International study at the University of Brighton

Systems and Structures in Education

Level: 4
Credit rating: 20
Module type: Taught
Semester offered: 1
Pre-requisites: None
Aims:

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study.

This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the education system and its structures in England. It has as its central theme the changing relationship between the state, education and its users. Consideration is given to the influence of liberal, left and right wing ideologies in the development of systems and structures in education. This is explored particularly in terms of educational governance and control. The module analyses UK education policy in the recent past with a particular focus on changes under successive governments and with specific reference to England.

This module related predominately, although not exclusively, to the course strand theories and discourses of education and learning (TDEL).
Learning outcomes:

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study, by the end of the module students should be able to: 

  1. identify the key post-war (i.e.1944) structural changes in education and describe current educational trends, systems and structures in England;
  2. demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the relationship between the state, education and its users;
  3. explain some of the ideological influences evident in current education policies;
  4. explain how policy changes impact on educational practices;
  5. be effective in working collaboratively to deliver a presentation to the student group;
  6. select appropriate material to support their presentations.
Content:

This will include:

  • An introduction to educational trends, structures and systems in the UK;
  • An introduction to the key features of liberal, left and right wing political ideologies;
  • Changing structures in the schools system;
  • Post-compulsory education –aspects of policy and practice;
  • Changing stakeholders in education in 20th / 21st centuries;
  • Educational policy and policy making – using case study to explain the impact of this on practice;
  • Education post 1997: policies, governance and management.
Learning and teaching strategies:

Peer / group learning:

Tutor and student led seminars, group work, presentations and selected inputs from specialist speakers.

Independent learning:

Directed individual study tasks, reading and reading seminar preparation, on-line discussion. Students will be encouraged to establish critical studies groups for aspects of their independent learning.
Learning support:

Books:

Allen, M. & Ainley, P.  (2007)  Education make you fick, innit?, London: The Tufnell Press

Alexander, J. & Potter, J.  (2005)  Education for a Change, Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer

Apple, M.W.  (2006)  Educating The "Right" Way : Markets Standards, God, And Inequality,  Abingdon; New York : Routledge

Bartlett, S., Burton, D.  (2007)  Introduction to Education Studies, (2nd Ed) London: Sage 

Callaghan, D.  (2005)  Conservative Party Education Policies, 1976-1997: The Influence Of Politics And Personality, Brighton: Sussex Academic Press

Chitty, C.  (2004)  Education Policy in Britain, Basingstoke: Macmillan

Kassem, D., Mufti, E. & Robinson, J. (Eds.)  (2006)  Education Studies: Issues and Critical Perspectives,  Berkshire: OUP

Lawton, D.  (2005)  Education and Labour Party Ideologies 1900-2001 and Beyond,  Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer 

Sharp, J., Ward, S. & Hankin, L. (Eds.)  (2006)  Education Studies: An issues-based approach,  Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd. London: Sage

Tomlinson, S.  (2005)  Education in a Post-Welfare Society, Maidenhead: OUP

Trowler, P.  (2003)  Education Policy,  London & New York: Routledge

Ward, S. & Eden, C.  (2009)  Key Issues in Education Policy, London: Sage

Journals:

British Journal of Educational Studies

Education Policy Analysis Archives

Journal of Education Policy

Electronic sources:  (All accessed July 2010)

Directgov  Available from:  www.directgov.gov.uk/

Education Guardian online  Available from:  http://education.guardian.co.uk/

Office for Standards in Education  Available from:  www.ofsted.gov.uk/

The Conservative Party  Available from:  www.conservatives.com

The Department for Education  Available from:  www.education.gov.uk/

The Labour Party  Available from:  www.labour.org.uk/

The Liberal Democrat Party  Available from:  www.libdems.org.uk/

Other:

Studentcentral

School home

School of Education