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Grammar Schools
After a child completes state school study and receives their Fundamental Skills Certificate II, they are sent to Grammar School. Officially, this covers a child's education for forms three and four (ages twelve to sixteen), and is identical to what most nations refer to as high school or secondary school.
Most of New England's Grammar Schools are public (state funded) institutions, although there is no prohibition on parents sending their children to private or religious schools. Regardless of the funding regime, the use of 'Grammar' to identify this tier of schools is now almost universal.
- Forms
- Third Form
- Fourth Form
- Curriculum
- Selective Schools
Forms
Third Form - Around the age of thirteen, pupils commence their studies in a grammar school. For two years, they receive continuing education in the basic skills and begin to learn trade skills as well. Third form is divided into two sections, Lower Third and Upper Third, which run for one year each. At the end of third form, pupils are tested with a Skills Extension Certificate, which a pass requited to move onto fourth form.
Fourth Form - Like third form, fourth form in divided into two sections, Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth. Fourth form is an extension of previous years, and sees the introduction of sex education, commerce, and civic studies. At the end of fourth form, students sit the Certificate of Education, which if passed allows them to attempt the Advanced Certificate of Education. Pupils cannot leave school at this time, and must continue study.
Curriculum
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In grammar school, pupils are taught more advanced levels of english (like literature, poetry, critical analysis of writing and creative writing), mathematics (like algebra, fractions, equations and calculus), science (covering physics, chemistry and biology), and finally be able to speak, write and listen to a second language fluently (usually German, French, Latin, Chinese or Russian).
Additionally, pupils are taught sex education and are required to be fit and capable of playing one or more sports (popular options include rugby, football, cricket, hockey or tennis). They are also given an intensive study of civics, and are expected to be able to understand the functions of the government and who does what. In third and fourth forms, pupils are also taught geography, history and financial education for eighteen months at a turn.
At the beginning of fourth form (about age 15), pupils are usually given a choice as to what specialist subjects they wish to take. There is a list of about forty subjects a child can choose from, with no restriction or pre-requisite required for any subject. When they completed study to the satisfaction of the Board of Examinations, students are issued with a Certificate of Education and are allowed to progress on to Matriculation Colleges for the final two years of study.
Education System of New England
Pre-School & Kindergarten · State Schools · Grammar Schools · Tertiary Education
