Ely School

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions

Interview with Ely headmaster on education and attainment in his school

A look at education and levels of educational attainment in south Wales by focussing on a school in one of Cardiff's most deprived estates - Ely. The headmaster is interviewed on attainment figures in the school with a focus on relevant factors such as area, labelling, social class and the home culture.
From: Week In Week Out - Back to School
First Broadcast : 15 February 2011

Teachers' notes

Age Group : 14-16,16+

Subject : Sociology

Topic : Community and culture

Keywords : Education, State schools, Meritocracy, Labelling, Cultural factors, Material factors, Underachievement, Social class

Notes : DISCUSSION • What is educational attainment? • Why do some pupils cope better than others? • EXTENDED WORK • Investigate and compare figures for attainment for 3 schools in different areas ; eg city centre, middle class, rural, urban, etc. • Investigate the differences between private and state schools - in terms of attainment / fees paid / facilties / etc. REVISION • Outline and explain the effects of social class on educational attainment. • Outline and explain the effects of cultural and material factors on levels of educational attainment. • Discuss the viewpoint that factors external to the school are responsible for underachievement in education by the working class.

Search for more Learning clips...


Search Learning Clips

Eclips Archive

eclips logo on screen

Need other subjects? More clips? Browse our archive Eclips site.

Recent Clips


bbc.co.uk navigation

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.