Education the hidden curriculum

Question 1

What is meant by the Hidden Curriculum?

Answer 1

A hidden curriculum exists to socialise students into accepted norms and values: messages and ideas that schools do not directly teach.

Question 2

How can the Hidden Curriculum lead some anti-school subcultures to form?

Answer 2

• The experiences of the hidden curriculum can shape pupils’ experiences, producing particular outcomes which are positive for some while being negative for and often challenged by others.
• Due to the fact that some values and beliefs are encouraged and others are discouraged - this can lead to alienation.

Question 3

What are some ways the Hidden Curriculum is transmitted?

Answer 3

• The organisation of services and the physical layout of the school. The members of staff (e.g. the ethnicity of the staff). What isn’t in the curriculum that is taught as much as what is.