Assessments
You will find little to no similarities between the assessment criteria for both countries. Requirements for a high school diploma in the United States contrast between the 50 states. However, the majority require a certain amount of credits in different subjects such as Math, English, Science, Foreign Language, etc. In addition, a certain score on either an SAT (Standard Assessment Test) or an ACT (American College Test) is needed for a high school diploma. A pass score on an SAT provides more of an opportunity for students who wish for a higher education at a university level. Most employers in the United States only require nothing higher than a high school diploma as a form of certification. After completion of high school, roughly estimated between 17-18 years of age, students can continue their education by choosing and taking courses that are of interest to them.
In the UK, life as a secondary school student begins at the age of 11 and continues until their mid-teens. After 2 years, students are able to pick their chosen studies for years 10 and 11. Compulsory subjects include Maths, English and Science, similar to the system in the United States. The difference, however, is the option for UK students to pick additional subjects such as a modern foreign language, humanities (history and geography), arts (drama, music or media design) or physical education, which is mandatory in years 10 and 11 but can also be used as a GCSE option (BBC 2023). Students pick areas they want to concentrate on with the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) if they are outside of the United Kingdom (Anglia 2023).