Subject Choice

Question 1

What are the traditional subject choices for boys?

Answer 1

Maths, Physics, Technology

Question 2

What are the traditional subject choices for girls?

Answer 2

Humanities, Languages

Question 3

What are neutral traditional subject choices?

Answer 3

English, Social Sciences, Business

Question 4

What is the general trend in subject choice at GCSE for boys?

Answer 4

Boys tend to take more practical and vocational based subjects such as Business and Technology

This trend indicates a preference for hands-on learning experiences among boys.

Question 5

What subjects do girls tend to choose at GCSE?

Answer 5

Girls opt more for the humanities and arts based subjects

This suggests a greater interest in subjects that emphasize creativity and critical thinking.

Question 6

Is there a lot of choice given in the national curriculum and at GCSE?

Answer 6

There is very little choice given in the national curriculum and at GCSE

This limitation may influence the diversity of subjects students can explore.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Boys tend to take more _______ and vocational based subjects at GCSE.

Answer 7

[practical]

Question 8

True or False: The national curriculum offers a wide range of subject choices at GCSE.

Answer 8

False

The national curriculum has limited options for students.

Question 9

What is a noticeable trend in subject choice at A Level?

Answer 9

Boys tend to take more technical subjects, while girls take subjects like sociology, English, and languages.

Question 10

Which technical subjects are commonly chosen by boys at A Level?

Answer 10

• Computing
• Physics
• Maths

Question 11

What subjects do girls typically choose at A Level?

Answer 11

• Sociology
• English
• Languages

Question 12

What is gender segregation in vocational education?

Answer 12

A clear division where girls choose caring professions and boys choose technical courses.

Question 13

What types of careers do girls opt for in vocational education?

Answer 13

• Child Care
• Health and Beauty
• Social Care

Question 14

What technical courses do boys tend to pursue in vocational education?

Answer 14

• Mechanics
• Engineering
• Construction

Question 15

What is gender role socialization?

Answer 15

Girls and boys are raised differently, channeling them into different subjects at school

Question 16

What does Norman link gender role socialisation to?

Answer 16

Norman links this process to the activities boys and girls engage in during childhood.

Question 17

How does bedroom culture influence gendered subject choices and who links this idea to gender role socialisation?

Answer 17

Girls tend to read more fiction leading to expressive subjects; boys read hobby books leading to technical subjects

This concept is associated with Murphy and Elwood.

Question 18

What do Browne and Ross state about gender domains?

Answer 18

Gender creates gender domains based on what children observe adults doing

This reflects how societal roles influence children’s interests.

Question 19

How does gender subject image affect subject choice at GCSE and A Level and who proposed this idea?

Answer 19

It influences who chooses which subjects, Kelly argues that science is seen as a boys subject due to there being more male teachers and textbook illustrations focus on boys interests such as sport

Question 20

What impact do male teachers have on the perception of science subjects?

Answer 20

Science is perceived as a boys’ subject due to a higher number of male teachers

This can create a bias in student interest and participation.

Question 21

In which subjects do girls and boys dominate respectively?

Answer 21

Girls dominate in Drama and the Arts; boys dominate in PE

This reflects traditional gender roles within educational settings.

Question 22

What is gender identities and peer pressure groups

Answer 22

Students can face extreme pressure to conform to gender stereotypes in order to be accepted by their peers.

Question 23

What does Paechter find regarding sport and gender?

Answer 23

Sport is often seen as a male domain, leading girls to feel unfeminine if they participate

This reflects societal pressures regarding gender roles.

Question 24

What consequences do students face for opting for opposite domain subjects?

Answer 24

They may experience name-calling and bullying

Dewar’s research indicates significant peer pressure surrounding gender stereotypes.

Question 25

What is the trend towards gender-neutral parenting?

Answer 25

A movement aimed at reducing gender biases in socialization and upbringing ## Footnote This approach seeks to allow children to explore interests without gender restrictions.

Question 26

What programs aim to encourage girls in the sciences?

Answer 26

GIST and WISE ## Footnote These programs are designed to promote female participation in scientific fields.

Question 27

What evidence does Leonard provide regarding gendered subject image?

Answer 27

In single-sex schools, gendered subject image has less impact, showing it is a social construct ## Footnote This suggests that environment plays a significant role in shaping subject choices.

Question 28

What is an ethnocentric curriculum?

Answer 28

A curriculum that focuses primarily on white British culture, which may discourage BAME students from studying certain subjects such as English and History due to the focus on white British culture. ## Footnote BAME stands for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students.

Question 29

How does English as an Additional Language affect students?

Answer 29

Students may be directed towards less academic subjects due to their levels of English language proficiency. ## Footnote This can limit their academic opportunities and achievement.

Question 30

What impact has globalization had on education?

Answer 30

Globalization has led to a more multicultural curriculum with a broader range of subjects and units being taught.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: BAME students may be put off from studying subjects such as English and History due to the focus on _______.

Answer 31

[white British culture]

Question 32

What are Material Factors in education?

Answer 32

Some students may feel excluded from certain subjects due to the cost of completing the course, for example Music and Art. ## Footnote Material factors refer to the economic barriers that can affect students' access to educational opportunities.

Question 33

How do Cultural Factors impact working class students?

Answer 33

Working class students may feel that certain subjects are not for them as they do not possess the cultural knowledge to succeed, for example in Drama or English. ## Footnote Cultural factors involve the social and cultural capital that influences students' confidence and ability to engage in specific subjects.

Question 34

How does labelling affect Subject Choice?

Answer 34

Working class students may be pushed towards less academic and more vocational subjects. ## Footnote Labelling refers to the process of categorizing students based on perceived abilities or backgrounds, which can influence their educational pathways.

Question 35

What is the purpose of the Pupil Premium policy?

Answer 35

To support students from deprived backgrounds with the hidden cost of education. ## Footnote Pupil Premium is a funding initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students.