Factors Affecting Educational Achievement: Ethnicity (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Item A

Some sociologists claim that the curriculum taught in schools today prioritises some cultures over others. Research also suggests that teacher expectations can be based on stereotypes.

Teaching and learning in schools may affect the educational experiences of minority ethnic groups.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which teaching and learning in schools may affect the educational experiences of minority ethnic groups.

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.

Item B

All levels of the education system show differences in achievement between ethnic groups. When explaining these patterns, some sociologists focus on the role of the home and family life in promoting educational achievement for some ethnic groups.

However, other sociologists suggest that factors within schools are more important in explaining differences in achievement between ethnic groups.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of differences in educational achievement between ethnic groups.