Step 2: Discussing and practicing

Let's have a discussion for several minutes. (The teacher can use the following contents to help students.)

Huge campus and low-rise buildings: In the United Kingdom, we can see huge campus and low-rise buildings in this picture. It is the biggest difference from schools in China. Schools in China usually have a large enough campus to make sure students have enough space to study and play in. But most school buildings are taller, at least three storeys.

Lockers for every student: In the United Kingdom, there are rows of lockers by the classrooms for students to put their stationery, books, exercise-books and other belongings. In China students bring what they need for lessons to school and then take it all back home after school. Most schools in China do not have the equipment in the classroom.

Fewer students in each class: In the United Kingdom, there are fewer students in a class, no more than 30 per class. In China, There are usually more students in high school, perhaps 50 to 60 per class. Recently some schools are beginning to limit the number of students in each class.

At ease with our teacher: In the United Kingdom, students have a close relationship with their teachers. They feel at ease and comfortable with them. It is similar in China. Nowadays, lots of teachers and students have established a good relationship with each other. They respect each other and work to gain a better understanding of each other. 　　Now try to combine your own school experiences with knowledge gained from this text and other sources, so that you can participate fully in the discussion. (Give students a couple of minutes to talk about the following three questions.)

1. Do you know any other differences between the lives of Chinese and British high school students?

2. What kind of school activities do you enjoy?

3. What is your dream school life like?

　　Now in groups exchange your opinions and everyone is supposed to speak out your idea. Each group will then report your conclusions to the whole class.