Lesson 6: The British education system

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

The British Education System

Learning goals

In this lesson, you will learn about the British education system.

At the end of the lesson you:

- Have a general idea of how the system works

- Can explain some differences between the UK and NL system

The British Education System

What do you already know about
British schools? Write down anything that comes to mind.

Watch the video about the British education system on the next slide and answer the questions afterwards

Put on the subtitles if the woman speaks too quickly for you

True or false?
Britains that go to a public school must pay tuition (lesgeld/collegegeld).

1. True
2. False

True or false?
Very few schools in the UK
have uniforms.

1. True
2. False

Just about all schools in the UK have some sort of uniform!

What do you think are the advantages of wearing a school uniform?

According to the video, what is the main reason British schools use uniforms?

1. To limit discrimination
2. To illiminate peer pressure of wearing expensive brands
3. To help children dress in the morning. They don't need to think about what to wear!
4. To create a sense of belonging, identity and pride

At what age do British children take their GCSE exams (General Certificate of Secondary Education)?

1. 11
2. 12
3. 16
4. 18

Take a look at the next slide

Be prepared to explain 2 or 3 differences between the British and the Dutch education system on the following slide.

Use the information you learned in the video as well.

Now think about the Dutch education system...

On the next slide, write 2 or 3 differences between the British and Dutch education systems. Here are some questions that may help you out:

• What does the level where you are now (secondary/high school) consist of (in terms of years)?
• What are the requirements to pass a particular step/level in the system?
• What about the system we use in the Netherlands (VMBO, HAVO, VWO...)... Is a similar system used in the UK?
  
• Are all schools the same in terms of payment/a fee?
• Until what age is education compulsory (verplicht)?
  
• Are students required to wear a uniform?
  

Write 2 or 3 differences between the Dutch and British education systems here

A little more about the British education system:

Watch the 4 min. video on the next slide

Applying to a university

Choose one of the universities on the previous slides and answer the following questions:

Which universy do you choose?

Which course would you like to follow there?

Look at the requirements, what do you need to enroll for this course?

Write this down on the next slide:

Which universy do you choose?
Which course would you like to follow there?
Look at the requirements, what do you need to enroll for this course?

Write a motivation letter or essay of 300 words in which you write:
Why you want to do this course.
Why you are the right person to choose, what are some of your skills or other experiences that are relevant (think of jobs/hobbies)

Please list 5 names of people you could work with on the London project: