The Education Systems of England and Saudi Arabia Essay

The Education Systems of England and Saudi Arabia - Essay Example 'The British government has set a national curriculum, which clearly defines different stages and core subjects for children ages 5 to 16 (The Education System in England, n.d.). It specifies the various subjects to be taught at different stages, the expected knowledge, skills, and understanding level for the various subjects, and how the children's progress should be tested (The Education System in England, n.d.).' (qtd. in University of Michigan, n.d.) THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM (ENGLAND) The National Curriculum consists of 11 subjects, including; English, design and technology, geography, math, information technology, music, science art, physical education, history and modern foreign language. The National Curriculum is split up into for stages, referred to as Key Stages, and are based on the student's age. The key stage of a child reflects what subjects will be studied and the method by which they will be taught. Key Stage 1 includes children ages 5-8, Key Stage 2 consists of children 8-11, Key Stage 3 is made up of children ages 11-14, and Key Stage 4 is composed of children 14-16. At the end of each Key Stage, students are required to take a standardized test, known as the SAT, associated with that particular stage. The achievement level Surname 3 obtained on each test is then reported to the parents and the public in two ways: the student's actual test grade and the teacher's individual assessment of each student (The Education System in England, n.d.).' (qtd in University of Michigan, n.d.) In Saudi Arabia, the educational system is structured with the same strict control by the government as it is strict in England, or maybe perhaps stricter. 'Government control... 'Government control of schoolbooks to guarantee they are consistent with Islam and devoid of anything conflicting with its principles. The Saudi government maintains control of every aspect of educational material:[15] "The government shall be concerned with the control of all books coming into the Kingdom from abroad or going out of the Kingdom to the outside world. No books shall be allowed for use unless they are consistent with Islam, the intellectual trends and educational aims of the Kingdom..."[16] The government policy also states: "All books should fulfill the aims of education and be devoid of anything conflicting with Islam."[17]Students also learn "how to face misleading rumors, destructive doctrines, and alien thoughts,"[18]The Saudi education authorities insist "the school textbooks should be in line with Islamic requirements."[19]'. (Stalinsky, 2002). Additionally, the British Council affirmed and posted 'After five years of secondary education, students take examinations in a range of subjects at the level of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The GCSE is a single-subject examination set and marked by independent examination boards.