The Sociology of Education Flashcards
Define the formal curriculum
Learning particular subjects (e.g maths)
Define the hidden curriculum
Schools informally teach the norms and values of society via sanctions and rules
What is the functionalist perspective of education?
Believe that education is to reproduce culture by socialising individuals into the key values and roles required for social mobility
What is an agent of social control
An individual or group that is responsible for ensuring members of society conform to socially acceptable behaviour
What is social mobility
Movement of individuals up or down a social scale
What is social cohesion
Describes the integration of a society into a unified whole
What is meritocracy
A social system in which rewards are allocated justly on the bases of merit rather than factors such as class, gender, ethnicity
What is the national curriculum
Subjects and content that must be studied by all children in state schools
What is Ofsted?
The government agency given the task of monitoring the quality of schools in the UK
Define the league table
Lists produced by the government indicating the position of each school in comparison to others depending on exam performance
What does vocational mean?
Describes a course or qualification designed to provide more of a ‘hands on’ approach to learning.
What are state-funded comprehension schools?
Educate all students regardless of background or ability. Ensures all children have access to education
What are specialist schools?
Receive additional funding to support a subject of expertise
What are trust schools?
Supported by a charitable trust where the school and partners work together for the benefit of the school
What are faith schools?
Focus on religion education in school and may base admission criteria and staffing policies on religion
