UK Education System

 Every society has a different education model; because the needs of each society vary. The British education system has differences even within itself. While the education systems in Wales and Northern Ireland are somewhat similar, it may differ in Scotland. We can attribute this to the strong local authorities. While a central system determines the general education system in England, local authorities or even churches may have a say in other practices. The purpose of education in England is not to educate large masses, but rather to identify talents from an early age and focus on them.

From the Tudor period (1485-1603), when all the powers related to education were in the hands of churches and families, education and powers in England have been managed by constantly sharing among various organizations. Today, education in England has a decentralized administrative structure. Responsibilities in education services are shared between central government, local government authorities, churches and other voluntary organizations and the governing bodies of educational institutions. National education objectives, national education policy and planning are made by the Ministry of Education in general, and other details are shaped by local administrations and school boards.

Training is carried out in small groups. In line with the targets set during the day, they work in small groups in the corners of the classroom. With this method, called the station method, the teacher is at a station only to teach the intended purpose. We work with a maximum of 4 children and care is taken to ensure that the children forming this group are at the same level. All the children in turn do the same activity in the target group and the other children work alternately at other stations. The aim here is to ensure that the child is constantly stimulated and more active without wasting his time at school, and the activities are largely child-centered.

We can divide the system in England into 4;

preschool period

Primary education

secondary education

High education

Each of these is divided into periods in itself.

Pre-school education

It is a non-compulsory education that starts at the age of 3 years. It passes as a nursery school and continues until the age of 5-6, which is compulsory education. Preschool education institutions are kindergartens, nursery classes and independent private education institutions run by Local Education Authorities (LEAs). Along with these educational institutions , there are also playgroups run by families . In the UK, pre-primary education is provided free of charge in kindergartens and nursery classes provided by Local Education Authorities.

The Preschool Curriculum in England started to be implemented for the first time in September 2000 for students aged 3-5 years. Starting from 2008, the Primary Years Basic Education (EYFS), which covers education from birth to compulsory education level (5 years), has started to be implemented.

Primary education

Kindergarten is also included in primary education and covers the period between the ages of 5-11. In kindergarten, children are accustomed to the homework culture. Mathematics and literacy are taught. They are usually sent to schools close to their homes. This compulsory period, which is completely free, may vary for some school types. For example; but it can send it to schools that accommodate 8-9 and 12-14 age groups. Then, he can continue his education in the schools we call senior school. Students who complete the age of 11 at the end of this term, take an exam called 11 plus and determine what kind of secondary school they will go to.

In accordance with the National Curriculum adopted after the Education Reform in 1988, four key cycles were adopted in education;

Key stage 1: 5 – 7 years old (Years 1-2) (Infant school)

Key stage 2: 7-11 years old (Years 3-6) (Juniar school)

Key stage 3: 11-14 years old (Years 7-9)

Key stage 4: Ages 14-16 (Years 10-11)

Key stage 1 and 2 are generally referred to as Primary School. That is primary school. The courses taken and the curriculum applied during this period differ according to Turkey;

-Art and Design

-Design and Technology

-English

-Geopraphy (Geography)

-History

-Information and Communication Technology

-Mathematics

-Music

-Physical Education

- Courses such as Science are offered.

In addition, Key Stage 1 and 2 must be given in Religious Education.

In this period, visuality and social activity are very important in the lessons. They mostly focus on expressing themselves and displaying their creativity.

Key stage 3 and 4 are called secondary school. The lessons taken are similar to the lessons in the primary school. When we compare it with Turkey, the key stage 1,2,3 is lighter; but improving students' skills is at the forefront.