P1 Education - Social Policy and Education 1979-2010

Question 1

What was the Conservative Educational Policy (1979-1997) in 1979?

Answer 1

In 1979, the Conservative leader, Margaret Thatcher, was elected. The aims of the party:
1. Develop an educational system that meets the needs of the industry
2. Raise standards throughout Britain schools and colleges.

Question 2

What is the market force?

Answer 2

A free market is when consumers have a choice and can choose between a range of products. Just like schools and parents can choose so educational standards improve.

Question 3

What was the New Vocationalism?

Answer 3

Schools were producing young people who lacked skills which were required in the industry.
New Vocationalism is an example of a social policy designed to establish close links between education and economy.
This led to the development of the “New Vocationalism”, which was the government involvement in youth training.

Question 4

What did the New Vocationalism provide for young people?

Answer 4

Training Schemes:
- One year training scheme combining work experience with education

Vocational Qualifications:
- H + SC / leisure and tourism

Question 5

What are criticisms of New Vocationalism?

Answer 5

Neo Marxists ( Finn ):
- Believed that there was a hidden political agenda e.g provides cheap labour, reduces unemployment stats + contributes to taking youths of the street
Cohen:
- He believed that the real purpose is to create a “good attitude” and good work discipline rather than actual job skills.
Lower ability students:
- They had no choice into vocational choices ( another from of selection, mainly working class + ethnic minorities )
Training Schemes:
- It reinforced the sex stereotyping found in employment and education

Question 6

When was the Education Reform Act and what was it?

Answer 6

1988 - it was the most important piece of education legislation since the 1944 Education Butler Act 1944.

it established a National Curriculum for all state schools in England and Wales and a National system of testing and assessing.

Question 7

What measures did the Education Reform Act 1944 introduce?

Answer 7

1. Grant maintained schools ( state schools were allowed to opt out of local authority if parents supported this )
2. City Technology colleges ( increases diversity and competition )
3. Open Enrollment ( parents could send children to school of their choice )
4. Formula Funding ( financing of schools based on number of enrollments )
5. National Curriculum ( govt told teachers what to teach and provided tests )
6. League Tables
7. Ofsted was introduced

Question 8

What is the National Curriculum?

Answer 8

From the age of 5-16 Years, all pupils in state schools must study 3 core subjects- English, maths and science, and 7 foundation subjects.

Pupils were tested in the core subjects (SAT’s), and results provided parents with information on which to judge the performance of schools.