[originaltext]J: Because in 1987 the Department of Education and Science establ

J: Because in 1987 the Department of Education and Science established a national curriculum, which meant that all schools had to teach the same subjects.
I: So tell us, professor, how many different types of schools are there in Britain?
J: Britain has about 35, 000 schools. This includes 1, 000 nursery schools, which accept children between the ages of 3 and 5. That is, up until the age when compulsory schooling begins. There are also about 27, 000 primary schools, which are usually divided into infants’ department, for children up to age 7, and junior schools for those aged 8 to 11. From the age of 12 to 16, children attend secondary schools.
I: Can you tell us some more about primary schools?
J: Certainly. Since the 1950s the traditional approach to the education of younger children, where students sit in rows and learn by memorization, has been replaces by a more relaxed and informal approach. The curriculum for primary schools has also been greatly extended in recent years.
I: So what about secondary schools?
J: Well, many of the beneficial changes in primary education have been made possible by the abolition of the notorious "11 plus" examination, named after the age at which children took it. This examination, based largely on verbal reasoning and mathematical ability, was used to decide which children would go on to strictly academic grammar schools, and which would go to the so-called secondary modern schools, which included vocational courses. But in most parts of Britain the old grammar and secondary modern schools have been replaced by comprehensive secondary schools that all children in the district attend, regardless of their academic ability. The creation of the comprehensive schools also led to radical changes in school examinations. Now all children at the age of 16 sit for the GCSE examination in up to eight different subjects.
I: If children pass their GCSE examinations, can they then go to university?
J: No. If they achieve high enough grades, they are allowed to continue their studies for a further two years and study for their advanced level studies, known as A level. And if they achieve high enough grades in their A level examinations they can continue their studies at university.
I: I see. Professor Jarvis, today you have given us a comprehensive introduction to British education. Thank you very much.
J: My pleasure.
6. Which was the result of national curriculum established in 1987?
7. How many types of schools are there in Britain ?
8. What is Professor Jarvis’ attitude towards "11 plus" examination?
9. How many subjects are there in GCSE now?
10. What children can do if they achieve high grades in GCSE examination?