General Education System
The school system in the UK is different from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Education is compulsory in the UK on 5 up to 16 years old. Before that, the parents have the choice to keep their children at home or go to a toddler group. Their offspring in a Playgroup (approximately kindergarten) or "Nursery School" to send to a kind of pre-school.
With 5 years old begins for all children of compulsory schooling at the "Primary School" (elementary school), which tales 6 years. Always, the primary school in the UK is once again in "Infant School" divided (first two years) and "Junior School" (the next 4 years).
After Primary School students go to the "Secondary School". Representing to our middle schools (secondary school) and the Gymnasium (secondary school with 6th form).
The school year was divided not like in Germany in 2 half years, but there are 3 stages of education (three terms). Each year the students have about 12-13 weeks of vacation.
General Education System in Germany
An education system refers to the construction of all facilities and opportunities to obtain education. These include the school system, higher education and training sectors. The German education system is divided into four or five steps:
1. Primary education: Primary School
2. Secondary education: primary school, secondary school, high school or grammar school
3. Secondary level: Upper secondary school or vocational school
4. Tertiary education: universities, vocational schools, technical colleges and technical schools
5. Quartär sektor: Personal and professional development for vocational training
Lessons
At the Primary School, the students go to school Monday to Friday 9 to 15 o` clock about teaching. In a class there are usually 25 to 35 students. In the Primary School, children learn primarily arithmetic, reading and writing. They also learn about their country and religion. They have also done the sport and learn a second language.
Also at the Secondary School students have from Monday to Friday school, the school day is longer - typically from 8.45 to 15.30 o`clock. There teachers primarily in English, math, science (biology, physics, chemistry), modern languages (French, German, Spanish), religion, social studies, sports, computer science, geography and history. In addition to the compulsory subjects, schools also offer additional subjects, where students can choose from. With about 16 years old, pupils sit exams in various subjects and decide whether they leave school and want to continue with the 6th form, which leads to the A-level (high school).
Gifted students have moreover the possibility of some tests already store more and then to demonstrate a higher level course in this or any other subject.
Types of schools
Most students in the UK attend state schools. These are funded by tax dollars, so the parents have to pay school fees. There are also many private schools (independent schools), for an annual fee must be paid. Students can choose between mixed and pure boys or girls schools.
Types of school in Germany
Elementary School - This is basic knowledge acquired
Day school - children are cared for longer
Comprehensive School - Here you can make high school
Middle Schools - Here you can do two different degrees
Real school - Here the students acquire a general education
Gymnasium - The road to graduation
Special School - For gifted children
Special school for children with learning difficulties and handicap
Boarding schools - private schools with accommodation
Waldorf schools - learn different
Private schools
Grades
The grades in the UK (as in other English-speaking countries) are not numbers but letters.
A> 80% (very good) Grades in Germany 1
B> 70% (good) 2
C> 60% (satisfactory) 3
D (failed almost)> 50% 4
E> 40% (failed) 5
F <40% (failed) 6
All grades lower than C normally means fail. Nevertheless, there are in Britain not staying down - all students are automatically placed in the next higher class. For students with learning problems, there are special tutoring programs at school.
School Uniform
Students in the UK normally wear a school uniform. It consists of, for example:
Blazer or sweatshirt with the school logo
Shirt and tie or polo or T-shirt
Dark pants and dark skirt
Black shoes
At some schools, students have to wear a shirt, tie and blazer, at other schools instead, T-shirt and sweatshirt usual. The colors of the clothes are also specified by the school, usually is a dark blue, gray, green or brown.
In Germany, the students do not need a uniform.