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Is British education at a crossroads?

Anne Beauvallet
p. 257-272

Résumé

General elections in 2010 have ushered in a new era and this process may have induced different education policies in England. This paper also analyses Wales and Scotland which have followed their own paths since 1999. Current English education policies, either advocated by Labour or implemented by the coalition Government, follow trends set since the late 1970s, even if a more positive attitude to teachers and some reduction in external testing may indicate change. Wales chose “a different route” in 2001 with the reform of the curriculum, the end of league tables, the belief in comprehensive schools and trust in the teaching profession. Yet, international comparison of school results in December 2010 has induced a clear focus on the basics, the reintroduction of tests and the creation of a banding system. Scottish education policies since 1999 have differed from England's, particularly regarding the education system, an approach to testing which relies on teachers, the end of league tables, free higher education. Such distinctiveness must however be fostered by the SNP now firmly in power.

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Extrait du texte

Ce document sera publié en ligne en texte intégral en août 2013.

Plan

Introduction
English Education Policies
Welsh Education Policies
Scottish Education Policies
Conclusion

Aperçu du texte

Introduction

General elections in 2010 have undoubtedly ushered in a new era and the phrase “post-political times” has been used by some commentators. Could such a  political new deal have induced different education policies? We will first consider England with the Labour Party and the coalition government. We will then study Wales and Scotland since 1999 as their management of this devolved matter may have contributed to this process. A number of factors will be taken into account, relating to the education system with types of schools, providers and the balance of power, particularly regarding central and local governments, to the curriculum (more particularly the basics or 3 Rs), testing, league tables, attitudes towards parents and teachers, and access to higher education.

English Education Policies

To analyse English education policies, let us first turn to the Labour Party as it was in power until May 2010. Its manifesto for the 2010 general elections offered more of the same...

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Référence papier

Anne Beauvallet, « Is British education at a crossroads? », Observatoire de la société britannique, 12 | 2012, 257-272.

Référence électronique

Anne Beauvallet, « Is British education at a crossroads? », Observatoire de la société britannique [En ligne], 12 | 2012, mis en ligne le 01 août 2013, consulté le 18 mai 2013. URL : http://osb.revues.org/1376 ; DOI : 10.4000/osb.1376

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Auteur

Anne Beauvallet

Maître de conférences à l'Université de Toulouse 2 Le Mirail

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