Comparison Of England And Saudi Arabia Education System - Case Study Example

Sur Compare and Contrast: The Education System Between England and Saudi Arabia Introduction The Educationalsystem in each country may have its own comparisons and contrasts. Laws applicable to education are reliant on the culture of a particular country. Saudi Arabia is governed by Islamic traditions with utmost sensitivity to their faith. England on the other hand is a country most concerned about education of children measured by the breadth of learning in extensive subjects from childhood. England and Saudi Arabia are two diversely different countries with notably varying cultures. However amidst such the difference, globalization is an effective link to bridge the differences between cultures. Education is the forefront instrument to connect countries and curtail indifference. THE COMPARISON I - Education in England is compulsory under the law. Under Section 7 of the 1996 Education Act states: 'The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable- (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and (b) (b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.' (Barrow, 2007). Education is required for every Muslim in Saudi Arabia. 'The Holy Qur'an and the Hadith [teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad] repeatedly emphasize the importance of learning.' (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia). II - England supports a large portion of students with allocation from public funds. 'About 94 per cent of pupils in England, and the rest of the UK, receive free education from public funds, while 6 per cent attend independent fee paying schools.' (Barrows, 2007). Surname 2 III - In Saudi Arabia the government extends support towards education to the extent of providing monthly stipend for deserving students 'The total budget for higher education (universities, women's colleges and the Ministry of Higher Education) was US$2.5 billion in 1985. This amount constitutes 3.6 percent of the total budget for Saudi Arabia, and 34 percent of the total education budget. All university students also receive a monthly stipend of $300 (all figures for 1985).' (Sedgwick, Ed., 2001). . IV - Education system in England is structured under strict compliance of government control. 'The British government has set a national curriculum, which clearly defines different stages and core subjects for children ages 5 to 16 (The Education System in England, n.d.). It specifies the various subjects to be taught at different stages, the expected knowledge, skills, and understanding level for the various subjects, and how the children's progress should be tested (The Education System in England, n.d.).' (qtd. in University of Michigan, n.d.) THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM (ENGLAND) The National Curriculum consists of 11 subjects, including; English, design and technology, geography, math, information technology, music, science art, physical education, history and modern foreign language. The National Curriculum is split up into for stages, referred to as Key Stages, and are based on the student's age. The key stage of a child reflects what subjects will be studied and the method by which they will be taught. Key Stage 1 includes children ages 5-8, Key Stage 2 consists of children 8-11, Key Stage 3 is made up of children ages 11-14, and Key Stage 4 is composed of children 14-16. At the end of each Key Stage, students are required to take a standardized test, known as the SAT, associated with that particular stage. The achievement level Surname 3 obtained on each test is then reported to the parents and the public in two ways: the student's actual test grade and the teacher's individual assessment of each student (The Education System in England, n.d.).' (qtd in University of Michigan, n.d.) In Saudi Arabia, the educational system is structured with the same strict control by the government as it is strict in England, or maybe perhaps stricter. 'Government control of schoolbooks to guarantee they are consistent with Islam and devoid of anything conflicting with its principles. The Saudi government maintains control of every aspect of educational material:[15] "The government shall be concerned with the control of all books coming into the Kingdom from abroad or going out of the Kingdom to the outside world. No books shall be allowed for use unless they are consistent with Islam, the intellectual trends and educational aims of the Kingdom..."[16] The government policy also states: "All books should fulfill the aims of education and be devoid of anything conflicting with Islam."[17]Students also learn "how to face misleading rumors, destructive doctrines, and alien thoughts,"[18]The Saudi education authorities insist "the school textbooks should be in line with Islamic requirements."[19]'. (Stalinsky, 2002). THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM (SAUDI ARABIA) Sedgewick (2001) disclosed that primary education consists of primary school and intermediate school; secondary education consists of general secondary education, religious secondary education, technical secondary school and further technical and vocational training; Higher Education; University Higher Education consists of baccaloreus (four year course), darajat al majisteer (master's degree) and doctoorah (doctorate). V - Educational System in England requires an examination to test the knowledge of students. In England, 'At the age of 16, students write an examination called the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). All students are tested in Mathematics, English Literature, English composition, chemistry, biology, Surname 4 physics, history or the Classics, one modern language, and one other subject, such as art or computer studies.' (Barrow, 2007). Additionally, the British Council affirmed and posted 'After five years of secondary education, students take examinations in a range of subjects at the level of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The GCSE is a single-subject examination set and marked by independent examination boards. Students usually take up to ten (there