AQA A Level Sociology - Year 1

NAME

THE SOCIOLOGY OF
EDUCATION

Part 1:
• Introduction
• Functionalist Views
• Marxist Views
• Social Policies and Education
• Globalisation and Education

www.hecticteachersalevelsociologysite.wordpress.com @hecticteacher
1
 How to use this booklet:
Each section of this booklet contains:

• Topic overview sheet

• What you need to know
• Key Terms
• Key Thinkers
• Links to Resources

• Knowledge Organiser
• Completed to help ensure notes are full.

• Notes Prioritisation and Check

• Key questions to use to check your notes are complete and to
prioritise your knowledge.

• Quick Question Quiz

• 10 questions to check your understanding

• Consolidation Activity
• To bring together your learning and ensure your understanding.

• Exam Style Question Tasks

• 4 and 6 mark questions to answer in full.

• 10 marker with item

• Planner sheet and first paragraph

• 30 Mark Questions
• Plan and Chain of Reasoning
• Introduction and first paragraph.

When completing the booklet you will need 3 different colours.

❑ Completed without any notes

❑ Completed with notes
❑ Asked for help from Teacher

This will help you to see where there are gaps in your knowledge and areas that
you need to focus on for your study.

2
 Checks

Date Checked

10 Marker with
Consolidation
Note Taking
Prioritisation

Feedback
30 Marker
Questions

Markers
4 and 6
Quick

Item
Task
Topic Targets
Introduction to

Complete this section

Education

More detail required

Use different colours
Check the indicated parts
See me for help
Functionalist View of

Complete this section

Education

More detail required

Use different colours
Check the indicated parts
See me for help
Marxist view of

Complete this section

Education

More detail required

Use different colours
Check the indicated parts
See me for help

Complete this section

Education
Policies

More detail required

Use different colours
Check the indicated parts
See me for help
and Education

Complete this section

Globalisation

More detail required

Use different colours
Check the indicated parts
See me for help

Section Complete ISB is up to date and complete well.

ISB is mostly complete which a few tasks to check

Check this task
ISB is generally complete with some tasks incomplete
Task Incomplete –
Please finish
A number of tasks are incomplete or not started
Task not started – Please
complete Far too much is incomplete or not started.

3
 Introduction to Education

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ The different types of schools in the UK

❑ The strengths and limitations of different types of school.

❑ The purpose of education in society.

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

• State School • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townend:

Browne:
• Private School • Collins:
• Public School • Hodder:
• Academies
• Alternative Provision
WEBSITES
• Pupil Referral Unit
• Multi Academy Trust
• Free School
• Technical School
• Secondary
• Primary
• Post 16 TES – Different New Schools Celsion
• Further Education Types of School Network Education

• Higher Education
• Faith Schools
• Single Sex School VIDEO CLIPS

• Home Schooling
• Special Education Schools
• Early Years
• Grammar
• Comprehensive
• State Boarding Schools

Britain Explained

4
5
 NOTE TAKING
To ensure that your notes are complete and cover all the necessary content, you
need to make sure that you are answering each of the questions below.

The Different Type of School Factors affecting choice of

Key Terms in Education
in the UK educational establishment

Outline the different types of Know what each of the terms How might each of the
school listed below: below mean as they will be following influence a parent's
coming up through out this choice of type of school to
• State School unit: send their child to:

• Private School
• Alternative Provision
• Prior Experiences
• Public School
• Hidden Curriculum
• Economic factors
• Academies
• Higher Education
• Values and Beliefs
• Pupil Referral Unit
• Further Education
• Availability
• Multi Academy Trust
• English Baccalaureate
• Individual needs
• Free School
• Vocational Education
• Technical School
• Apprenticeships
• Faith Schools
• Early Years and Foundation
• Single Sex School
• Primary School
• Home Schooling
• Secondary School
• Special Education Schools
• Post 16 Provision
• Grammar
• Sixth Form
• Comprehensive
• State Boarding Schools

What are the strengths and

limitations of the different types
of education in the UK.

PRIORITISATION
Once you have taken your notes, colour code the question according to your
level of confidence.
Don’t get it Need some help Fairly confident I got this!

6
 CONSOLIDATION TASK
Complete the crossword on different types of schools. Do as much as you can
without using your notes and then complete the rest with your notes in a
different colour.

