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One of the most challenging aspects of being an international student is navigating a new educational system with procedures, habits, and jargon. For people studying – or expecting to study – in the United Kingdom, the distinction between various sorts of institutions, such as high schools and colleges, might be perplexing.
The first thing to notice is that high school is a secondary school in most regions of the United Kingdom. The phrase “high school” is more often used in Scotland, where the term originated. In the United Kingdom, the primary distinction between high school and college is that one is part of the statutory education system, and the other is part of the further voluntary education (FE) system. Let’s understand how old are seniors in high school in the UK education system.
The UK education system
High schools usually only allow pupils to study for GCSEs and A-Levels, while some may also offer additional degrees such as the International Baccalauréat. Further education institutions provide a far broader choice of certifications and often concentrate on more miniature academic courses of study, such as computer skills and craft skills.
Whereas high schools are concerned with the requirements of kids and their parents, FE colleges are more concerned with community learning. They will provide services such as taster courses and evening classes to entice more people to continue their education.
A unique experience
The learning experiences provided by high schools and universities range significantly. High schools are primarily concerned with the education of minors. They have a more authoritarian culture in which pupils are often required to wear a uniform and are not allowed to leave the school grounds during the school day. Furthermore, although high school students have some discretion in their study topics, they must complete several basic subjects, such as English, math, and science.
How Old Are Seniors in High School?
Primary education in the UK
Primary school education in the United Kingdom starts at the age of five. It lasts until eleven, including key stages one and two of the UK educational system.
Some elementary schools divide their students into Infant and Junior levels. Typically, they are different institutions on the same campus. The newborn age range (Key Stage 1) ranges from 5 to 7 years old. The Junior age group (Key Stage 2) ranges from 7 to 11 years old.
At the elementary school level, the year groups are as follows:
Year R (Reception) (4–5 years old)
Year One (age 5 – 6)
Second-year (age 6 – 7) The year in which Key Stage 1 SATs administer.
Third-year (age 7 – 8)
4th year (age 8 – 9)
Fifth grade (age 9 – 10)
Sixth grade (age 10 – 11) The year in which Key Stage 2 SATs administer.
Years 7 and 8 of secondary school
Years 7 and 8 are the first two years of secondary school in the United Kingdom. They are part of the Junior School in certain independent institutions and the Senior School in others.
All pupils in the UK education system learn English, Maths, Sciences, a Humanity, and a Modern Language. Aside from these disciplines, each school provides a list of optional subjects (Art, Music, Drama, Latin, Sport Science, Design Technology, Computer Science), from which students may choose a few.
Students in certain schools take the Common Entrance Exam in year 7. There are three examination periods: November, January, and May/June each year. The Common Entrance Exam scores in such schools may influence the transfer from Junior to Senior School (year 8 to year 9).
9th year of secondary school
Year 9 is critical in the British education system since it marks the transfer of most pupils from Junior School to Senior School. It also serves as an excellent basis for the GCSE course and an access point to all schools.
Students take English, Maths, Science, Humanities, and Languages classes. In addition, students choose a few topics from each school’s optional subject list.
Years 10 and 11 of secondary school
GCSE curriculum
Beginning at the age of 14, pupils study for GCSE examinations in the last two years of secondary school, known as Year 10 and Year 11. (General Certificate of Secondary Education).
During the GCSE course in the UK education system, pupils study between 9 and 12 topics. Some are required (English, Math, 2/3 Sciences, History/Geography, a Modern Language, and so on), but others select by each student based on their ability and inclinations. After the two-year GCSE course, students get their GCSE Certificates, completing tests on each topic covered.
The topics selected and the GCSE grades are critical for their subsequent studies (A-Level or IB) and university entrance.
1-year intensive GCSE
For overseas students seeking a school education in the UK, several institutions offer a one-year GCSE course in Year 11. These rigorous one-year courses are accessible to students aged 15 and above who have achieved the necessary academic level in their home country. There are fewer topics researched (maximum 6).
IGCSE
The IGCSE (Foreign General Certificate of Secondary Education) course prepares international students for A-Level and IB examinations.
Years 12 and 13 are for university preparation.
A level research
Once a pupil reaches the age of 16, they may begin a two-year curriculum that leads to A (Advanced) level exams in the UK education system. Students often specialise in three or four topics related to the degree subject they desire to pursue at university.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Those who want to study more than three or four topics may do so via the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which several private schools provide. During the IB, student study six topics, three at the higher level (HL) and three at the average level (SL). Each school provides a variety of disciplines at various levels of study (HL/SL). After their studies, students take written exams on each topic.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between high school and college is particularly beneficial when deciding on your next phase of the study in the UK or filling out application forms that need you to detail your educational experience. It’s worth noting the distinctions and having them handy while you investigate. Our above guide explained how old are seniors in high school.
