The British Education System and National Curriculum

This blog will briefly discuss the British education system curriculum. Also, we will put some light on the trend of GCSE Tutors Luton and other areas of the United Kingdom. After the pandemic outbreak online tuitions remained on the highest demand. They were the safest options to continue studies while remaining safe amidst all the lockdowns. Online tuitions added to the historical evolution of the education system in major areas of the United Kingdom.

What is the British Education System Curriculum?

Some schools in the United Kingdom are state schools. These state schools run on government funds. These British public schools are free to all students. On the other hand, independent schools charge tuition fees. Almost all schools that participate in the scholarship scheme are private. Whereas, independent schools in the United Kingdom have a strong profile for outstanding teaching and learning standards. Almost all of their graduates go to top institutions. There are also numerous good state schools. Three of these schools offer scholarships. Only students from European nations are eligible for public school scholarships.

Primary education, secondary education, advanced education, and higher education are the four main parts of the UK education system. Meanwhile, children in the United Kingdom attend primary and secondary school from the age of five until they are sixteen.

In the British Curriculum, education is divided into “Key Stages,” which are as follows:

• 5–7 year group (Key Stage 1)
• 7 -11 year group (Key Stage 2)
• 11–14 year group (Key Stage 3)
• 14–16 year group (Key Stage 4)

Let’s look deeper into each key stage of British curriculum stages:

Primary School Education

In the United Kingdom, primary school education begins at the age of five. It lasts until eleven. Primary school also covers key stages one and two of the educational system.

Some primary schools are categorized into two primary school standards. These categories are infants and juniors. Separate schools are generally located in the same location. The infant age group (Key Stage 1) ranges from 5 to 7 years old. Whereas, Juniors (Key Stage 2) range in age from 7 to 11.

At the primary school level, the year groups are as follows:

• Reception year (ages 4–5)
• First year (age 5–6)
• Second year (age 6–7)
• 3rd year (age 7–8)
• 4th year (age 8–9)
• 5th year (age 9–10)
• 6th grade (age 10–11) The year in which the Key Stage 2 SATs are administered.

Secondary School Education

We will now discuss secondary education in the United Kingdom:

Program for GCSEs:

General Certificate of Secondary Education is an exam. Starting at 14, pupils in the last two years of secondary school prepare for the GCSE exams. These are known as Year 10 and Year 11. It is conducted after two years.

During the GCSE programme in the United Kingdom, pupils study between 9 and 12 courses. Some courses are necessary, where each student chooses subjects based on their ability and interests. After the two-year GCSE curriculum, students receive their GCSE Certificates, completing tests in each subject.The courses they choose and their GCSE marks are critical for their future studies. It includes A levels and university admission.

One year intensive GCSE

For international students, several schools offer a one-year GCSE curriculum in Year 11. Additionally, these rigorous one-year courses are open to students aged 15 and up. These students have completed the necessary academic level in their home country. There are fewer subjects researched (maximum 6).

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

International students prepare for A-Level and IB through the programme. Students take around 5 and 7 subjects, including English, Maths, and Science. Specifically, for IGCSE students, each school provides a list of available subjects. Finally, students take tests on each subject they learned after Year 11. They receive IGCSE Certificates.

Further studies

As an alternative to private education, international students can attend a college of further education. Both offer GCSE and A-level programmes for students aged 16 and up. Foundation and diploma courses are available at colleges of further education. In addition, all colleges can help students prepare for admission to a UK university. Bright World collaborates with several state colleges in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of vocational and academic programmes. Thus, these courses help students get into their dream job or get into their dream university.

BTEC courses are part of the British school system. They are designed for learners who want to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a specific area but find regular exams difficult. The BTEC students are tested throughout the course. They focus on practical, skills-based learning. Students are tested after each unit through assignments, exercises, or tests, rather than at the end of the programme, as with GCSE or A-Level students.

Higher Education

A British bachelor’s degree generally takes three years to complete. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, and Bachelor of Science are examples of first degrees.

Some state universities provide two-year occupational degrees that exempt students from the first. Meanwhile, in some cases, second years of a degree programmes are available. Several private tutorial colleges offer a one-year diploma programme. It is equal to year one of the university. Whereas, some universities provide second-year admission to students who complete one-year diplomas.

Postgraduate courses are pretty intense in the England education system. As a result, courses in the United States are typically substantially shorter than in other nations. A master’s degree, such as Master of Arts or an M Engg — Master of Engineering, takes typically 12 months to complete. MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a prestigious Master’s degree that can take two years to complete. Typically, applicants will be high achievers with at least two years of management experience. In the United Kingdom, a PhD research degree might take from two to seven years to complete.

National Curriculum in the United Kingdom

The “basic curriculum”, religious and sex education, are part of the national school curriculum.

The national curriculum combines subjects and standards in elementary and secondary schools. It is to make sure that all students learn the same thing. It outlines what subjects are delivered and the expectations for students in each subject.

For example, academics and private schools are exempt from sticking to the national curriculum. Schools must teach English, Maths, and Science in a broad and British curriculum. Additionally, they must also include religious instruction.

Religious Education

Schools must give religious education as one of the other compulsory courses in the national curriculum of 2022. On the other hand, parents can withdraw their children from all or parts of the courses. Meanwhile, when students become 18 years old, they can opt out of RE as a mandatory subject.

Sex and Relationship Education

The British education system curriculum includes sex and relationship education. It is studied by children from the age of 11 onwards.Children learn about sexuality, sexual reproduction, and sexual health in this subject. It does not advocate for early sexual behaviour or any sexual orientation.There are certain portions on sex and relationship education as part of their schooling system. On the other hand, parents can remove their children from all other aspects of this topic if they so desire.

How do online learning programs work in the British education system curriculum?

Parents and students also prefer online learning in the United Kingdom. Additionally, different regions have several tuition programs. These include Online tuition in Luton, Slough and others. Moreover, these tuitions help students learn online and promote quality learning. Also, the British education system curriculum contains a specific British curriculum syllabus for homeschooling and online tuitions.

Originally published at https://www.digitalgpoint.com/ on feb 3, 2022.