UK CURRICULUM & LEARNING


as many are oversubscribed. Added to the mix are super-selective grammar schools, which choose the pupils with the highest marks, regardless of where they live. For more information, see page 104, England’s Grammar School System Explained.


Many secondary schools provide children with the


opportunity to remain at school for a further two years to study for their A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). In England, until the age of 18, children must either remain in full- time education, enrol in an apprenticeship or traineeship, or work or volunteer (for 20 hours or more a week) while in part-time education or training.


There are exceptions to this rule. In some areas, children attend first (up to age nine), middle (ages nine to 13) and high (ages 13 and above) schools. Many local councils operating this three-tier system have plans to adapt their age ranges to fit the new Key Stage system introduced in 1998, so it seems that this system is gradually being phased out.


SECURING A PLACE


Places at state primary and secondary schools can sometimes be difficult to secure, and this can prove stressful for parents. Places at non-grammar state schools are generally awarded on whether a child already has a sibling at the school, how far away from the school the family lives, or a combination of both. This


can mean that parents will move house to secure a place at what they believe to be a better school.


If parents decide to move their child before he or she has started secondary education, a major factor in their choice of school will be what they want the child to learn, how the child will be examined and what qualifications will be awarded at the end of school. England’s examinations and qualifications system is organised by levels of learning. Within these levels, there are many recognised qualifications and, unfortunately, different schools support different systems. The government is backing numerous systems within state schools, widening choice but also adding to the confusion. However, although there are numerous options, a student in an English school will typically study for GCSEs between the ages of 14 and 16, and then A Levels between the ages of 16 and 19. There are further post-16 options in some schools – for example, the BTEC Diploma and vocational qualifications such as the NVQ and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which is now quite widely available in state and independent schools. Other qualifications include the Pre-U, which was introduced into independent schools and sixth forms in 2008, and the International GCSE (IGCSE), which has been a popular choice with independent schools.


An outstanding independent school for boys and girls aged 0-18


Exceptional academic results at A Level and IB Scholarships available in Year 9 and 12


Gifted and Talented development programme Garden Cottage Nursery from age 0-3 Idyllic 80 acre site with our own farm


Come and visit us 01227 763 231


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