The Education Systems of England and Saudi Arabia - Essay Example

Education in England is compulsory under the law. Similarly in Saudi Arabia, education is strongly stressed in the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith [teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad] which requires education for every Muslim. In England, 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) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

' (Barrow, 2007). A large portion of students in England receive support for their education from public funds. Similarly 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). Education system in England is structured in 6 different levels. . All university students also receive a monthly stipend of $300 (all figures for 1985).' (Sedgwick, Ed., 2001).Education system in England is structured in 6 different levels. In Saudi Arabia, the education system is similarly structured by level although with certain apparent disparity with how the system is constituted.

'Over hundred years old, the UK education system is basically structured in six different levels. They are: Pre-school or pre-preparatory education, Preparatory education, Primary education, Secondary education, Post-sixteen education, and Post-eighteen education.' (Indobase Ltd.).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).

Educational System in England requires an examination to test the knowledge of students. In Saudi Arabia such an examination is also required.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, 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