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The main similarities and differences between the educational system of the USA and the UK

Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school. - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Education is probably one of the core elements that contribute to the holistic development of a person. It is defined as the process of developing a persons knowledge, skill and character by going through a learning process drafted by an educator. The word education comes from the Latin word educere which means to bring out or to lead out. This further cements the aim of education: to bring out the best of a persons abilities by providing constant activities that help hone a persons potential. The first similarity is that both countries have private and state schools. In the UK 94% of the children in England and Wales go to state schools. State schools are non -fee-paying, funded from taxes and most are organized by Local Authorities. A public school is an independent secondary school. These schools are not run by the government. Some public schools from the UK are: Sherborne, Shrewsbury, Tonbridge, Uppingham, Westminster, Wellington, Winchester. In the USA, Public school systems are supported by a combination of local, state, and federal government funding. Because a large portion of school revenues come from local property taxes, public schools vary widely in the resources they have available per student. Another similarity can be that both countries operate the credit system. So, students at American universities complete their degrees on accumulation of between 130 and 180 credits. Sometimes the terms semester/quarter hours or units are also used instead of credits. Each individual course you take each semester earns a specified number (usually three or four) of credits/hours/units. The academic adviser helps the students in planning their course schedule for the academic year. The following is a general percentage letter grade scale for classes taken at U.S. colleges:

100 90% = A, 89 80% = B, 79 70% = C, 69 60% = D, 59 50% = E and 49 0% = F In the UK the credit system can be represented in a table, as follows:
Grade Definition A B C D E FX F outstanding performance with only minor errors | above the average standard but with some errors | generally sound work with a number of notable errors| fair but with significant shortcomings| performance meets the minimum criteria| Fail - some more work required before the credit can be awarded Fail - considerable further work is required

The third similarity is the Bachelors degree. In the USA and in Scotland to obtain a Bachelors degree one have to study 3 years, but in England, Wales and Northern Ireland one can obtain it after 4 years. These two countries have and differences in their educational system. For example, middle schools are in the USA. Here study pupils after the elementary school and this allow them to study in a high school. In a middle school study pupils from 6 to 8 years old. On the other hand, further schools are in the UK. This further education takes place usually when a student is between 16-18 years old. So, in first case study pupils and in the other study students. Another difference is that in the USA there is little standardization in the curriculum. That means that the education is primarily the responsibility of the state and government. But in the UK all the schools follow the same curriculum. The third difference is that in the USA to graduate the school pupils dont need to pass a final examination, while in the UK there are some final examinations. Although these two countries speak the same language, the educational system differs. Some minor differences, but still - differences. I think I could underline the main differences and similarities between educational system in the USA and in the UK.

Wrote by: Ciobanu Elena, gr. 252L

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