is no upper or lower limit) GCSE examinations in different subjects, including mathematics and English language. After taking GCSEs, students may leave secondary schooling; alternatively, they may choose to continue their education at vocational or technical colleges, or they may take a higher level of secondary school examinations known as AS-Levels after an additional year of study. Following two years of study, students may take A-Level (short for Advanced Level) examinations, which are required for university entrance in the UK.' (n.d.) In Saudi Arabia similar examination as that of England is also required. In Saudi, 'Students' progress through high school is determined by comprehensive exams conducted twice a year and supervised by the Ministry of Education'. (Ministry of Education, 2004). THE CONTRAST I - Education in England focuses on extensive subjects for purposes of encouraging the young generation to comprehend substantial subjects. Education in Saudi Arabia constitute large portion to religious education which include requiring the 'recitation of the Koran.' (Spain Exchange, 1999). England: The educational system in England abide by 'the national curriculum set by the government since 1992 included the following subjects in English, Design and Technology, Geography, Maths, Information Technology, Music, Science, Art, Physical Education, History and Modern Foreign Language.' (Intense Educational Ltd., 1994). Saudi Arabia: Education in Saudi Arabia follows a traditional Islamic system which even with the orientation of the west, the Saudi Arabia Educational system dedicate a large Surname 5 portion of education focusing on Islamic and Arabic studies which include 'the memorization of the Quran, interpretation and understanding of the Quran (Tafsir) and the application of Islamic tradition to everyday life are stressed. Religion is also studied at the university level alongside other subjects, and is compulsory for all students.' (Sedgwick, 2008). 'Saudi Arabia's public schools have long been cited for demonizing the West as well as Christians, Jews and other "unbelievers." Saudi textbooks for Islamic studies used during the current academic year reveals that, [] an ideology of hatred toward Christians and Jews and Muslims who do not follow Wahhabi doctrine remains in this area of the public school system. The texts teach a dualistic vision, dividing the world into true believers of Islam (the "monotheists") and unbelievers (the "polytheists" and "infidels")Religion is the foundation of the Saudi state's political ideology; it is also a key area of Saudi education in which students are taught the interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism (a movement founded 250 years ago by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab) that is reflected in these textbooks.' (Shea, 2006). Islamic education trains Saudi boys to become members of the Ulema (religious clergy). The religious secondary school curriculum includes the general academic secondary school curriculum but focuses primarily on Islamic and Arabic studies. ' (Sedgwick, 2008). II - Education system in Saudi Arabia separate boys from girls. Education in England allow the mingling of boys and girls however separated by parallel school systems. England: In England, 'the parallel school systems are known as the state sector and the private sector'. ' (Intense Educational Ltd., 1994). Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, - 'Education in Saudi Arabia is segregated by sex and divided into three separately administered systems: general education for boys, education for girls and traditional Islamic education (for boys). The Ministry of Education, established in 1952, presides over general education for boys, and education for girls comes under the jurisdiction of the General Presidency for Girls' Education. Both sexes follow the same curriculum and take the same annual examinations.' (Sedgwick, 2008). 'The first school for girls in Saudi Arabia was started in 1956. Prior to this year the could only be taught at home by private tutorsFor boys the levels of education include primary, intermediate, secondary and university.' (Spain Exchange, 1999). Surname 6 References References Barrow, Mandy. (2007). Introduction to Education in England. British Life and Culture, [Online]. Woodlands Junior School, Hunt Road Tonbridge Kent TN10 4BB UK. Available at http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education.html. [Accessed May 14, 2008]. Intense Educational Ltd. (1994). The Education System in England [Online]. Available at http://www.intense.co.uk/cgi/go.cgisystem,england. [Accessed May 14, 2008]. British Council Organisation. School Curriculum [Online]. Available at http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa-education-uk-system-k-12-curriculum-england.htm. [Accessed May 14, 2008]. Sedgwick, Robert. (Ed., 2008). Education in Saudi Arabia. World Education News and Reviews. [Online]. Bowling Green Station P.O. Box 5087 New York, USA. Volume 14, Issue 6. November/December 2001. Available at http://www.wes.org/eWENR/01nov/practical.htm. [Accessed May 14, 2008]. Shea, Nina. (May 21 2006). This is a Saudi Textbook. (After the Intolerance was Removed). [Online]. A report from the Journal of the Washington Post. Published in University of Phoenix. Available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2006/05/19/AR2006051901769.html. [Accessed May 14, 2005). Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. 'Education'. About Saudi Arabia. [Online]. Available at http://www.saudiembassy.net/Country/Education/Edu.asp. [Accessed May 14, 2008] Stalinsky, Steven. (December 20, 2002). Preliminary Overview. - Saudi Arabia's Education System: Curriculum, Spreading Saudi Education to the World and the Official Saudi Position on Education Policy. The Middle East Media Research Institute. [Online]. Available at http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgiArea=sr&ID=SR01202. [Accessed May 14, 2008]. The University of Michigan. (n.d). Curriculum: America and England. [Online]. Available at http://sitemaker.umich.edu/allen.356/curriculum__america_and_england. Read More