In the advanced
countries such as Australia, England, Singapore and The United States, the
education curriculum and system aim to produce well rounded individuals with
good academic achievement and survival skills.
In Australia, the focus
of education is on the overall development of the child during primary school
years. Learning experiences are built around literacy, mathematics, physical
skills, studies of society, health and creative activities. the emphasis is on
developing basic skills in the English language.
There are no
examination requirements for progression through school, and no standardized
examination at the end of primary school. In secondary school, students are
required to carry out research and complete assignments that form part of the
assessment. Learning objectives are achieved by methods including
investigation, experimentation, evaluation and participation.
The core subjects for
secondary schoolchildren are, among others, English, Mathematics, Science,
Human Society, Technological and Applied Studies, Creative arts and Personal
Development, and Health and Physical Education.
School-based
assessments usually include examinations, tests, analytical exercises, written
research reports, essays, laboratory, field studies, and portfolios.
The British education
system is bounded by the National Curriculum that decides on the content to be
taught in schools, sets targets for learning and determines how students'
performance will be assessed. Under this system, students undertake a series of
tests known as the Key Stage National Curriculum Tests.
The curriculum is
habitually reviewed to ensure it meets the varying needs of students and
society. In 2004, significant changes were made to Key Stage 4 -- examinations
taken in Year 11 -- which allowed schools to offer students more choices to get
the general knowledge and experiences necessary for future employment.
In KS4, students are
expected to develop skills like analysis, reasoning, problem solving and
communication.
Subjects such as ICT,
Citizenship, Work-related Learning, and Careers Education are compulsory on top
of the core subjects to comply with the standards set.
The Ministry of
Education in Singapore aims to provide a broad-based and holistic education.
according to the ministry's website, Singapore has been moving towards a more
flexible and diverse education system. the increased flexibility in the school
system includes an option to study a non-native Mother Tongue Language as a
third language from 2007.
For Primary One and
Two, there will be 30 students per class from 2006 onwards, so that teachers
are able to provide students with more individualized attention to give them a
strong grounding in literacy and numeracy.
School Graduation
Certificates will be introduced from 2008 to reflect the students' academic as
well as non-academic achievements.
At primary school
level, project work will be incorporated into the curriculum but will not be
formally assessed as an examination subject.
The ministry will
organize work attachment opportunities for teachers, in business and community
agencies locally and overseas, as part of their teacher training initiative.
In the United States,
elementary school students are taught five core subjects -- English,
Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Physical Education.
Electives such as
Visual Arts (drawing, photography), Performing Arts (drama, band), Foreign
Languages, Computers and athletics are introduced alter on.
Furthermore,
non-academic lessons are added to achieve all-rounded individuals. Many states
require schools to offer some form of courses related to health where students
will learn about nutrition, first aid, the basic concepts of sexuality and
birth control.
In middle and high
school, the students participate in extra curricular activities that amount to
hours outside of the normal school day.
Thsi includes sports
activities like football and basketball, which are major events for schools and
communities in the country, and also a major source of funds.
Under the No Child
Left Behind Act, teachers in core academic areas must have a bachelor's degree,
full state certification and demonstrated competency in each core academic
subject he or she teaches.
Summary: The education system in
advanced countries aims to produce well rounded individuals with good academic
record and practical skills. In Australia, the focus is on literacy,
mathematics, physical skills, studies of society, health, creative activities
and English. There are only school-based assessments. Students undertake
research and complete assignments. Learning methods include investigation,
experimentation, evaluation and participation. The British education curriculum
is constantly reviewed to meet different needs of students and society.
Students undergo tests and expand their general knowledge and experiences for
future jobs by developing analytical and problem solving skills. Singapore aims
to provide a holistic, flexible and diverse education system. students get
individualized attention with emphasis on literacy and numeracy. In the US,
students are taught core and elective subjects. participation in extra
curricular activities is vital.
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