Question 1: Define the term 'education policy' and explain its significance in shaping the education system in the UK.

Answer: Education policy refers to the plans, decisions, and actions taken by government or authorities to influence the education system. It is significant because it determines curriculum standards, funding, testing, and access, affecting students and schools nationwide.

Question 2: Describe two ways in which the introduction of a new national curriculum might impact schools and teachers.

Answer: Firstly, it could require teachers to adapt their lesson plans to meet new standards, increasing workload. Secondly, schools may need to purchase new resources or training, which could affect funding and planning.

Question 3: Discuss how government policies aimed at increasing academic achievement might influence social inequality among students.

Answer: Policies emphasizing standardized testing and academic achievement may benefit students from higher socio-economic backgrounds who have more resources at home. Conversely, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds may have less support, potentially widening inequalities in educational attainment.

Question 4: Explain what is meant by 'selection policies' in education and give an example of how they might affect social diversity in schools.

Answer: Selection policies are rules that determine which students can attend certain schools, often based on criteria like exam results or geographic location. For example, grammar school admissions based on entrance exams may limit access for disadvantaged students, reducing social diversity.

Question 5: Identify and briefly describe two types of assessment used in UK schools to evaluate student progress.

Answer: One type is formative assessment, which provides ongoing feedback to help students improve. Another is summative assessment, such as GCSE exams, which evaluate students' learning at the end of a course.

Question 6: Draw a simple flowchart illustrating the process of how a new education policy might be developed and implemented in schools.

Answer: A correct sketch would show: Policy proposal → Consultation and planning → Government approval → Implementation in schools → Feedback and review.

Question 7: Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of standardised testing introduced through education policies.

Answer: Benefits include providing measurable data on student progress and holding schools accountable. Drawbacks include encouraging teaching to the test, reducing creativity, and disadvantaging students who do not perform well in exam conditions.

Question 8: Identify three ways in which education policies might aim to promote equality of opportunity among different social groups.

Answer: Policies might include providing free school meals to disadvantaged students, funding for schools in deprived areas, and support programs for students with special educational needs.

Question 9: Discuss the role of the government versus local authorities in shaping education policy in the UK.

Answer: The government sets national policies, standards, and funding frameworks, while local authorities are responsible for implementing policies locally, managing schools, and addressing community needs. Both work together to shape the education system.

Question 10: Explain how recent changes in education policy might influence the relationship between teachers and students.

Answer: Policies emphasizing accountability and standardisation may increase pressure on teachers, affecting their interactions with students. They might focus more on test preparation, which could impact the development of supportive teacher-student relationships.