экзамен
subject - предмет
university - университет
private - частный
opportunity - возможность
to award - давать, присваивать
bachelor - бакалавр
master - магистр

For seven hundred years Oxford and Cambridge universities dominated the British education. Scotland had four universities, all founded before A. D. 1600. Wales only acquired a university in the 20th century; it consisted of four university colleges located in different cities (Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor, and Aberystwith). The first English university after Oxford and Cambridge (sometimes referred to as Oxbridge) was Durham, in the North of England, founded in 1832. The University of London was founded a few years later in 1836.

During the nineteenth century institutions of higher education were founded in most of the biggest industrial towns, like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield (sometimes called the Redbrick Universities). At first they did not have full university status but were known as university colleges; since 1945, however, all have become independent universities, and in recent years a number of other universities have been founded: Sussex, Essex, Warwick, and others.

In the middle 60s there was a further new development. Some of the local technical colleges maintained by local authorities had gained special prestige. By 1967 ten of these had been given charters as universities. Many of them are in the biggest cities where there were already established universities; so now we have the University of Aston (Birmingham), Salford (close to Manchester), Strathclyde (Glasgow), Herriot-Watt University (Edinburgh), Brunei University (London).

When we add all these together we find that the number of universities in England increased within ten years from nineteen to thirty-six, and in Scotland from four to eight.

Oxford university is a federation of colleges, and it is impossible to understand its structure unless one first understands the nature and function of these colleges, which have no resemblance whatever with the institutions called "colleges" in America.

Oxford has twenty-three ordinary colleges for men, five for women. All these are parallel institutions, and none of them is connected with any particular field of study. No matter what subject a student proposes to study he may study at any of the men"s colleges.

Each college has a physical existence in the shape of a dining-hall, chapel, and residential rooms (enough to accommodate about half the student membership, the rest living in lodgings in the town). It is governed by its Fellows (commonly called "dons"), of whom there are usually about twenty or thirty. The dons are also responsible for teaching the students of the college through the tutorial system. The Fellows elect the Head of the college (whose title varies from college to college).

The colleges vary very much in size and extent of grounds and buildings.

Colleges choose their own students, and a student only becomes a member of the University by having been accepted by a college. Students are chosen mainly on academic merit, but the policy of colleges in this respect varies from college to college. Some tend to be rather keen to admit a few men who are very good at rugby or some other sport, or sons of former students or of lords, or of eminent citizens, or of millionaires.

The colleges and university buildings are scattered about the town, mostly in the central area, though the scientific laboratories and the women"s colleges are quite a long way out.

The university teachers are mostly Fellows of colleges, who may at the same time hold university appointments as lecturers or professors. Part of the teaching is by means of lectures and any student- may attend any university lecture. At the beginning of each term (there are three terms in the Oxford academic year) a list is published showing all the lectures being given during the term within each faculty, and every student can choose which lectures he will attend, though his own college tutor will advise him which lectures seem likely to be more useful. Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, and no records of attendance are kept.

Apart from lectures, teaching is by means of the "tutorial" system, which is a system of individual tuition organized by the colleges. Each Fellow in a college is tutor in his own subject to the undergraduates who are studying it. Each student goes to his tutors room once every week to read out an essay which he has written, and for an hour he and the tutor discuss the essay. A student does not necessarily go only to his own tutor but may be assigned to another don in his own college or in another college when he is studying some particular topic which is outside the special interest of his own tutor.

Высшее образование в Великобритании

В течение семисот лет Оксфордский и Кембриджский университеты были главными в системе британского образования. В Шотландии было четыре университета, и все они основаны до 1600 года. Университет в Уэльсе основан только в XX веке, в него входили четыре университетских колледжи в городах Кардифф, Свонси, Бангор и Абериствиз. Следующим после Оксфорда и Кембриджа (иногда их называют Оксбридж) называют Дюрхем на севере Англии, который был основан в 1832 году. Лондонский Университет был основан несколькими годами позже, в 1836 году.

В девятнадцатом столетии высшие учебные заведения были основаны в самых крупных индустриальных городах - Бирмингеме, Манчестере, Лидсе, Шеффилде (их еще называют университетами Редбрик). Сначала у них не было университетского статуса, но они были известны как университетские колледжи, а с 1945 года все стали независимыми университетами. В последние годы основаны такие университеты как Сассекс, Эссекс, Варвик и другие.

В середине 60-х годов университеты получили новое развитие. Некоторые из местных высших технических учебных заведений, поддерживаемых местными органами власти, приобрели особый статус. К 1967 году десяти из них были даны права университетов. Многие расположены в больших городах, где уже были университеты. Сегодня это университеты Астон (Бирмингем), Салфорд (рядом с Манчестером), Стратклид (Глазго), университет Хэрриот-Ватт (Эдинбург), университет Брунея (Лондон).

Проанализировав все это, мы видим, что число университетов в Англии выросло за десять лет с девятнадцати до тридцати шести, и в Шотландии - с четырех до восьми.

Оксфордский университет является федерацией колледжей, и нельзя понять его структуру, не поняв структуру и функцию этих колледжей, которые не имеют ничего общего с американскими «колледжами».

В Оксфорде двадцать три обычных - мужских - колледжа и пять женских. Все это - учреждения с общей программой, и ни один из них не связан с какой-то отдельной областью науки. Какой бы предмет не предложили изучать студенту, он может учиться в любом из этих колледжей.

В каждом колледже есть столовая, церковь и жилые помещения (достаточные для того, чтобы поселить половину студентов, остальные живут на квартирах в городе). Университетом управляют члены совета колледжа (преподаватели), обычно это двадцать или тридцать человек. Они также отвечают за учебу студентов колледжа по консультативной системе. Члены совета выбирают председателя колледжа (в каждом колледже этот титул называется по-разному).

Колледжи отличаются по размеру и площади земель и зданий.

Колледжи выбирают своих студентов, и студент становится членом университета только после принятия в колледж. Студенты выбираются преимущественно за академические заслуги, но политика колледжей по этому вопросу тоже разная. Некоторые колледжи стремятся принимать тех студентов, которые хорошо играют в регби или какой-то другой вид спорта, или сыновей прежних своих студентов или лордов, или выдающихся граждан, или миллионеров.

Здания колледжей и университетов разбросаны по городу, как правило, - в его центральной части, хотя научные лаборатории и женские колледжи расположены далеко от центра.

Университетские преподаватели - это, как правило, члены совета колледжей, которые занимают в университете должности лекторов и профессоров. Часть учебы - это лекции, любой студент может посещать любую университетскую лекцию. В начале каждого семестра (в Оксфорде, например, три семестра в учебном году) публикуется расписание лекций по факультетам на семестр, и каждый студент может выбрать, какие лекции он будет посещать. Как правило, его университетский куратор может посоветовать ему, какие лекции наиболее важны. Присутствие на лекциях не обязательно, и никакой учет посещений не ведется.

Кроме лекций преподавание ведется с помощью консультационной системы - это система индивидуального обучения, организованная в колледжах. Каждый преподаватель колледжа является одновременно и куратором по своему предмету для студентов последнего курса. Каждый студент приходит к своему преподавателю один раз в неделю, чтобы прочитать работу, которую он написал, и на протяжении часа обсуждают ее с наставником. Студенту не обязательно посещать только лекции своего наставника. Он может заниматься с любым преподавателем в своем или в другом колледже, если он изучает тему, которая не входит в круг интересов его наставника.

КАТЕГОРИИ