Educational Policy and Equality in the UK

A collection of flashcards based on the lecture notes about educational policy and equality in the UK.

What are the three aims of education policy in the UK?

Economic Efficiency, Raising Educational Standards, Creating Equality of Educational Opportunity.

What does Economic Efficiency in education policy entail?

Developing the skills of the young to improve the labor force and making the education system meet the needs of industry and employers.

What is the purpose of raising educational standards?

To ensure UK education competes in a global education market and is ranked against other countries.

What is meant by 'Creating Equality of Educational Opportunity'?

Ensuring that all students get the best educational opportunities regardless of their background.

What are the four aspects of educational equality identified by Gillborn and Youdell?

1. Equal access to educational provision, 2. Similar starting socio-economic backgrounds, 3. Equal participation in school processes, 4. Equal chances of achievement.

What did the 1988 Education Reform Act introduce?

It introduced the national curriculum which all schools had to teach.

What was the purpose of the Comprehensivisation Act of 1965?

It got rid of the 11+ exam and aimed to provide 'Parity of Esteem' and 'Equality' within education.

How does the Schools Admissions Code aim to improve equality?

It forbids discrimination in admitting pupils on the grounds of socio-economic background or ability.

What is the Pupil Premium?

Additional funding for students from a poor socio-economic background.

What are the three types of selection in education policy?

Selection by ability, selection by aptitude, and selection by faith.

What are arguments in favor of selection policies?

Allows high-flyers to benefit and enables specialized teaching.

What are arguments against selection policies?

Late developers don’t benefit, mixed ability fosters social cohesion, and reduces the risk of labeling.

What do Open Enrolment Policies allow?

They allow parents to apply to any state school and require under-subscribed schools to take the child.

What are some factors that affect achievement outside of school?

According to Kerr and West, there are too many other factors outside of school impacting achievement.

What is covert selection in schools?

Backdoor social selection that discourages parents of poorer students from applying.

How do faith schools select students?

They require a letter from a spiritual leader to demonstrate the family's commitment to the faith and school ethos.