SCHOOL LIFE IN BRITAIN

1. What is the difference between public and state schools?
A public school, in common British usage, is a school which is usually prestigious and historic, which charges fees, does not arbitrarily restrict admissions, and is financed by bodies other than the state, commonly as a private charitable trust.
2. What types of schools are there in England?
Basically, there are two systems: one covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland and one covering Scotland. The two education systems have different emphases. Traditionally the English, Welsh and Northern Irish system has emphasised depth of education whereas the Scottish system has emphasised breadth. Thus English, Welsh and Northern Irish students tend to sit a small number of more advanced examinations and Scottish students tend to sit a larger number of less advanced examinations. It should be noted that local English practice can vary from this general picture although Scottish practice is well nigh universal.
3. Is school compulsory? When can students leave school?
18 years old

4. Do students wear uniforms at school?
Yes,they do
5. What tests do they do?

GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
A 2-year syllabus beginning in year 10, culminating in exams in May / June of year 11. Grades are awarded from A* - G (U is a fail). If a child wants to study a subject at "A" level s/he must achieve grade C or above at GCSE. Up to 10 subjects may be taken, although the average is 6.

GCE "A"/"AS" Level - General Certificate of Education Advanced (Advanced Subsidiary) Level
A two-year syllabus beginning in year 12, culminating in exams in May / June of year 13. Some subjects are studied for the full 2 years, resulting in an "A" level examination, whilst other subjects are studied for one year only, resulting in an "AS" level examination. 4 or 5 subjects may be studied.
Grades are awarded from A - E, a grade N is equivalent to a GCSE pass, and U is a fail. For each grade points are awarded as follows: "A" Level - A=10, B=8, C=6, D=4 E=2, "AS" level = A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. A student is offered a place at university based on the total points they achieve in their "A"/"AS" level examinations.
Results of all the above examinations are normally published in the third week of August.

GNVQ Advanced Level / NVQ Level 3
GNVQ Advanced Level / NVQ Level 3 is the equivalent of two "A" levels.

6. What time do they start and finish school?
Starting date
First week of September

Public holidays
1 public holiday (1 May)

7. When do they have holidays?
Starting date
First week of September
Autumn 2006
1 week (23-27 October)
Christmas/New year 2006-2007
2 weeks Between the third or fourth week of December and the first week of January
Winter/Carnival 2007
1 week (12-16 February or 19-23 February)
Spring/Easter 2007
2 weeks (2-13 April)
Third term 2007
1 week (28 May - 1 June)
Summer 2007
6 weeks (between 23 July and the first week of September)
Public holidays
1 public holiday (1 May)
8.What subjects do they have?
Maths,
English
Science
ICT
Drama
Music
Art
PE
Humanities (History, Geography, and Religion)
French or Spanish
9.Name three famous schools in England.
Charterhouse, Cheltenham, Clifton, Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Westminster, and Winchester.