P1 Education - Social Policy and Education 1970 - 1979 Flashcards
What was education like prior to 1870?
Before 1870, only a tiny minority of the population received formal schooling
-Rich and powerful (who could afford it) could receive education from public and fee charging grammar schools
What happened in 1870?
Forster Act - this ensured that free, state education was available to all children between the ages of 5 and 10.
When was the Fisher Act and what was it?
1918 - schooling became compulsory and free up until the age of 14
- State became responsible for secondary education
What was the reform?
After the war ideas began to change :
- 1918, men over 21 had a right to vote
- 1928, females had a right to vote
What was the Social Democratic perspective?
A view that believed that there should be a reduce in the injustices of the capitalist market system:
- Everyone should have an equal chance to succeed (a meritocratic system)
What was the Butler Act and when was it?
1944 - it aimed to abolish class inequalities in state education
- 3 types of schools to best suit ability (Tripartite system)
- Ability was measured through the 11+
What were the 3 schools in the Tripartite system?
Grammar Schools- Students who were defined as ‘bright’ and ‘academic’.
Secondary Modern Schools- The majority of children attended these
schools. Children were given a basic education.
Technical Schools-Intended for children who had an interest in technical subjects. The schools placed emphasis upon vocational, skills and training.
What was the tripartite system?
The tripartite system was intended to provide separate, but equal types of education towards particular types of talent.
The Act stated that all pupils should have equal status, ‘PARITY OF ESTEEM’, with equipment and staffing being of equal quality.
What are criticisms of the Tripartite System?
- The 11 + was unreliable
- No “parity of esteem” (many people were not able to take exams so denied opportunities to progress)
- Most students only had 2 options (fewer technical schools)
- The selection process (fewer places for girls in grammar schools)
- Social class division
What happened due to the problems of the Tripartite System (1950s)?
This led to the introduction of Comprehensive Schools:
-Schools were given better facilities
- A broader curriculum
- More sporting
What do Functionalists believe about Comprehensive schools?
They promote social integration by bringing children of different social classes together
However Julienne Ford found there to be little mixing between classes due to streaming.
What do Marxists believe about Comprehensive Schools
That comprehensive schools are not meritocratic, rather they reproduce class i equality through streaming/labelling.
What are criticisms of Comprehensive Schools?
Social Class Division:
- Class differences still remain
Examination Results:
-It lowers educational standards
Streaming + Setting:
- Set students by ability
What were the Educational Priority Areas 1960s?
Social Democrats argue the only way to more equal opportunities was to reduce social inequality
Resources were provided for low income areas to help raise standards
