A. The school system
This is the system for state education in most parts of England and Wales. State schools are
free and operated by the country. Parents pay to send their children to private schools.
B. The school timetable
The school day is divided into about 5–7 lessons, and over the course of a week, most pupils
do/study about ten subjects, including English, maths, history, science, etc. There’s usually a
one-hour lunch break [period of rest between work], and a break in the morning and afternoon
as well.
Language help
In American English the subject is math, but in British English it is maths.
The school year is usually divided into three terms [periods of study], with each term being
about 13 weeks, although some schools are now having shorter terms and more frequent
holidays. At the end of the school year, pupils usually take/do exams before they break up [end
classes for the term]. After the summer holidays, they go back [return] for the new school year.
C. School rules*
In the past schools generally had more rules, and if you broke the rules1, you were
punished. At my school, for example, pupils sometimes had to stay behind2 and write an
essay. I used to get into trouble3 for wearing lipstick.
I remember we had to call the male teachers ‘sir’ and female teachers ‘miss’, and we had to
wear a horrible uniform4. Nowadays, the atmosphere5 is more relaxed6: older pupils can
often dress7 the way they want – as long as they’re reasonably smart8 – and the teachers are
not as strict9.
|
Bình luận