Investigation on Students' Performance in School

Investigation on Students' Performance in School

Introduction

I have chosen to do my essay on ‘why do some do better at school than

others?’ This essay explores the home environment, social class,

gender, labeling, teachers, ethnicity, politics, mixed ability,

ability and gender differences.

Social class

Working - class pupils do not do as well on average as middle - class

pupils. Some of the arguments about underachievement by working -class

pupils go back to the 1970s and earlier. When most working - class

pupils were sent to secondary modern schools the underachievement was

linked to this type of school. This is no longer the case. State

education is free, so the fact that working - class families are less

well off should not make a difference.

This may be a matter of money, but still can reflect differences in

values. Middle - class children are more likely have been socialized

in to ideas about how important it is to do well and how it is worth

studying hard to get a good job in the future.

Working - class children may even find the way they speak holds up

their achievement. Success in schools requires being able to speak and

write in what is seen as 'correct' English; middle - class children

are likely to find this easier because are living in the society that

speaks the ‘correct English’ therefore it is much easier for these

children to speak properly. Where as working – class children may lack

role models in there everyday life.

Home Environment

We may not succeed if we are from a poor background because they do

not have the cultural things that help. For example access to

information, internet et...

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...rs ago when most girls

thought of their future in terms of getting married young and having

children. Many girls do, however, as they used to, go into routine

clerical or shop work combined with domestic works.

There are now more opportunities in the workplace for women there are

also a lot more successful and professional role models for women so

their expectations are higher.

Conclusion

In conclusion the social class makes a difference on how well you are

educated. There are other important factors such as your gender,

ability, ethnicity, home environment. The level of sport from parents/

carers. The persons own cognitive ability and the level of motivation.

Politics also plays it part on how well the schools are able to

prepare its pupils with essential life skills depending on the funds

they receive.