Useful Vocabulary

General furniture and equipment

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

General writing equipment

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

Special art equipment

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

Special geography equipment

globe(s) map(s)
globe(s) map(s)

Special math equipment

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

Special science equipment

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

Build Up

Things you learn/study at school - subjects

1 + 1 = 2

Aa Bb Cc

book(s)
Maths / Numeracy English / Literacy History
globe(s) test tube(s)

Je suis
Ich bin

Geography Science Languages
business music palette(s)
Business Studies Music Art
drama computer(s) sport
Drama IT
Information Technology
Sport

The Stages of British Education and Exams

Age / School

2-5 years old
Kindergarten / Play school

pupil(s)

5 -7 years old
Primary school
7-11 years old
Junior school

pupil(s)

11-16 years old
Secondary school /
Comprehensive school/
Grammar school

pupil(s)

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

student(s)

18+
University

student(s)

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.

Games and Tests for this Vocabulary Unit

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Crossword
Dictation and Spelling Test
Name It
Vocabulary
Word Search