GRADE 7 - EDUCATION
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Vocabulary
There may be more than one answer. Give your reasons .
T TOPIC In Spain, school is compulsory between the ages of five and sixteen, before that children can go to a nursery but because all are privately run families have to pay a monthly fee. When children are in the nursery, they are not taught much, academically speaking, although social interaction is considered a lesson in itself. Primary education continues until the age of eleven. At the early stages of Primary Schooling children learn to read, write and do simple Maths. At the later stages English, History and Science together with Art and Music become part of the school syllabus. Pupils who wish to enter university usually finish their compulsory secondary education, also known as CSE and baccalaureate coure when they are eighteen. There are other kinds of further education for those who want to learn a trade such as catering or specialize in, say, mechanics, at an early stage. Actually, they can choose a training course at the age of 16. In recent years, the proportion of young people entering university has risen dramatically. The variety of degree courses on offer has also widened. It is now common for students who enter fields such as nursing to be based at university, in fact one of the best universities for nursing in Spain is right here in Santander. In the past, there used to be only fee-paying schools, and only rich families could afford to send their children there. At that time money was a key factor in success at any degree the student wanted to do. The poor were relegated to menial jobs with few prospects. But today, things are very different. Firstly, There are two kinds of independent schools, some are fee-paying and others are funded with state grants and very small fees from parents, both belong to the private sector. It is said these schools are selective although there is no actual proof, as long as the parents pay the fees the students are accepted. The rest of the schools , which fall between primary and secondary education, are part of the state system. Most state secondary schools are non-selective . Unlike in some countries where children are tested at the age of eleven and the bright ones are creamed off, Spain does not test them at any age and depend solely on the school board, the teachers and tutors for "streaming" their students within the school. Many parents and politicians argue that private schools should be abolished to allow equality of opportunity for all children. Others insist that a fast track is needed for gifted pupils and that diversity means more freedom of choice . I believe freedom of choice is more important that's why if I had a child I would like this freedom to be respected. Don't you agree?
(3 MINUTES) QUESTIONS
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