Useful Vocabulary - Education

Useful Vocabulary

General furniture and equipment

desk(s)	chair(s)	PC(s) personal computer(s)
chalkboard(s)	book(s)	shelf (shelves)
OHP(s) overhead projector(s)	projector(s) beamer(s)	TV(s) television(s)
copier(s) photocopier(s)	hole punch(es)	stapler(s)
scissors	sellotape	drawing pin(s)
	paper clip(s)

General writing equipment

pen(s)	biro(s)	paper
exercise book(s)	ruler(s)

Special art equipment

paint brush(es)	palette(s)	paint
crayon(s)	pencil(s)	pencil sharpener(s)
rubber(s) eraser(s)	glue	craft knife(knives)

Special geography equipment

globe(s)	map(s)

Special math equipment

calculator(es)	set square(s)	protractor(s)
	compass(es)

Special science equipment

bunsen burner(s)	beaker(s)	flask(s)
funnel(s)	test tube(s)

Pronunciation Click here

Build Up

Things you learn/study at school - subjects

1 + 1 = 2	Aa Bb Cc
Maths / Numeracy	English / Literacy	History
		Je suis Ich bin
Geography	Science	Languages
Business Studies	Music	Art
Drama	IT Information Technology	Sport

The Stages of British Education and Exams

Age / School	2-5 years old Kindergarten / Play school	5 -7 years old Primary school 7-11 years old Junior school	11-16 years old Secondary school / Comprehensive school/ Grammar school
Subjects taught	Play	Art English Geography History Modern Languages (French/German) Literacy Numeracy PSHE - (Personal Social and Health Education) Science	Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Citizenship Design & Technology Drama English Geography History ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Modern Languages Maths Music PE (Physical Education) Physics PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education) RE (Religious Education)
Terminology	Pre School	Primary Education	Secondary Education

After 16

16+ Sixth form/ College		18+ University
Tertiary Education		Further Education

British Qualifications

GCSE	A Levels	Degrees	PhD
GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are taken by secondary school students, at the age of 14-16 in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar (in Scotland, the equivalent is the Standard Grade). GCSE courses are taken in a variety of subjects, which are usually decided by the students themselves between the ages of 13 and 14 (in Year 9). Study of chosen subjects normally begins at age 14 (Year 10), and final examinations are then taken at age 16 (Year 11). At the end of the two-year GCSE course, each student receives a grade for each subject. These grades, from best to worst, are: A* (pronounced 'A-star') A B C D E F G	A-levels (Advanced Level) are taken by students in the final two years of secondary education (commonly called the Sixth Form), after they have completed GCSEs. It is a non-compulsory qualification taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, students usually take Highers and Advanced Highers of the Scottish Qualifications Certificate. However, schools may choose to offer the A-Level as an alternative. A-levels are graded from A to E, along with a fail grade, U (Unclassified or Ungraded).	In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are two different types of degree: Honours degrees and Ordinary degrees. The degrees awarded carry a designation related to the broad subject area such as B.A. (Bachelor of arts), B.Sc (Bachelor of Science), B.Eng (Bachelor of Engineering) etc. Most degrees are honours degrees, with an option not to take honours. The standard length of a Honours bachelor's degree is 3 years. On successful graduation from a bachelor's degree, it is possible to extend your studies in the United Kingdom to study for a degree of Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) etc.	A doctorate is an academic degree of the highest level. Traditionally, the award of a doctorate implies recognition of the candidate as an equal by the university faculty under which he or she studied.

Naturally Speaking

Asking about someone's education

Where did you go to school?

What university did you go to?

What did you study?

What qualifications have you got?

What year did you graduate?

What made you decide to study that?

Have you done any vocational training?

Dialogue

Here is a conversation between Mr Smith (a maths teacher) and Sam (his student).

Where's your homework?

Mr Smith:	Hello Sam. Have you got your Maths homework?
Sam:	No, I'm sorry Mr Smith. I forgot it.
Mr Smith:	That's not good enough Sam. It was due last week.
Sam:	I know. I've been very busy at home.
Mr Smith:	Well, maybe I should come and speak to your parents.
Sam:	Oh, please don't Mr Smith. I'm really sorry. I promise I'll bring it tomorrow.
Mr Smith:	Ok. But make sure you do. Or I will have to speak to the head.