BLOG TASK 2

Compare and contrast the education system in your home county to that in the UK

When Zimbabwe attained its independence in 1980 education in the government-run schools was made free for all. The Ministry of Education Sport and Culture is responsible for maintaining and operating the government schools and in the United Kingdom The Department of Education plays a similar role.

Primary Education
In the UK primary education begins in the school year the child turns 5 and is compulsory for all children aged between 5 and 7. In Zimbabwe Grade 1 begins when the child turns 6. In rural areas pupils are taught in either Shona or Ndebele until Grade 3 when English is adopted. Whereas in urban areas English is the language medium from the very beginning.

Secondary Education
Although Zimbabwe had acquired its independence from Britain it maintained the Cambridge 2-tier model which is still in use in the UK till today. Under this model secondary education involves the first four years of high school and a pass in at least 5 subjects to obtain O-Levels. A further 2 years are required to attain A-Level qualifications.

Higher Education
Higher education in both Zimbabwe and the UK is set to international standards. In both countries it is characterised by three year degree programs depending on the chosen course and its structure. In addition universities also offer postgraduate study including master's and doctorate research degrees. It maybe noted that in Zimbabwe the Ministry of Education endevours to provide practical skills training programs and vocational training centres to those unable to gain entry into university. There are 7 universities in Zimbabwe, the oldest of these being the University of Zimbabwe founded in 1952.

English, Welsh and European Union students have access to state funds in the form of tuition fees and are also awarded a living allowance based on their circumstances.Under a similar setup the Ministry of Education offers the Students Grant and Loan Scheme which offers students financial support in terms of tuition fees and living expenses.



References

(2012) 'Diamond sales to fund student grants', University World News, (Issue 00292), [online]. Available at: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20120113202931320/ (Accessed: 15 October 2013)

Shizha, E. and Kariwo, T.K. (2011) Education and Development in Zimbabwe: A Social, Political and Economic Analysis. The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.

Chikuhwa, J.W. (2008) Zimbabwe: Beyond A School Certificate. Bloomington, Indiana: Author House.

Machin, S. and Vignoles, A. (2005) What's the Good of Education ?: The Economics of Education in the UK. United Kingdom: Princeton University Press.