2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC2106 Educational Policy and Politics

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Helen Niemiec
Email: H.Latka@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module you will investigate and reflect on the influence of politics and economics within the development of English national educational policy and the manner in which such policies shape the educational culture of the classroom. You will develop your understanding of how English national education policy is shaped by a changing political and economic environment with a focus on recent developments in the structure of the school system; inclusion and curriculum development. You will critically examine the relationship between educational policy and the role that education is considered to fulfil within society equipping you to adopt a systematic approach to evaluating trends in educational policy.

Objectives

- To develop your understanding of how educational policy is shaped by the contemporary political and economic environment
- To enable you to critically examine the relationship between educational policy and the role that education is considered to fulfil in society
- To equip you in adopting a systematic approach to evaluating trends in educational policy development

Learning outcomes
In completing this module, you will
- Demonstrate an understanding of the way in which educational policy is developed and implemented through national and local government structures
- Analyse education policies and to evaluate their impact on educational practice
- Synthesise information from a wide range of sources in order to provide an informed perspective on the influence of politics and economy on educational policy

Syllabus

What is the purpose of education?
Introduction to some of the ideological and philosophical views on education
What purpose should education serve?
What purpose does education serve in our community?
The politics of education
An examination of the politics of education and educational policies and how these link with different perceived purposes of education
The economics of education and education policy
An examination of the economic and fiscal factors that influence education policy e.g. funding responsibilities, budget responsibilities marketization
An overview of Structure of the school system
Current school structure: Nursey/EYFS, KS1/KS2/KS3/KS4 Post 16 provision
Recent changes- Nursery provision, post 16 provision
Private schools: special schools, specialist schools
Previous Systems: Grammar Schools,
Comprehensive schools, Primary Education
Structure and management of schools at local and school level: current policy
Current policy and practice: Governance, Accountability, Academisation, Free Schools, Changes in legislation regarding training, class sizes admissions
Curriculum
The introduction of the National Curriculum, Evolution of the National curriculum
Assessment
Assessment types, Purpose of assessment
Curriculum and assessment policy
Current policy of assessment and the political influences
Implications of current curriculum and assessment policy for different groups of learners
Inclusion
An overview of inclusion
Brief history of Inclusion and the international perspective
Notions and terminology of Inclusion
Legislation
Inclusion policy Consideration of current inclusion policies
Relationship with societal attitudes
SEND 2015 code of Practice, Implications for Schools

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Seminar	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			174.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative written report
Contribution to seminar discussions
Presentation

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	4000 Words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/10/2023

Disclaimer

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