Geographically, England is one of the closest European nations to the United States, yet their social and educational issues vary from American students.
In 1988, the English government created a National Curriculum. This divided public education into four key stages with a framework of requirements for schools to follow. English, mathematics, science, and physical education must always be taught while subjects such as art and history depend on what stage of education that student is in. These four stages will help prepare students for universities because English universities check for certain courses that'll prepare them for their careers.
An extraordinarily stressful experience for secondary students is at the end of Year 11, when they take their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). These tests cover a wide variety of topics but always include mathematics and english exams. Very recently, BBC published an article about how GCSEs are getting tougher, making it harder for students to succeed. This certainly intensifies the stress of students, whose goal is to progress in their education. Not doing well on GCSEs can result in being unable to get into universities or A level courses.
After secondary school, A-level courses are rewarding for students as they increase their chances of getting into better universities. They cover a wide range of topics and take two years to finish with a diploma. According to Renee Williams, a student at ACS Cobham near London, “A-levels are the equivalent of IB or AP courses,” meaning they will take time and effort with a heavy course load.
Education from an English perspective
By Marc Sturisky
Unfortunately, the issues in the English school system go beyond stress from workload. Bullying is prevalent around the world, and England is no exception to this. A UK newspaper, The Guardian, even released a story about how students in England are some of the unhappiest in the world due to various forms of bullying, self confidence issues, and feeling left out. Many students, mostly male, have reported physical abuse too. According to Williams on her experiences with female peers, “It is not so much physical (sic), but emotionally it’s very draining.”
Contrasting to the United States, many public schools in England don’t have a huge commitment to sports, meaning that pupils must join clubs or organizations outside of school if they want to play. Williams has learned that many students choose to take jobs in the afternoon as they aren’t tied down to an afternoon sport at their school. This can certainly take up time, but if they aren’t working, there will likely be plenty of time to do work and limit stress.
Students in England certainly don’t have any easy path through their education, but they have opportunities to be successful and make the most of it.
Very recently, BBC published an article about how GCSEs are getting tougher, making it harder for students to succeed.
ACS Cobham students are using this space to socialize.
Image courtesy of R. Williams
Outside of ACS Cobham, where Renee Williams goes to school.
Image courtesy of R. Williams
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The Charger, December 2017
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