Question 1: Define the term 'differential achievement' in the context of education.

Answer: Differential achievement refers to the differences in academic success between different groups of students, often based on factors like class, gender, or ethnicity.

Question 2: Give two examples of how a student's socioeconomic background might affect their performance at school.

Answer: Examples include access to additional learning resources outside school, and parents' ability to support homework and educational activities.

Question 3: Describe one way that gender stereotypes can influence boys' and girls' performance in school subjects.

Answer: Gender stereotypes might lead to boys being encouraged to excel in science and girls in arts, which can affect their confidence and achievement in these subjects.

Question 4: Explain how ethnicity might impact a student’s experience and achievement in school.

Answer: Students from different ethnic backgrounds may face cultural barriers, experience discrimination, or have different levels of parental support, all of which can influence their achievement.

Question 5: Identify and explain one challenge that students from lower social classes might face in achieving high grades.

Answer: Students from lower social classes might lack access to private tutoring or educational resources, making it harder to achieve high grades.

Question 6: Describe a scenario where a teacher's expectations could influence a student's academic achievement.

Answer: If a teacher expects boys to perform better in maths, they may unconsciously give more attention to boys, which can positively influence their performance compared to girls.

Question 7: Sketch a simple diagram showing the possible relationship between ethnicity, access to resources, and achievement.

Answer: A diagram with three boxes: one labeled 'Ethnicity', connected by arrows to 'Access to Resources', which is connected by an arrow to 'Achievement'. The diagram should illustrate that ethnicity influences access, which in turn affects achievement.

Question 8: Imagine you are designing a poster to encourage equal achievement among all students. List three key messages you would include.

Answer: Messages might include: 'Everyone can succeed regardless of background,' 'Focus on effort, not stereotypes,' and 'Support each other's learning.'

Question 9: Discuss one way schools can help reduce the achievement gap between different social or ethnic groups.

Answer: Schools can provide targeted support such as mentoring programs, extra tutoring, and inclusive curricula that reflect students' diverse backgrounds.

Question 10: Reflect on why it is important to understand the causes of differential achievement in society.

Answer: Understanding these causes can help create fairer educational opportunities and reduce inequalities in society.