Across
2. Another name for the 16 - 19 education level.
3. The combined name for schools outside of
mainstream education. (2)
4. Schools which have a religious ethos. 5. schools
which only have boys or girls (2)
6. Schools that require fees and an entrance exam.
9. The type of skills-based education that is focused
on a specific job or career.
10. The type of school attended by 5 to 11 year olds

Down
1. The name of the year in school that is attended by
4 and 5 year olds.
2. A school that is funded by the government but set
up by people outside of the education system.(2)
5. The type of school attended by 11 to 16 year olds.
6. Acronym for the school students go to when
excluded from mainstream education.
7. Schools that require payment of fees.
8. Another name for education at university level. (2)

7
 10 Mark with Item Planner

Item
There are many different formats for education in the UK, which provides parents and
students with greater choice in their educational provision. However this is not a completely
open choice as there are factors which will limit a parents choice on the type of school they
send their child to. Additionally a parents own experiences of education will also play a role.

Applying material from the item, analyse two factors which will influence a parents choice in
the type of school they send their children to. [10]

Command Words Topic Focus

8
9
 Functionalist View of Education

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ The four functions of the education according to the functionalists.

❑ The function of education according to the New Right.
❑ Strengths and Limitations of the functionalist and New Right views of Education.

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

• Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and
• Socialisation Townend:67 – 70
• Browne: 27 - 29
• Role Allocation • Collins: 4 - 6
• Universalistic Values • Hodder: 50 - 51

• Particularistic Values
• Solidarity
• Social Cohesion WEBSITES
• Meritocracy
• Norms
• Values
• Ascribed Status
• Achieved Status
• Sifts and Sorts
Hectic Teacher’s Revise Sociology History Learning
• Social Stratification A Level Site Site
• Specialist Skills
• Parentocracy
VIDEO CLIPS

KEY THINKERS

• Durkheim
• Parsons
• Davis and Moore
Esher Sociology Alexandra Sugden
• Schultz
• Hargreaves
• Chubb & Moe

10
11
 NOTE TAKING TASK
To ensure that your notes are complete and cover all the necessary content,
you need to make sure that you are answering each of the questions below.

Evaluation of the
Functionalist View of New Right View of
functionalist and New right
Education Education
Views of Education.

What is the general view of How does the interactionist

the role of education held Wong, criticize the
by the functionalists? How does the New Right view
functionalist view of
of education differ to that of
education?
the functionalists?
What does Durkheim view
as the main function of How do the conflict
education? perspectives criticise the
functionalist view of
education?
What does Parson view as What do the New right mean
the main function of when they talk about
education? competition in school?
What is the myth of
meritocracy?
What does Schultz view as
the main function of
education?
What do the New Right mean
What are the criticisms of
when they talk about
the New Right ideas of
What does Davis and Moore competition between schools
competition in and
view as the main function of between schools?
education?

PRIORITISATION
Once you have taken your notes, colour code the question according to your
level of confidence.
Don’t get it Need some help Fairly confident I got this!

12
 KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUESTIONS.
Complete the following questions firstly without your notes and then check using your notes.

What is meant by
particularistic values?

Which sociologist is
associated with the idea
of meritocracy in
education?

What are the two main

purposes of education
according to Durkheim?

What is meant by Role

Allocation?

Give one criticism of the

new right view of
education.

Give one Criticisms of the

functionalist view of
education.

What is meant by
Universalistic values?

What is meant by
Parentocracy?

What is the New Right view

of education?

Which sociologists are

associated with the idea
of role allocation?

13
 CONSOLIDATION TASK
Write a tweet from each of the key thinkers about the role of education. Remember a
tweet can only be 280 characters (including spaces) and should include 1 hashtag.

@Durkheim

@Parsons

@Davis&Moore

14
 4 and 6 Mark Questions

Outline THREE ways in which schooling

might contribute to social stability.

Outline THREE criticisms of the

functionalist view of education.

Outline THREE functions of education

according to the functionalists

15
 Arguments Essay

ITEM:
Functionalists see education as an important agency of socialization playing a key role in
preparing young people for adulthood and working life, an improving life chances to upward
social mobility. All those who have the ability and talent an put in the effort have an equal
chance of success. The grading of pupils by test an exam results benefits the economy by
ensuring that the most talented and qualified individuals are allocated to the most important
jobs in a meritocratic society.

Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate functionalist
approaches to the role of education in society. [30]

Command Words Topic Focus Evaluation Stem

Context Content

Background Definition Trend FOR AGAINST

Answer

16
 I respectfully disagree because…

Regardless of your objections

That might be so but….

You are not listening,

But don’t forget that….

But what about

But have you considered….

I believe that…

17
18
 Marxist View of Education

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ How the education system maintains and legitimizes social inequality.

❑ How the education system helps to maintain capitalism.
❑ The outline of Paul Willis – Labour to Learn study.

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

• Correspondence Principal ISB: 8 - 13

• Hierarchy • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townend:
P70 - 74
• Ideological State • Browne: 29 - 35
Apparatus • Collins: 6 - 11
• Hodder: 51 - 53
• Hidden Curriculum
• Fragmentation
• Learning to Labour
WEBSITES
• Habitus
• Cultural Capital
• Socialisation
• Myth of Meritocracy

KEY THINKERS
Hectic Teacher’s Revise Sociology The Sociology
• Althusser A Level Site Teacher
• Cohen
• Bowles & Gintis
• Willis VIDEO CLIPS
• Morrow & Torres
• McRobbie

Esher Alexandra Tutor2U: Willis

Sociology Sugden

19
20
 NOTE TAKING TASK
To ensure that your notes are complete and cover all the necessary content,
you need to make sure that you are answering each of the questions below.

Reproducing and
Legitimisation of social Supporting Capitalism Evaluation
inequality

Outline the ways in which What is the correspondence How does neo-Marxist
the education system principal? Giroux criticize the Marxist
reproduces social inequality. view of education?

Identify the ways that the

How does the hidden education mirrors the word of
work. What is the criticism put
curriculum assist middle
forward by Halsey, Floud and
class and deter working
Martin of this view?
class achievement? How does the
correspondence principal
maintain and support
What is the role of different capitalism? What is the New Right
school types in reproducing criticism of this view as put
social inequality? forward by Chubb and Moe?
How is meritocracy in
education a myth?

How does the hidden How do Postmodernists

curriculum legitimize social How does the myth of Morrow and Torres disagree
inequality? meritocracy maintain and this view of education?
support capitalism?

PRIORITISATION
Once you have taken your notes, colour code the question according to your
level of confidence.
Don’t get it Need some help Fairly confident I got this!

21
 KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUESTIONS.
Complete the following questions firstly without your notes and then check using your notes.

What is meant by the

correspondence
principal?

Which sociologists are

associated with the
correspondence
principal?

What is the main aim of

education according to
the Marxists?

What is meant by
ideological state
apparatus?

What is the hidden

curriculum?

Name 3 ways that schools

reflect the world of work.

What is the myth of

meritocracy?

What is the postmodernist

criticism of the
correspondence
principal?

Outline the findings of

learning to labour.

Which sociologists carried

out the learning to labour
study?

22
 CONSOLIDATION TASK
Find arguments both for and against this view and then write a conclusion which either
agrees or disagrees.

The purpose of education to prepare

the next generation of workers

+ -

YOUR OPINION

23
 4 and 6 Mark Questions

Outline THREE ways in which the

education system mirrors the world of
work.

Outline THREE criticisms of the Marxist

view of education.

Outline THREE ways schools reproduce

and legitimises social inequality.

24
 10 Mark with Item Planner

Item
Some sociologists argue that a major role of the education system is that it should provide
equal opportunities for all pupils to succeed so that they can be allocated to the most
appropriate role in the economy. However, statistics on achievement suggest that school
systemically fail the majority of working class pupils. Sociologist critical of this view have put
forward a number of reasons why working class students end up in working class jobs.

Applying material from the item, analyse two ways in which the education system legitimate
or reproduces social inequalities. [10]

Command Words Topic Focus

25
26
 Arguments Essay

ITEM:

The education system is one of the most important institutions in society. Marxists have a very
negative view of this role in capitalist society, arguing that it serves the interests of the ruling class
in a variety of ways. Althusser argues that the education system is an ideological state
apparatus which helps to reproduce and legitimize existing class inequalities. While some
sociologists claim that the education system is based on equal opportunities, Marxists would
argue that the idea that education is a meritocracy is a myth.

Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the contribution that
Marxism has made to our understanding of the role of education [30]

Command Words Topic Focus Evaluation Stem

Context Content

Background Definition Trend FOR AGAINST

Answer

27
 I respectfully disagree because…

Regardless of your objections

That might be so but….

You are not listening,

But don’t forget that….

But what about

But have you considered….

I believe that…

28
29
 Education Polices

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ The main aims of educational policy.

❑ The policies which have aimed to create equality within educational provision.
❑ The policies which have aimed to marketize education to improve standards
❑ Evaluation of government policies impact on education.

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

• Tripartite System • Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townend:

P78-84
• 11+ • Browne: 87 - 112
• Comprehensive School • Collins: 78 - 85
• Hodder: 68 - 84
• Grammar Schools
• Secondary Modern
• Covert Selection
• Admissions Policies
WEBSITES
• Cream Skimming & Silt sifting
• Parentocracy
• Equal opportunities
• Compensatory Education
• Education Priority Areas
• Privatisation
• Marketisation Hectic Teacher’s Revise Sociology The Sociology
A Level Site Teacher
• Academies
• Education Action zones
• OfSTED VIDEO CLIPS
• New Vocationalism
• Catchment Area
• Formula Funding
• Free Schools

KEY POLICIES
• 1880 Education Act
• 1918 Compulsory Education
Esher The Sociology Tutor2U
Act
• 1944 Butler Act
Sociology Guy
• 1965 Comprehensive Education
Act
• 1988 Education Reform Act
• 2010 Academies Act

30
31
32
 NOTE TAKING TASK
To ensure that your notes are complete and cover all the necessary content,
you need to make sure that you are answering each of the questions below.

Marketisation and
Economic Efficiency Equality of Education Raising Standards
Policies

What is marketisation? What are the four types of

equality in education
according to Gillborn and Why are governments
Youdell? interested in raising
What are the three standards in the UK
components of Education system?
marketisation?

What is the difference How did Comprehensivisation

between privatisation IN aim to create equality in
education? Did it succeed? What policies did each of
education and privatisation
the following governments
OF education?
implement under the raising
standards aim:
What policies did each of What policies did each of • Conservatives 1979 –
the following governments the following governments 1997
implement under the implement under the • New Labour 1997 – 2010
marketisation aim: marketisation aim: • Coalition 2010 – 2015
• Conservatives 1979 – • Conservatives 1979 – • Conservatives 2015 –
1997 1997 present.
• New Labour 1997 – 2010 • New Labour 1997 – 2010
• Coalition 2010 – 2015 • Coalition 2010 – 2015
• Conservatives 2015 – • Conservatives 2015 –
present. present. How effective have these
policies been in raising
How effective have these standards in education?
How effective have these policies been in achieving
policies been in achieving equality in education?
marketisation in education?

PRIORITISATION
Once you have taken your notes, colour code the question according to your
level of confidence.
Don’t get it Need some help Fairly confident I got this!

33
 KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUESTIONS.
Complete the following questions firstly without your notes and then check using your notes.

Name 3 education policies

introduced under the
Conservatives between
1979 and 1997.

What is meant by the term

marketisation?

What were the 4 aims of

the Education Reform Act
1988?

Name 2 policies which

aimed to raise standards in
education.

Name 3 education policies

introduced under New
Labour from 1997 – 2010.

Name 3 policies which

aimed to reduce
inequality in education.

Identify 3 ways in which

the coalition government
2010 – 2015 increased the
privatisation in education.

What is Pupil Premium?

What is meant by open

enrolment?

What is meant by
Parentocracy?

34
 CONSOLIDATION TASK
For each of the aims of the Education Policy in the UK decide how effective you think
education policies have been in achieving these aims. Use specific policies when
explaining your decision.

Economic Efficiency
Marketisation
Educational Equality
Raising Standards

35
 4 and 6 Mark Questions

Outline THREE ways in which there has

been privatisation in education.

Outline THREE government policies

which aim to increase marketisation in
education.

Outline THREE different ways schools

select their pupils.

36
 10 Mark with Item Planner

Item
Some government education policies aim to introduce a market into the education system.
This is done in part by creating competition among schools to attract people's and their
parents to apply for places. Supporters believe that this competition for customers will drive
up educational standards. Other educational policies include selection of pupil’s for places
and different types of school on the basis of their ability as measured through tests and
examinations.

