5 Educational Policy Flashcards
Tripartite System
Introduced in 1944
Middle class passed the 11+ exam and went to grammar schools
Working class pupils failed and went to secondary schools
Legitimate class inequality
Comprehensive System
Functionalist see as meritocratic because they give pupils longer to develop by not selecting at eleven
Marxists see as reproducing inequality through streaming and labelling (myth of meritocracy)
Reproduction of inequality
League tables
Funding formula: Funded by how many students they recruit, so good schools get more money, improve staff and attract more pupils
Parental Choice
Myth of Parentocracy: Marketisation also legitimated inequality, by making it looks as if all parents are equally free to choose a good school
Evaluation of New Labour Policies
Policies are contradictory (EMAs help poorer students post-16, but have to pay tuition fees for uni)
Left private system untouched
Choice and diversity are inequality
More education spending and a focus on a learning society have been genuine achievements
