Unit 1 Education & Learning

G  Whether or not students continue with formal education 

once they have reached the school leaving age set by 

the government is influenced by its quality, cost, and 

availability. The minimum school leaving age varies from 

country to country. In countries where children have to 

work or help at home it may be much lower than for other 

countries. How many hours a day should be spent studying 

also differs between countries. In some countries it may 

be normal for students to do several hours of homework 

after school, while elsewhere children may be encouraged 

to develop personal interests unrelated to school. There are 

no simple answers to these questions but they are certainly 

worth discussing.

1  See Student’s Book page 10 for further discussion on the role of private 

schooling.

2  See Student’s Book page 14 for further discussion on how we learn.

A  In most countries, governments spend a lot of money 

on education. But while most people agree about the 

importance of education, there are many debates about 

how it should be provided. 

B  So, why do people go through the education system? An 

obvious answer is: ‘To get jobs.’ But vocational skills 

can be learned in the workplace, so why have a separate 

education system? There are many possible reasons. General 

qualifications can help employers compare students and 

spot the most talented, or they can help children develop