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Education Systems

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
edited March 27 in Work & Study
Traditionally the English, Welsh and Northern Irish systems have emphasised depth of education whereas the Scottish system has emphasised breadth. Thus English, Welsh and Northern Irish students tend to sit a small number of more advanced examinations and Scottish students tend to sit a larger number of less advanced examinations.

From Wikipedia

I have never really understood GCSE and A-Level results but I guess that even a Scottish person might not understand Standard Grade and Higher because I only know about them because I have sat them.

Anyway, my question is: Which is better? Depth of education ie less subjects, more extensive courses or breadth of education which would cover more subjects but with less extensive coverage?

Quite frankly I think that neither is better than the other unless the person sitting the subject wants to specialise in it in which case depth would be better. Although a rather broad knowledge of many subjects could be a benefit.

I dunno. Your turn.
Post edited by JustV on

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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I think people should have the choice. I think if someone is particularly interested in a certain area they should have the opportunity to specialise in it. Or, if someone is unsure of something to specialise in or whatever, they should be able to focus on a wider range of things.
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    littlemissylittlemissy Posts: 9,972 Supreme Poster
    Jazza wrote:
    From Wikipedia

    I have never really understood GCSE and A-Level results but I guess that even a Scottish person might not understand Standard Grade and Higher because I only know about them because I have sat them.

    Anyway, my question is: Which is better? Depth of education ie less subjects, more extensive courses or breadth of education which would cover more subjects but with less extensive coverage?

    Quite frankly I think that neither is better than the other unless the person sitting the subject wants to specialise in it in which case depth would be better. Although a rather broad knowledge of many subjects could be a benefit.

    I dunno. Your turn.

    Neither are better. I think it depends how you look at it. I think that the Scottish system is good if you don't know what you want as you can have a bit of a taster of many different Highers (I did 7 different ones altogether). Whereas the English system has less subject options but go deeper into them.

    Neither are better than the other. But at the same time I don't think one is worse either. If that makes sense.
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    littlemissy wrote:
    Neither are better. I think it depends how you look at it. I think that the Scottish system is good if you don't know what you want as you can have a bit of a taster of many different Highers (I did 7 different ones altogether). Whereas the English system has less subject options but go deeper into them.

    Neither are better than the other. But at the same time I don't think one is worse either. If that makes sense.
    7 different Highers as in one year? I don't think you mean that but I'm asking anyway :razz:

    I was really talking about Standard Grades (GCSEs) though.
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    mystifymysoul wrote:
    I think people should have the choice. I think if someone is particularly interested in a certain area they should have the opportunity to specialise in it. Or, if someone is unsure of something to specialise in or whatever, they should be able to focus on a wider range of things.
    But you're talking about offering 15/16 year olds the chance to do essentially, less work. I think it is a good idea though.
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    littlemissylittlemissy Posts: 9,972 Supreme Poster
    Jazza wrote:
    7 different Highers as in one year? I don't think you mean that but I'm asking anyway :razz:

    I was really talking about Standard Grades (GCSEs) though.

    No, silly :p

    I did 4 Highers one year, and then 3 Highers and a CSYS the following. But I think that this is still more subjects than you are taught at sixth form in England. Or it used to be in the old system, not sure how much it is changed.

    With regards to SGs and GCSEs I don't think there is that much difference at all really. Obviously the content will all be different but at the end of the day they all mean the same thing.
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