New Right thinking in Education 1

Acknowledgement This PowerPoint has been constructed by Mr. Alex Thirkill who is Head of Sociology at Rydens School and I am grateful for his permission to publish it here. To visit Alex’ site at Rydens School click MrThirkill.com

Thatcher on Education Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government New Right way of thinking is about: Competition and Choice 3

New Right thinking on education includes: Introduce ‘Market Forces’ The MARKETISATION of schools – encouraging competition. Reduce power of LEA’s – more power to schools Freedom of CHOICE for consumer – makes the market more competitive. To enhance the role of business in school. A greater focus on school inspection to ensure rising standards in all state schools.

1988 Education Reform Act This act was the major break from all previous educational policies – it is the landmark for the new educational system we use today.

Education Reform Act Introduction of National Curriculum Intro of inspection – OFSTED Testing – League tables Market forces - Competition Vocationalism – job based study Local Management of Schools (LMS)

The National Curriculum This was the first time the ‘National Curriculum was introduced. This took power away from the schools and teachers as they previously had authority over what was taught. Gov’t told state schools what should be taught. However what about independent schools?

National Curriculum Strengths Every school studying the same Every child had the same education. Weaknesses: Didn’t stretch pupils Wasn't ‘national’ as private schools did not and still do not use this.

Management Local Management of Schools (LMS) Schools have a greater control of there budgets Employment Budget Resources This took the power away from the local governments and LEA’s 9

1988 Education Reform Act Inspection Office of Standards in Education (OFSTED) This system was thorough and rigorous Inspections were published (parents can see them) Can you think of any critisisms? 10

Testing Testing- Standard Assessment Tests (SAT’s) Key stage 1 Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Identify where pupils need to improve Compare achievement across the country Important source of information in schools Can you identify any criticisms of sats?? 11

Testing Testing resulted in a wealth of data that was used to create league tables Compare schools Measure changes Can be used by the government to see what schools are achieving and what schools are failing Parents can use this data when choosing schools for there children Introduction of testing meant there was a wealth of data that could be used to create the league tables 12

League Tables

League Tables Strengths: *Lets parents see which school is better. Weaknesses Only show raw data Ignores background of the students Class Behavioural problems Don’t get the full pic – beyond academic achievements. Strengths: *Lets parents see which school is better. *Promotes competition. *Measure changes They only show raw data- what if you need a proportion of a* 14

League tables They create inequality of opportunity middle class parents snap up those places at ‘good’ schools by superior access to cultural capital (better knowledge of system such as entry procedures) 15

With the development of specialist schools and faith schools. The Conservative Era 1979 - 97 The Conservative new way of thinking was picked up by Blair in 1997 and choice was extended. With the development of specialist schools and faith schools.

New Labour Faith schools – More choice or Segregation of faiths? Schools are able to be more selective purely based on faith. Specialist schools – Rivington and Blackrod = Technology school. Good more funding but specialism may not match child’s ability. Schools allowed to choose 10% of intake based on specialism. New Diplomas 2008 – More choice for students who prefer the vocational route.

Debate Do we really have the choice???? In your groups look at points FOR or AGAINST parents having the choice. Tips: Look back at the slides: Testing, League tables, OFSTED and LMS Look at the strengths or weaknesses for each one and be ready to fight your corner.

Poor are constrained by poverty So do we have the choice??? Underlying problem: Poor are constrained by poverty freedom of the poor in the choice of school - is the freedom of the beggar to dine at the Ritz.

Is the New Right way of thinking merely a MYTH