Lesson 1B: World Classrooms

Before we start...

A Words, words, words

A1 Listen and repeat. Flip to check the meaning.

A2 Match.

A3 Match.

B Reading and listening

B1 Read and listen to these texts about three school systems. Decide which text describes schools in Finland, which in the USA, and which in Japan. Match the texts with the countries.

1 I started a public school at the age of five. Unlike in private schools, my parents don’t have to pay a fee here. The first year at elementary school is called kindergarten, and the second year is actually called the first grade. I’m now in the tenth grade, in high school. We don’t have to wear uniforms, but we have a rather strict dress code. We only have a few compulsory classes: English, math, science, social sciences and P.E. There are lots of electives to choose from, so everyone can pick what they’re good at: from sports and cheerleading, to science and computers, or even visual and performing arts. We don’t have much homework. There is an occasional pop quiz or a paper we have to work on. Our grades are letters, A–F. All the teachers are pretty relaxed at my school, except when it comes to cheating. That’s strictly prohibited, and you can get expelled for it. After we get our high-school diplomas, we can continue our education at colleges and universities. (Joe, 15)

2 Our education system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Our teachers are well-educated and highly respected. But we can call them by their first names! Our classes are small, up to 20 students. And our school facilities are so clean that we often walk round them in socks. We have only around 30 minutes of homework each day. Our lessons fit students with different abilities, talents and interests. There are no standardized tests: it’s all about cooperation, not competition. Teachers use tests to find out what we need to become more successful. We do have marks, though, from 4 to 10, but not during the first few years. We only get descriptions of our strengths and things we could improve then. We don’t go to secondary school. We all attend the same school from 7 to 16 years of age. After that we can either leave school or continue our education. What I really like about my country is that we can usually attend university free of charge! (Anja, 14)

3 Education has always been important in my country, and our students do very well in various tests, both national and international. Over 90% of our population can read and write, and 50% are university graduates. But it can sometimes be difficult and stressful to keep up with the demands from teachers, peers and parents. We have lessons five or six days a week, usually six periods a day. I like most of my subjects, but I don’t enjoy learning lots of information by heart. After the lessons are over, we clean the classrooms and other spaces. In the afternoon, we have various club activities, and we have to do homework, sometimes lots of it. It takes a lot of will and hard work for all these things, and I’m often tired. But I know that school will prepare me for real life. One of my favourite things at elementary school was earthquake practice. It doesn’t get more real than that! (Kodo, 14)

B2 Read the texts again. Which pieces of information are the same for schools in Croatia? Which are different? Find more similarities and differences and report to your class.

B3 Read the texts again. Find the words that match the explanation.

B4 Complete the table with terms from three different kinds of English for similar educational ideas.

C Listening

C1 Lota is talking to her Croatian cousin. Listen. What are they talking about?

C2 Listen again. Are these statements true (T), false (F) or it doesn’t say (DS)?

Lota: Hi, Borna! Lovely to talk to you again! How are you doing?
Borna: Hi, Lota! I’m doing really well! School finishes soon; there’s only a few more exams to go. It’s been an exciting year. But, I suppose, not as exciting as yours will be!
Lota: That’s true! It’ll make quite a change. But I’m really looking forward to everything. And it’s good that you’ll be close by to help me out.
Borna: Absolutely, whatever you need. Just ask away!
Lota: I’ve been researching schools in Croatia a lot. The two school systems are quite different! I suppose I’ll be starting high school all over again.
Borna: How come?
Lota: Well, in Australia, primary school starts at the age of 6 and finishes when you’re 12. So I already attend high school.
Borna: Oh, right. That is a big difference. We usually leave elementary school at the age of 14. I think Year 8 has been the most difficult school year for me. I’ve been under a lot of pressure. I got good marks, but so did lots of other students. I was worried I wouldn’t get into the high school I wanted. Fortunately, it’s all worked out as planned for me!
Lota: Tell me more about your new school.
Borna: Well, you know I go to what we call ‘gimnazija’. But I’m not sure what you call it in English. It’s a school that gives you general education and prepares you for universities.
Lota: The name is a bit confusing, I agree. A ‘gymnasium’ in English, or ‘gym’ for short, is a fitness centre, or a place to do P.E. at school… But it should be similar to grammar schools in the UK and here in Australia. It’s definitely my choice, since it offers lots of different subjects. I’m still not sure what I want to study, so I think it’s great to have another four years to decide what’s best for me.
Borna: I agree. Just make sure you’re ready for lots of subjects and studying!
Lota: I’ve seen the list; it’s pretty long! You have to take at least fourteen compulsory subjects...
Borna: Yup… But I think it’s all about paying attention, taking part in the lessons, and planning. It was challenging for me at times, but I started following a study plan. I study in a group from time to time, too. I try to get plenty of rest and sleep, and I always organise my week so that I have enough time for other things as well.
Lota: What are your favourite subjects?
Borna: Most of the subjects are the same as in primary school, so modern languages are still at the top of my list. And Latin is fun, too. It gives some of my friends nightmares, but I enjoy learning it.
Lota: To me, psychology seems like an interesting subject. Sociology and philosophy, too.
Borna: I think I might like them, as well! And what does Luka think about starting school in Croatia?
Lota: It’s pretty simple with him, actually. He’s all about cooking, so is his first and only choice.
Borna: That’s great! I’ve heard a lot about his cooking skills. Can’t wait to try his famous dishes!
Lota: I think there’s a great career in store for him. He’s really passionate about it.
Borna: Is he around somewhere? I’d like to say ‘hi’.
Lota: He’s making something; I can smell it. Let me go and get him. Back in a minute!

For curious minds

Why not learn more about the education system in Australia?

Lesson 1B

WORD LIST