Here in the states a higher, steeper approach is the norm. We partially open spoilers/divebrakes on downwind and leave them open (as required) until we stop. Ideally I'd like to get them open about 1/3 then not have to make any further adjustments. However, if I do need to adjust, I am about in the middle of my performance curve and can steepen or flatten out my glide. Any land short accidents I've seen here were not a result of using spoilers before finals, they were a result of being out of gliding range of the field but trying to stretch it anyway.
If I ever get to the other side of the pond it would be interesting to see what they teach there. It seems foreign to me.
-- IFMU