This one's for the Brits!

Gilmourwhore#1 · #1 01-18-2003, 10:32 PM

I was hoping that some of you who grew up and/or currently live in the UK would help me answer these questions in easy to understand language.

Here goes:

Could any of you explain to me how the British system of schooling goes? Meaning: what levels are attended at what ages, what the different types of school are called ("Public", "Private", etc.), what "A" levels and "O" levels are and how one goes about passing them, and so on and on...

Or at least point me to a link that would give me comprehensive but uncomplicated explanations of these very things...

Also (and this is a bit dodgy to ask, I admit) I'm looking for slang terms that were popular in the mid-to-late '80s, and also abusive terms for folks of the gay persuasion (beyond the ever-common "poof", please...).

I know these questions may strike some as odd, but it would be a huge help for the story I'm currently working on.

Any help with this odd request would be greatly appreciated.

This post will likely be edited once I better formulate the question, but I wanted to put this out there in the meantime.

(and here's an addendum to the above)

What is the drinking age (legal, that is

)?
What is the age of consent?

Thanks!

GeeDub#1
<who is actually doing some research, for once...>

Dr Cheese · #2 01-19-2003, 04:23 AM

Hello! I live in the UK.

Bride of a Bull · #3 01-19-2003, 05:41 AM

So do I, but the following was gleaned purely from an objective view.

England and Wales <link>

Education in England and Wales is divided into: primary, secondary, further and higher education. Compulsory education lasts for 11 years; statutory schooling ages are between 5 to 16 years. Children are legally required to start attending school at the start of the term after their fifth birthday either on 31 August, 31 December or 31 March, however children often start earlier than this. Pupils are required to stay in school until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they reach 16 years of age. During this time children must receive full-time education that is suited to their age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs (SEN). If a child does not attend school, the local education authority (LEA) must be satisfied that other appropriate provision is available.

Most pupils transfer from primary to secondary school at age 11 years. However, a system of ‘middle schools’ also exists; here pupils are transferred from primary school at either age 8 or 9 years, then onto secondary education at age 12 or 13 years. Most secondary schools in England and Wales are comprehensive; these do not operate a selective entrance system. However, in some parts of England, a grammar school system also operates whereby pupils are usually required to pass an entrance examination based on their ability...

Dr Cheese · #4 01-19-2003, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gilmourwhore#1

Also (and this is a bit dodgy to ask, I admit) I'm looking for slang terms that were popular in the mid-to-late '80s,

Slang terms for what?

Wildman · #5 01-19-2003, 08:21 AM

If you are refering to "Gay" slang you could try "Bender" "Iron" (cockney ryhming slang Iron Hoof = Poof) Dont know anymore!

Dr Cheese · #6 01-19-2003, 08:24 AM

How about shirtlifter, fudge packer or uphill gardener.

Ilúvatar · #7 01-19-2003, 08:26 AM

We used to use 'Quimby' or 'Big Quim'. No idea why though.

Dr Cheese · #8 01-19-2003, 08:26 AM

No, me neither.

Wildman · #9 01-19-2003, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dr Cheese
How about shirtlifter, fudge packer or uphill gardener.

I was trying to be subtle!!

Dr Cheese · #10 01-19-2003, 08:34 AM

I shouldn't bother really.

I forgot 'arse bandit' before.

Ilúvatar · #11 01-19-2003, 08:38 AM

if you want subtle, how about 'fairy' 'nancyboy'?

Loupgaros · #12 01-19-2003, 08:59 AM

Ben Dover was a slang term for gay I heard a lot in school. I'm not sure if it's still in use though.

Wildman · #13 01-19-2003, 09:04 AM

Ben Dover is a Porn Star...

Loupgaros · #14 01-19-2003, 09:07 AM

The way the lads used it at school they had no idea who he was. They thought it was a good term for those of the homosexual persuasion...

Gilmourwhore#1 · #15 01-19-2003, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bride of a Bull
[b]So do I, but the following was gleaned purely from an objective view.

As always, I can count on you, Byron. I find myself longing to give you a great big kiss, as well. This will have to do, I guess...

Ta very much, you lovely man.

And thanks so much to all who have responded so far.

Cheers!

GeeDub#1
<thrilled to see responses, really...>

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This one's for the Brits!

Just babbling...