Иностранный язык в школе

Rendering

АН 42/2

Kolesnikov Alexei 

“Education in Britain” 

     The article under consideration is entitled “Education in Britain”. It is written by Alexei Kachalin.

     The principal aim of the article is to give the reader some general information about the educational system in Britain. The author touches upon such points as the status of education in the country, the procedure of admission to British colleges and universities, data about priorities in choosing a future career.

     Firstly, the author shares with the reader the idea of contradictoriness education in Britain. On the one hand it is considered to be model and prestigious. However on the other had according to some research Britain has a very high rate of illiterate people.

     In the article the author refers to his friend Jim who is a typical Briton. Jim states that education in Britain is free, however only for subjects and permanent residents of the country. Those from other countries, as it turned out, will have some problems.

     Then brief information about British educational system is given to the reader. First of all, the fact whether an applicant will enter a college or university or not depends on their results in exams they have, graduating from school. Young Britons have these exams in one core subject and two minor ones, which they choose two years before their graduation. Then they apply to several universities (not more than four) and wait for the reply. The process of admission is carried out by so-called UCAS (University and College Admission Service).

     The author also underlines some points which are typical of such well-known British universities as Cambridge and Oxford. According to statistics most British colleges and universities have shortage nowadays. Quite another situation we see concerning the two mentioned above. The number of potential students is always more then number of vacant places. So they have to use different strategies of admission. That’s why besides having three “A-grades” a potential student should brilliantly get through oral interview to become a fresher at Oxford or Cambridge.

     As it was already stated to Britain support only Britons with free education. General fee for non-British students varies between 6 and 12 thousands pounds. However there is an interesting fact pointed out by the author. Since 2005 freshers have been paying a thousand pounds on condition they enter university or college. This sum is paid once.

     Then the author gives a brief data about priorities in choosing future career. He states that currently the first place in the list of the most called-for professions is occupied with IT specialists. By the way, this subject has become compulsory not only in universities and colleges but in schools as well. Among the least popular professions are school teachers, junior medical staff, and workers of social sphere.

     At the end the author tells about an interesting paradox. British business companies are more likely to employ people from continental Europe. They usually know at least two European languages they are good at effecting transactions, marketing and a wide range of business affairs.