When one becomes a parent, responsibilities multiply, and it’s time to evaluate options and determine which one to choose from the many available. If we add the significant change a child brings to our lives, as parents, we may feel overwhelmed and unsure of our decision-making abilities. We want what’s best for our family, but in a globalised world, with so many choices, what is the best option for us?

Before anything else, it is important to note that answering this question is no easy task. We must bear in mind a key fact: to choose what’s best for our family, and by extension, our children, what works for us may not necessarily be right for other families.

The first step, therefore, is understanding that excellence and mediocrity are not the only choices. What may be beneficial for one family may not be the case for another, and vice versa.

In a world full of possibilities, we must consider the options that best suit our needs, the factors that will benefit us, and therefore, benefit the family as a whole.

Focusing on the matter at hand, if we know that it is essential for our child to be educated in languages, we are already clear that a foreign education system, particularly the British system, holds a prominent place in our options.

Here, we present the key characteristics that define the British education system:

 

Language offer in the British education system

Knowing how to educate a student so they can thrive in one or more languages has become essential today. Almost every school now offers an academic curriculum that includes the learning of at least one foreign language.

In our case, educating a child from an early age in a language like English, immersing them in it daily, and ensuring that it becomes part of their life from a young age, is incredibly valuable for their future. The ability to master a second language provides added value, which will be reflected in their professional prospects, whether they choose to stay in their home country or pursue a career abroad.

We cannot forget that British schools today no longer focus solely on teaching English. The possibility to study other languages has multiplied. This has led to a broader language offering, including:

  • French
  • German
  • Chinese
  • Others

This expansion responds to a current societal need, one that will ultimately benefit students in the future: the more skilled and well-prepared a student is, the more languages they master, and the more career opportunities they will have.

 

Methodology that fosters student autonomy

British schools focus on creativity, interactivity, and, importantly, the autonomy and personal growth of each student. From a young age, children learn through games and activities that deviate from the conventional lessons we are used to. Their methodologies break away from the rigidity of other education systems, where students typically spend the whole school day seated at desks listening to lectures.

In contrast, the British system emphasises motivating students to reason through the concepts taught in class, not only learning them but also knowing how to apply them in practical situations.

A particularly interesting tool used with younger students is the ‘carpet’ work. All students sit together on a carpet, actively participating in what they are learning. Additionally, not only are the students on the same level, but the teacher is also at the same height, so they share the learning time equally.

This is highly beneficial for student development as it:

  • Encourages teamwork and paired work
  • Teaches students how to collaborate with their peers
  • Allow them to argue their opinions and compare their ideas with those of their peers
  • Allows the student to innovate and experiment
  • Enables them to develop their creativity to its fullest potential, both inside and outside the classroom.

The main goal is to involve students in the learning process to keep them engaged and interested in the subject at hand.

 

Complete integration of the student in the language, culture, and methodologies of the British system

The British education system fully integrates the student into the language and culture in which they will be educated throughout their schooling.

From an early age, the aim is to immerse students completely in a language that is not their own, encouraging them to listen and follow instructions given in English as the main medium of instruction. At these ages, children have an amazing ability to learn and retain new information. By developing their skills through games, songs, and other sensory activities, their involvement is always greater, which positively impacts their learning.

This methodology is highly effective because for them, since the tasks they perform are fun and dynamic. They are not even aware that, with every step, they are:

  • Learning vocabulary
  • Becoming more self-sufficient
  • Stimulating their creativity
  • Developing their personal, social, and emotional skills
  • Gradually acquiring new knowledge and abilities.

Additionally, positive reinforcement, such as using ‘stickers’ to reward good work or behaviour, is common in British schools. These stickers, featuring drawings and motivating phrases, are very popular with children and serve as positive reinforcement, encouraging those who complete their tasks correctly.

Another traditional feature of British schools is the ‘Houses’ system. Each student belongs to one of these groups, whose main purpose is to promote a sense of belonging, foster camaraderie, and encourage healthy competition between the houses. When a student completes a task well, whether academic or behavioural, points are awarded to their house. At the end of the term or year, the points are tallied, and the house with the highest score is rewarded.

 

From theory to practice

One of the most important factors in the British education system is that students learn to put into practice all the theory taught in class. This approach encourages students to:

  • Think independently
  • Seek solutions
  • Know how to react in various situations.

Their learning is personalised from a practical standpoint, so they fully understand the theory and know how to apply it. This is particularly relevant in later stages, such as Sixth Form, where students are expected to develop greater autonomy and research skills.

Therefore, it is common for teachers to assign projects that require prior research, whether individual or group-based, teaching students how to work effectively in teams, communicate with each other, and figure out how to tackle different situations.

An example of practical work in class can be seen in the various ‘displays’ students create. With the teacher’s help, students decorate the classroom and other areas of the school with the projects they have completed. These displays change as students finish different units or topics within their subjects.

 

The importance of support classes in British education

Just as it’s essential for students to be educated daily in various subjects, it’s also crucial to recognise when a student needs additional help in a particular subject. The role of Teacher Assistants and Support Teachers is prominent in British schools, and their work is highly significant in supporting students.

Having a support teacher available to help a student when necessary is an advantage of the British education system. If a student requires extra assistance in a particular subject, their learning is facilitated through support classes and activities, offering individualised teaching based on the student’s needs. This ensures that any gaps in learning are addressed before they affect the student’s overall education.

 

Conclusion

As we’ve highlighted throughout this article, the key features of the British education system go beyond early language acquisition. They focus on offering each student the necessary tools to develop autonomy and self-confidence, maximising their abilities.

This approach provides students with the opportunity to become more creative learners, as it supports their academic and personal growth from day one, equipping them with the resources they need to take charge of their own education. As a result, students are able to give their best in every aspect of their lives.