Educational Policies & The Structure of Britain's Education System (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.

Item B

Since the introduction of marketisation policies to education, over 30 years ago, competition has grown between increasingly diverse types of schools. New Right theorists argue that every parent is free to choose the best school for their child. They also claim that this efficiently drives up standards and ensures that schools are responsive to the needs of parents and pupils.

However, some sociologists argue that there are limits to these choices. They also argue that marketisation policies may reinforce existing inequalities in educational achievement.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that marketisation policies have increased diversity and choice in the education system.

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Item A

Since the 1980s, a major aim of government policy has been to increase parental choice in education. There is now a wider range of school types, and league tables on school performance are also publicly available.

Increased parental choice has had many effects on pupils' experience of education.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two effects of increased parental choice on pupils' experience of education.

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Item A

Businesses compete with each other to attract customers. Another route to success for businesses is to provide unique products for their customers.

The introduction of marketisation policies into the state education system means that schools are run like businesses.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which marketisation policies have led to schools being run like businesses.