An American in Britain

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There are many differences in the educational system between the US and the UK. One of the most obvious is the emphasis on tests in the UK. I don’t really mean that they take lots of tests and quizzes over here. I sure haven’t seen that in school. But it seems that you are tested for every achievement.

These achievements are not always related to formal schooling. For example, to show you achieved a certain level in playing an instrument, you have to sit music theory tests as well as playing your piece. You get a certificate to show your achievement. My daughter never had that pressure in the States and we are unsure if we want to take this route. We wouldn’t want anything to dampen her enthusiasm; however, if she wants to do it, by all means, we will encourage it. In sports, as well, there are badges and certificates rewarded for accomplishing certain levels and skills.

However, other achievements are academic. Yet, in the US, some of these areas do not require any academic training. For example, a preschool or daycare worker can be hired without any previous experience in the US. Over here, you have to have special licenses, which can be obtained after a required training course. Similarly, in the US, home healthcare workers are trained on the job. Here, there is a formal training with certificate you must receive before even applying for work. Every little job requires a certificate of achievement. It’s no wonder that those who drop out of school, without even vocational training, find it difficult to find any jobs out there. There are few, if any, unskilled jobs available. One day, even the burger flippers will be required to take a formal test.