How the English school system works
The school in England differs from ours in many respects: school grades, subjects and training methods are just a few examples. We have collected the main characteristics of the English school system to understand the differences with the Italian school and clarify ideas for those who are thinking of experiencing it firsthand, with experiences such as that of the school year abroad.
The strengths of the English school system
The English school system differs from the Italian one above all in the didactic approach: there are many advantages it presents and the stimuli provided to students. Here’s what the school in England stands out for:
Informal relationship with the professors
A relationship of trust and friendship is often established between students and professors, which not only speeds up learning, but helps develop self-confidence. The numerous advice and constant support of teachers favor the creation of a dynamic and informal learning environment.
Technology during the lessons
Technology is the main tool in the life of British schools; in fact, with the use of computers, projectors, interactive whiteboards, special programs and the internet, the lesson provides new stimuli and learning opportunities.
Multicultural integration
Also in many Italian schools the ethnic composition in the single classes has changed compared to the past. However, Great Britain has always been a country characterized by a strong multi-ethnic component, a variety that is also reflected in the school, which always hosts children of different cultures, religions and origins.
Interactive teaching method
The didactic approach, more formative than academic, is not that of the frontal lesson, but tries to encourage the participation and interaction of students, encouraged to ask questions and share their opinions. The English school system does not aim at the passive accumulation of theoretical knowledge, but focuses on the development of practical skills and abilities thanks to frequent group work and individual research.
Less knowledge, more soft skills
English children often collaborate with other classmates in the realization of projects which they then exhibit in front of the class: thus they develop the ability to work in a group, they understand the importance of team building, they acquire confidence and ease in speaking in public by refining their dialectic, all of them skills needed in the future work.
Little competition and zero stress
In Great Britain the load of homework is less than in Italy and the frequency of written tests, replaced by constant exercise and classroom work, is reduced. Students don’t fret about a grade or a class test, as is often the case in Italy.
School as a place for socializing
In England, at the sound of the bell, the school remains open, the teachers in their place and the computers on until late afternoon. In this way, children can entertain themselves by socializing, exercising and doing their homework before returning home to valued and cared for environments. The fact that there are many hours between lessons also favors relationships.
Self-esteem and personal motivation
It is rare to hear a young Englishman say “I can’t do it" or “For me it is impossible". The goals are always achievable, but to get there you need commitment, work and strength of mind. Giving the right weight to everyone’s personality means that you learn more easily and above all willingly.
Division into classes based on the school year
In England, students are not grouped into classes based on the year of birth but following the school year. A student born in March, for example, is placed in the school year preceding the one born in November, even if they both came into the world in the same calendar year.
Prestige and quality of teaching
The English tradition of education and the successful history of numerous UK schools and universities are known around the world. The rankings conducted by official training institutions often see England at the top.
The different types of schools in England
The main distinction in the English school system is between free state (maintained) schools and paid private (independent) schools.
British public schools are administered by the Local Education Authorities present in the country. Although the Ministry of Education carries out constant checks and takes care of general coordination, it is the LEAs that supervise the proper functioning of the individual institutions. Decisions are then made on a local scale.
Maintained schools have a greater number of classes and sometimes ask students to attend on Saturdays as well. Nonetheless, they provide for a longer summer vacation period.
As for private schools and English, on the other hand, are the payment of school fees and the various aid from private entities to finance the salary of human resources, the maintenance of the structures, the carrying out of various activities and refresher courses for teachers, in addition to everything that allows a institution to offer good training to its students.