Applying material from the item, analyse two effects of two government education policies on
class differences in achievement. [10]

Command Words Topic Focus

37
38
 Arguments Essay
ITEM:

Until the 1980’s, most education was provided by elected local education authorities, directed and
funded by central government. However, the 1988 Education Reform Act began the marketisation
of education, aimed at raising standards by increasing parental choice and competition between
schools. After 2010, there was a substantial move towards the privatization of education through
policies such as the growth of academy chains run by private businesses. Some sociologists claims
that the main impact of marketisation and privatization polices has not been to raise standards that
to increase educational inequality.

Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the claim that
marketisation and privatisation policies have increased educational inequality [30]

Command Words Topic Focus Evaluation Stem

Context Content

Background Definition Trend FOR AGAINST

Answer

39
 I respectfully disagree because…

Regardless of your objections

That might be so but….

You are not listening,

But don’t forget that….

But what about

But have you considered….

I believe that…

40
41
 Globalisation and Education

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

❑ The ways the UK compete in a globalised education system.

❑ The impact that globalisation has on education policy in the UK

KEY TERMS FOR THIS TOPIC RESOURCES

• Globalisation • Browne: 94 – 96

• PISA test • Collins: 82 – 84

• Economic Globalisation
• Hodder: 86 - 88
• Multiculturalism
• Marketisation
• PREVENT
WEBSITES
• Anti Radicalisation
• Global Job Market
• English as an additional
Language (EAL)
• Migration

Tutor 2 U Revise The Sociology

Sociology Guy

VIDEO CLIPS

Alexandra The Sociology Tutor2U

Sugden Guy

42
43
 NOTE TAKING TASK
To ensure that your notes are complete and cover all the necessary content,
you need to make sure that you are answering each of the questions below.

Perspectives on
Features of Globalisation Impact of Globalisation
Globalisation

Describe the key features of How has globalization

globalization: increased competition in the What is the hyper-globalist
job market? view of globalization and
• Technological education (Ohmae)?
development What has been the impact of
global ICT companies on the
• Economic Changes education system?
What is the Marxist view of
• Political Changes What has been the impact of globalization and education
multiculturism on the (Spring)?
• Cultural Changes education system?
• Migration
How has globalization
What is the Neo-Liberal view
caused an increase in
of globalization and
competition for students?
education?
What has been the impact of
global rankings on the
education system?
What is the New Fordist view
of globalization and
How has globalization led to
education?
an increase in safeguarding
issues in schools?

PRIORITISATION
Once you have taken your notes, colour code the question according to your
level of confidence.
Don’t get it Need some help Fairly confident I got this!

44
 KNOWLEDGE CHECK QUESTIONS.
Complete the following questions firstly without your notes and then check using your notes.

What are the 5 features of

globalisation?

What are the PISA tests?

Define the term migration.

Which sociologist is
associated with the hyper-
globalist view of globalisation
and education?

How has globalisation led

to an increase in
competition between
schools?

What is the Marxist view of

globalisation and
education?

How has globalisation led

to an increase in
safeguarding issues in
schools?

What is PREVENT?

Identify one way that

cultural changes have
impacted education.

What is meant by
Globalisation?

45
 CONSOLIDATION TASK
Colour in the opinion web to show how far you agree with each of statements. Start in the
middle and work outwards. The more of the web you colour in the more you agree.
Remember to explain your points.

Globalisation has led to more

multiculturalism in the curriculum

for schools
increase in safeguarding issues
Globalisation has led to an

46
 4 and 6 Mark Questions

Outline THREE ways the globalisation

has impacted education in the UK

Outline THREE features of globalistion.

Outline THREE ways that globalisation

has led to great inequality in education.

47
 Arguments Essay
ITEM:

Globalisation has meant that education policies need to be formed in a more global context, using
evidence drawn from comparisons with other countries in international test such as PISA. Such
evidence has influenced various education policies, e.g. changes to the national curriculum and the
introduction of the E-Bacc, to enable children to complete more effectively in the international
labour market.

Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that
globalisation has had a positive impact on education in the UK [30]

Command Words Topic Focus Evaluation Stem

Context Content

Background Definition Trend FOR AGAINST

Answer

48
 I respectfully disagree because…

Regardless of your objections

That might be so but….

You are not listening,

But don’t forget that….

But what about

But have you considered….

I believe that…

49
50