01/2022
The academic system in Britain is different from that of in japan.
Let me introduce my first impression on my academic life in the UK.

Firstly, the style of teaching is building up approach. You would study more technical contents and more difficult topics in A Level, but some parts in A Level have already been done in GCSE with simpler level. Basically, pupils learn slightly and widely in GCSE, and they learn in detail in A Level. GCSE examinations include a basic part of Organic Chemistry, Vectors, Trigonometry and so on. However, more complicated sections are handled in A Level. Similarly, what Japanese students study in year 3 of high school and in university are involved in A Level, yet they are light as well.

Secondary, many topics/questions in lessons are linked to our real livelihoods. For instance, in Math questions, you are asked to predict a transition of cars’ price with quadratics. In Chemistry, you would come across catalytic chemical reactions in cars and air pollutant reactions. I have heard that some of the Japanese students wondered how useful for their lives that they are taught in schools, and they lost the meanings of study other than for university. British education provides us with many opportunities to think about the connection between knowledge in classrooms and real life.

Thirdly, British way of teaching is a huge network of knowledge. In Japan, each topic is summarized separately. In chemistry, thermal chemistry, catalyst and equilibrium are taught with organic chemistry in the UK. Originally, whole of the sections are related to each other, and we should connect whole knowledge we have, even beyond subjects. The best example for this is history. Since history is formed by currents, it should be not taught intermittently. History is created by geographical elements, political or economic factors and psychological movement. Building a vast knowledge web is considerably effective to expand my applicability.

Lastly, I had a lot of chemical experiments in last term. I was given only instruction sheets, and I was allowed to perform the practical freely. Because all of the equipment was available in the classroom, I could carry out experiments as I would like to. It was very helpful for me to develop my independence.

New environment, English and different education system were fresh for me, and they are extremely enjoyable. With thankfulness for that I can learn under those excellent circumstances, I would like to strive to higher levels in everything.