UK Education System
At what age does compulsory education begin in the UK?
5 years old
What do Americans call what the UK calls "university"?
College (though "university" is also used)
What traditional clothing do Oxford and Cambridge students wear at formal events? A) Robes and mortarboards B) Academic gowns C) School uniforms D) Business suits
B) Academic gowns
What do we call the subjects and content taught in an educational program?
curriculum
Which university is the oldest? A) Oxford B) Cambridge C) Harvard D) Charles University
A) Oxford (teaching existed from 1096, Cambridge founded 1209, Charles University 1348, Harvard 1636)
What are the national exams taken by UK students at age 16 called?
GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
How many years is high school in the USA, and what are the grade levels called (name at least one)?
4 years: Freshman (9th), Sophomore (10th), Junior (11th), Senior (12th)
What is "Spring Break" in American universities? A) A week off in spring for vacation B) When classes get easier C) Sports competition week D) Graduation ceremony
A) A week off in spring for vacation (famous for students traveling to warm destinations)
Define "tuition fees" and explain if they exist in the Czech public university system.
Tuition fees are money paid for instruction at a college or university. In CZ, public universities are free for students studying in Czech, unlike the UK and USA
What is the shared nickname given to the two most famous and oldest universities in the United Kingdom?
Oxbridge
How many years does a typical undergraduate degree take in the UK, and how does this compare to the Czech Republic?
3 years in the UK (except Scotland, which is 4 years), compared to typically 3 years for Bachelor's in CZ
What is the SAT and how does it compare to the Czech approach?
The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions. Unlike CZ where admission is often based on specific entrance exams per university/program, the SAT is one general test used by many schools
What is unusual about the American tradition of "Senior Ditch Day"? A) Students plant trees B) Seniors skip school together C) Students clean the school D) Final exam tradition
B) Seniors skip school together (unofficial tradition where graduating seniors all skip the same day)
What is the difference between "assessment" and "assignment"?
An assignment is a specific task given to students to complete. Assessment is the broader process of evaluating and measuring student learning and progress (which may include assignments, tests, etc.)
This highly selective and famous university is located in Boston (or technically, Cambridge, Massachusetts) and is world-renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, and physical sciences. It is often confused with Harvard. A) Caltech, B) MIT, C) Imperial College London, D) Princeton
B) MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
What is the difference between a state school and a public school in the UK?
State schools are free and government-funded, while "public schools" are actually elite private schools that charge tuition fees
Compare tuition fees in the USA, UK, and Czech Republic. What are the main differences?
USA has the highest fees (can exceed $50,000/year at private universities), UK charges up to £9,250/year for domestic students, while CZ offers free tertiary education for their citizens.
What is "hazing" in American universities? A) A weather phenomenon B) Initiation rituals for new members C) A study technique D) A type of scholarship
B) Initiation rituals for new members (often controversial and sometimes dangerous)
Explain "prerequisites" and "matriculation" (and use both in a sentence about university admission).
Prerequisites are required courses/qualifications needed before taking a specific course. Matriculation is the formal process of being admitted and enrolled. Example: "After completing all prerequisites and going through matriculation, I could finally start my degree program."
The term "Ivy League" officially defines a group of eight elite, historic universities based on what single, non-academic factor? A) Founding date before the American Revolution. B) Free education to students below a certain income level. C) Membership in an intercollegiate athletic conference. D) Ranking in the top 10 globally for academic research.
C) Their membership in an intercollegiate athletic conference
What are A-Levels and how do they compare to the Czech system?
A-Levels are subject-specific exams taken at 18, where students typically study only 3-4 subjects in depth. The maturita is broader, covering multiple required subjects with less specialization.
Explain the American concept of a "Liberal Arts Education" and how it influences a student's first two years of university studies (hint: it is related to specialization).
It is a system where students are required to take courses in a broad range of subjects (humanities, sciences, social sciences) before fully declaring or focusing on their major.
In the UK, what unusual tradition happens at some Cambridge colleges during exams? A) Students receive candy B) Hitting a wooden board for luck C) Running around the courtyard D) Receiving a carnation based on exam number
D) Receiving a carnation based on exam number (white for first, pink for middle, red for last)
What is "tenure" and why is it significant?
Tenure is permanent employment status given to professors after a probationary period, protecting academic freedom and job security. (American/UK universities)
What do Oxford and Cambridge universities have in common with each other that most universities don't? A) Only accept British students B) Collegiate system C) No tuition fees D) Only teach humanities
B) Collegiate system (students belong to individual colleges within the university, each with its own facilities, traditions, and community)