Window on Britain - Schools

1. Watch the first part of the video (to 1.30) and complete the sentences.
Most children start primary school at the age of 5. Then, at 11 they go to _______ _______ . All children stay at the secondary school to the age of 16 and at 16 in England they take ______ examinations that is the General ________ of ________ Education. After these exams about ___ per cent of students leave school. The others usually study ______ subjects for two more years and then take A-levels or _______ level examinations.
About 20 per cent of 18-year-olds go to ___________ .They usually leave home and go to university in a different town or city. Another 20 per cent go on to other kinds of _________ and training.

2. Go on watching and answer the questions:
1) What time does the school start?
2) Are most schools in Britain for boys, for girls or mixed?
3)  Do students wear a uniform in all the British schools?
4) What subjects do they study?
5) How many students are there in a primary school class?
6) What foreign languages do the British children learn?
7) Where do they have lunch?
8) What activities do students do after school?
9) What is Eton?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of the Irish culture on March 17 which remembers St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It began as a religious feast day in the 17th century. Now St. Patrick's Day has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green.

Headway Video

You can improve your English by watching this interesting series for English learners. Meet Jane, Helen, Matt, Simon and others.

Unfortunately, no subtitles. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments.