1990s - New Labour Policies

Question 1

new labour policies summary

Answer 1

> introduced a number of compensatory education policies to compensate for problems some social groups face in trying to achieve success in school
was hoped that it would more “equality” in education

Question 2

Modernisation of comprehensive schools

Answer 2

put a considerable amount of money into the - ‘building schools for the future’ programme.
> run-down schools in deprived areas, received huge sums of money to re-build
> hoped that if poorer students were taught in 21st century schools - they would feel more positive about education
> this compensated for material deprivation at home
EVAL - the financial crash in 2008 was partly due to the new labour spending more money than they had

Question 3

Introduction of academies

Answer 3

Saw failing schools being taken over by government in partnership with business, churches or voluntary organisations
> these could offer teachers bonuses etc. to help attract and keep the best teachers.
> poorer, working class areas were prioritised - John Madjeski Academy is a good example.
EVAL - limited evidence to show that academies achieved the desired results, however no evidence of harming child’s education

Question 4

Education Action Zones

Answer 4

Deprived, inner-city areas given additional funding to help raise standards and achievement
> each ‘zone’ given 1 million pounds to spend
> teachers encouraged to be innovative - e.g. running Saturday morning classes.
> it was hoped this would help underachieving working class pupils succeed
EVAL - very high cost programme - there were huge variations in the way schools spent the money given to them - which was a problem

Question 5

Aim Higher programme

Answer 5

Working class pupils encouraged to visit universities to help inspire them to work hard and strive for success
> focussed on working class, who are under-represented in universities

Question 6

Educational Maintenance Allowances (EMAs)

Answer 6

involved students from low-income areas receive funding of 30 pounds a week - to help encourage them to stay in school till the age of 16
hoped to tackle working class underachievement