2010 - 2015 - Coalition Government Policies Flashcards
Introduction of academies
Coalition government allowed successful schools to become academies - allowed schools to:
> be financially independent, spending money as they see fit
> have greater control over pupil-intake, not have to follow catchments
> be free from local authority
> have greater freedom to reform personalised curriculums
government believes academies allow schools to healthily compete with each other - which helps schools raise standards - providing good education,
EVAL - no evidence that academies improved results and student outcomes
Introduction of free schools
similar to academies
> can be set up by charities, churches, members of community or wealthy business/individuals.
EVAL - little evidence to show they do better than other schools, however they do not harm a child’s education.
Raising uni tution fees
Raising uni tuition fees - students charged up to 9000 pounds for 3-year course - funded by student loan
> government claims this was vital as it helps them to compete in todays “global world”
EVAL - this policy reproduced social class inequality - higher cost proved hard for working class
Social Mobility Strategy
Government introduced “pupil prenium” - to help poor students:
> money spent on 1 to 1 tuition or breakfast clubs ensuring poor students eat breakfast
EVAL - money has been used for other problems the school has in some cases - not actually helping poorer students.
A level and GCSE reform
Education minister introduced radical changes made to GCSE and A-level study:
A-level:
> saw de-coupling of AS and A-Level - meaning students can no longer achieve 50% of final grade in year 12
> opportunities to re-sit also removed
> all students to sit exams after two years of study
GCSE:
> grades awarded as a number, not a letter (9-1) grades - government felt this would encourage schools to be demanding of themselves and what their pupils can achieve
