Edexcel A Level Sociology - Education
May 2024 Exam Review Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Outline two reasons why marketisation policies may
produce inequality of educational achievement between
social classes. - Answer>> Schools can establish their
own catchment areas and middle-class parents can afford
to move into the catchment areas of successful schools.
Parental choice of school means that middle-class parents
can use their cultural capital of the education system to
make more successful choices of school.
Outline three examples of how the education system could
be seen as fair to everyone. - Answer>> Education is
free and available to everyone so income is no barrier.
The exam system rewards on the basis of intelligence
therefore the most intelligent are the most successful.
Everyone is measured against the same standards;
educational success is measured against external national
standards (ie exams).
Outline three ways in which school may mirror work in
capitalist society. - Answer>> Fragmentation; school is
divided into unconnected subjects and work is divided into
unconnected tasks.
The motivation by external rewards, this is
grades/qualifications in school and pay/promotion in work.
The hierarchical structure, in school the headteacher is at
the top with students at the bottom and in work the boss is
at the top and the workers are at the bottom.
, Outline three ways in which selection policies may widen
social class differences in educational achievement. -
Answer>> The 11+ exam, middle class pupils are more
likely to pass and go to a grammar school.
Streaming/setting, middle class pupils are more likely to
be placed in higher streams.
Catchment areas can mean that successful, over-
subscribed schools may only be open to those who can
afford to live in the area.
Outline two material factors that may affect social class
differences in educational achievement. - Answer>>
Overcrowding at home means that some lower-class
students might not have a private space to study.
High family income means that parents can pay for private
tuition to help with schoolwork.
Outline three functions that the education system might
perform. - Answer>> Select and allocate students to
their future work roles, education sifts and sorts individuals
so that the most talented get the best qualifications and
most important jobs.
Education functions to create social solidarity, schools
teach all pupils the same national curriculum which helps
to forge a sense of national identity.
Creates new generations of workers, education does this
through the correspondence principle where education
mirrors work ie. their hierarchical structure.
May 2024 Exam Review Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Outline two reasons why marketisation policies may
produce inequality of educational achievement between
social classes. - Answer>> Schools can establish their
own catchment areas and middle-class parents can afford
to move into the catchment areas of successful schools.
Parental choice of school means that middle-class parents
can use their cultural capital of the education system to
make more successful choices of school.
Outline three examples of how the education system could
be seen as fair to everyone. - Answer>> Education is
free and available to everyone so income is no barrier.
The exam system rewards on the basis of intelligence
therefore the most intelligent are the most successful.
Everyone is measured against the same standards;
educational success is measured against external national
standards (ie exams).
Outline three ways in which school may mirror work in
capitalist society. - Answer>> Fragmentation; school is
divided into unconnected subjects and work is divided into
unconnected tasks.
The motivation by external rewards, this is
grades/qualifications in school and pay/promotion in work.
The hierarchical structure, in school the headteacher is at
the top with students at the bottom and in work the boss is
at the top and the workers are at the bottom.
, Outline three ways in which selection policies may widen
social class differences in educational achievement. -
Answer>> The 11+ exam, middle class pupils are more
likely to pass and go to a grammar school.
Streaming/setting, middle class pupils are more likely to
be placed in higher streams.
Catchment areas can mean that successful, over-
subscribed schools may only be open to those who can
afford to live in the area.
Outline two material factors that may affect social class
differences in educational achievement. - Answer>>
Overcrowding at home means that some lower-class
students might not have a private space to study.
High family income means that parents can pay for private
tuition to help with schoolwork.
Outline three functions that the education system might
perform. - Answer>> Select and allocate students to
their future work roles, education sifts and sorts individuals
so that the most talented get the best qualifications and
most important jobs.
Education functions to create social solidarity, schools
teach all pupils the same national curriculum which helps
to forge a sense of national identity.
Creates new generations of workers, education does this
through the correspondence principle where education
mirrors work ie. their hierarchical structure.
