DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What types of schools do they have in the UK?

Primary schools, secondary schools, grammar schools (as a type of secondary), sixth form, state school, independent (fee-paying), preparatory, comprehensive, secondary modern.

2. When do children start/leave school?

Nursery school from the age of 3 or 4, but it is not compulsory. British law requires all children to be in full-time education from the age of 5 to 16.

3. What are the stages of schooling according to age?

Children usually attend primary school from age 5 to 11. At 11 they begin their secondary education till the age of 16. They can go in the “sixth form” for a further two years.

4. What exams do pupils have to take?

Standard Assessment Test at the age of 7, 11, 14. GCSE at 16.A-levels at 18.

5. Do school leavers have to take entrance exams to go to university?

Entrance to British universities is via a strict selection process based on an interview. Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have an entrance exam before the interview stage.

6. It is well known that there is no written constitution in the UK. Is there such a thing as a national curriculum?

Yes, there is. In 1988 the Education Reform Act introduced a National Curriculum, for children ages 5-16.

7. How long should it take to complete full-time compulsory education?

Schooling in Great Britain is compulsory for 12 years, from 5 to 16.

8. What should primary school and secondary school concentrate on?

The aim is to help children develop their natural potential. It is thought to be important to give children the chance to study as many subjects as possible, so that whatever their natural skills are they will have the chance to develop them.

9. In what case can entrance exams be abandoned?

In case when the student does not want to enter the institute or do not have enough money for the institute.

10. What should be admission requirements to primary and secondary school?

The age of the children.

11. What is the purpose of elite school education?

Elite schools have always focused on training specialists and researchers, but these schools have high standards for admissions.

12. What subjects should be an integral part of school curriculum? What subjects can be optional for university students?

National Curriculum consists of 10 foundation subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, a modern foreign language, Technology and Design, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education. Students can choose additional subjects for their studies, which are regarded to be optional.

13. What is the essence of private schooling in Russia?

Such schools emphasize learning English and other critical skills. Unlike state schools, private schools usually charge tuition fees.

14. What is a problem pupil? Do you think Kevin Costyn was a typical one? Whose fault do you think it was? What were his prospects? Did you have any pupils like that in your class?

A problem pupil is the one who has problems with his study. He plays truant from school, and this truancy may have different reasons.

15. What kind of pupil do you think Julia was in her childhood? What kind of teacher do you think she made? What is your idea of a good teacher?

A good teacher is the one who knows his subject perfectly well, he is honest and respect each of his students as an individual, he is patient and flexible and tolerant.

16. Looking back on your school days, what experiences can you describe as the most 1) memorable, 2) exciting, 3) painful?

Looking back on my school days, I can say that there was one day which was at the same time as the most memorable, exciting and painful. It was my last day at school, our school-leaving party; I think it is one of the most memorable days in life of every person who has ever attended a school, at the same time it is a painful one, as you realize that you won’t be able to return those happy days at school, but on the other hand, it is an exciting one, as now other you are opened to the other ways in your life.

17. How do you feel on the morning of an exam?

It is usually a feeling of nervousness, mixed with attempts to calm yourself.

18. In your opinion, which exam is easier to pass: oral or written?

It depends on a subject and person’s abilities; some exams are easier to pass orally, so that if you said something wrong you can immediately correct your answer. But in such subjects as mathematics or physics, you should pass written exam as you have to spend more time and think carefully.

19. Do you prefer to be the first to answer on an oral exam?

It depends on the other examinees, their level of preparedness; against the background of their answers your answer will be better or worse, that will give you the chance to get a good mark. I prefer to be one of the first, so that to come back home earlier.

20. Do you use rough-work sheets at a written exam? Why?

No, I don’t. I think it takes much more time to rewrite, so it’s better not to make mistakes and do everything at once.

21. Do you feel uncomfortable if a teacher stands next to you at a written exam?

There is a feeling of intensity, which doesn’t help you to concentrate. I think a teacher should look into the papers when they are handed in.

22. Do you think a crib can be of any use?

It depends on the purpose of the test. If the goal is to measure the real level of knowledge of a student, there is no use in a crib, but if a student is interested in passing the exam by any means, the crib can help him.

23. Have you ever panicked at an exam?

Yes, I have, but I managed to pull myself together and passed it.

24. Do you think it is a way out to copy from other students?

It is unfair and terrible; however if you don’t have time, and there is nothing in your head, and the only way out is to copy, fast footwork is the key to success in life.

25. What is the most difficult thing about exams?

I think it is to learn a great amount of information.

26. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private schools (boarding schools, co-educational vs single-sex schools, school uniforms)?

Private schools often offer smaller class sizes than their public school counterparts. For some special needs populations, this is helpful because it allows for more individual interaction with the teacher. However, a smaller private school may also have fewer resources available to work with special needs children, so you must also factor that into placement decisions. In most boarding schools, you can only go so far away from the premises when you wish to go out with friends. Boarding school reduces compartmentalization, because academic studies are blended with other activities, such as sports. This natural juxtaposition increases the appeal of both pursuits.

27. Is it a good idea for pupils to specialize in their “best” subjects at school?

On the one hand, it is. Pupils should improve their abilities in what they are good. However, other subjects should be taken into account either, in order to grow a well-developed person.

28. What’s the best age for children to start primary school? Why?

I think the age of 6-7 is the best, because it is conditioned by the physical and mental development of the children. It is the time when their activity is high.

29. Should children stay at school until they are 18 or 19?

I think it is a right age to enter the adult life after school.

30. Is it a good idea for pupils to participate in the running of schools?

I think, it is, as pupils feel that they are a part of the system and they can feel a kind of independence and responsibility, that develop them and prepare for the future life.

31. Are national and international exams necessary? What are the pros and cons of regular performance tests and continuous assessment by teachers and lecturers?

I think they are necessary, as they help to define the general knowledge of the student. As for the tests, I think they don’t give the full objective information about the knowledge of the students, however it is one of the easiest and the fastest way to know whether the theme is learnt well or not.

32. Can computers assess learning?

Only in such cases as tests, when you have to give a definite answer. In other cases computers won’t replace a teacher in assessment of learning.