Education and its role in society

What will be discussed in the intro to education

• What is education?

• Historical context/ The timeline of education (How education has began, changed)

• The role of education in society from a:

  • Functionalist

  • Marxist

  • Neo-marxist

  • Social democratic

  • Neo-liberal/New Right

  • Post Modernists

Definition of Education

Education is an institution made to train and instruct individuals.

Historical context

Private schooling was available for the upper class (bourgeoise) and middle class who could afford it due to economic capital. However, it wasnt until 1880 that education was available to everyone up to the age of 10.

• The Fisher Education Act of 1918 made the state reponsible for secondary education, and attendance was made compulsory up to the age of 14, which was later raised to 15 in 1947, and raised to 16 in 1972, and then it was raised to 18 in 1997.

The timeline of education

The history of education in the United Kingdom is rich and complex, spanning centuries of development. Here is an overview of the key historical milestones in UK education:

1. Medieval Period: Education in medieval England was primarily provided by the Church and focused on religious studies. Monasteries and cathedral schools were the centers of learning. The education was largely for the clergy and the elite.

2. Reformation Era: The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought changes to education. The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII led to a decline in religious education, and new grammar schools were founded to provide education for the sons of the gentry.

3. 16th and 17th Centuries: The establishment of grammar schools continued, providing a classical education in Latin and Greek. The curriculum was heavily influenced by humanism.

4. 18th Century: The Industrial Revolution brought increased demand for practical education. The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) and the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge (SPCK) were established to provide education.

5. 19th Century: The Elementary Education Act of 1870, known as the Forster Act, laid the foundation for state involvement in education. It required elementary education for children and established school boards to provide it. This marked the beginning of state education.

6. Education Acts: Subsequent Education Acts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the 1902 Balfour Act and the 1918 Fisher Act, expanded the state's role in education, created a more standardised system, and increased access to education.

7. 1944 Education Act: The Butler Education Act of 1944 was a major reform that established a tripartite system of secondary education: grammar schools, secondary modern schools, and technical schools. This system aimed to provide education suited to a child's abilities and aptitude.

8. Comprehensive Education: In the 1960s and 1970s, the comprehensive education system was introduced, which aimed to eliminate the division between grammar and secondary modern schools. Comprehensive schools were intended to provide a broad and balanced education for all children.

9. 1988 Education Reform Act: Under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's government, this act introduced several reforms, including the National Curriculum and standardised testing.

10. Labour Government 1997: A-levels become As and introduced more vocational courses e.g BTEC, CTEC, AVCE etc. In this, a list of things happened:

    • The Tomlinson Enquiry was introduced and aimed to increase equality.

    • Educational maintenance allowance introduced to get working class people into their higher educations.

    • Sure Start entries were opened

11. Devolution of Education: With the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Irish assemblies, education policy and administration became devolved matters, leading to variations in the education systems across the UK.

12. 21st Century Reforms: The 21st century saw continued reforms, including curriculum changes, the introduction of academies and free schools in England, and the expansion of higher education.

13. COALITION Government 2010-2015: In this policy, it increased tuition fees, closed sure start centres, leaving age raised to 18, more OFSTED and higher requirement to become a teacher. Encourage school to become academies and free schools

14. Digital Education: The use of technology in education became increasingly prevalent, with a shift toward online and digital learning, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

15. Inclusion and Diversity: There has been a growing emphasis on inclusive education and efforts to address educational disparities, including support for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

What are the current problems facing the UK education system?

• COVID-19: This caused a distruption with the education system in terms of interactivitiy in class dynamics, distruptions of exams and school in general

• Educational inequalities. For example, gender bias and class oppression and neglect of the working class and bias towards/for the ruling class.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing: The mental health and wellbeing of students and educators were of growing concern. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, but even before that, many students faced stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges related to academic pressures.

How education has began or changed

1. From Religious to Secular Education

Then: In the medieval period, education was mainly provided by the Church for clergy and the elite.

Now: Education is largely secular, state-funded, and accessible to all, regardless of background.

2. Increased State Involvement

Then: Education was private or church-run.

Now: Acts like the 1870 Forster Act and the 1944 Butler Act established government responsibility for providing and regulating education.

3. Broader Access and Inclusivity

Then: Education was limited to certain social classes, especially boys from wealthier families.

Now: Education is universal and inclusive, with legal requirements for all children to attend school, support for special educational needs, and programs to help disadvantaged students.

4. Curriculum and Assessment Changes

Introduction of a National Curriculum and standardised testing in the 1988 Education Reform Act ensured consistency and accountability.

Expansion of vocational qualifications and alternative pathways (e.g., BTEC, CTEC) to meet diverse student needs.

5. Structural Reforms

Tripartite system (grammar, technical, secondary modern) shifted to comprehensive schools to reduce division.

Academies and free schools were introduced to give schools more autonomy.

6. Higher Education Expansion

University access widened, especially under Labour and Coalition governments.

Tuition fees were introduced and increased, reflecting a shift toward a more market-driven higher education system.

7. Technological Integration

Education has embraced digital tools and online learning, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

8. Policy Devolution

Education policy is now devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, leading to regional variations.

9. Focus on Equity and Diversity

There’s greater attention to equality, special educational needs, and cultural diversity in schools.

10. Punishment

Then: The cane was used as a form of punishment/ a disciplinary tool for misbehaving children

Now: Students are being punished with detention (as a form of reflection for their actions), behavioir points, loss of priviledges of extra curricular activities, suspension or expulsion.