Outline two ways in which schools may promote competition between pupils.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Outline: Ways Schools Promote Competition Between Pupils
This essay will outline two key ways in which schools promote competition between pupils: through the use of academic structures and through the fostering of a competitive ethos.
1. Academic Structures
a) Streaming, Setting, and Banding:
Streaming, setting, and banding involve the grouping of students based on perceived ability in a subject. This creates an inherent competition for placement in higher groups, signaling higher academic status and potential for future success.
+ This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where students in lower groups may be less motivated or challenged, while those in higher groups may feel more pressure to perform.
b) Examinations and Assessments:
Examinations and assessments are often structured to emphasize individual achievement. While these can be useful for measuring progress, they can also create a competitive environment where students feel the pressure to perform better than their peers.
+ This can be especially true in high-stakes examinations, such as GCSEs and A-Levels where the results have a significant impact on future opportunities.
2. Competitive Ethos:
a) Reward Systems and Meritocracy:
Reward systems, such as merit systems, can encourage competition by rewarding individual achievement and recognizing top performers.
+ While these systems can motivate some students, they can also create a sense of inequality and discourage collaboration. Students who consistently fail to attain rewards may feel discouraged, leading to disengagement.
b) Inter-School and Intra-School Competitions:
Inter-school and intra-school competitions such as sports leagues, debates, or academic competitions, foster a competitive environment by pitting students against each other.
+ While these competitions can build teamwork and leadership skills, they can also create a culture where winning is valued above all else. This can lead to a focus on individual achievement at the expense of cooperation and mutual respect.
Conclusion:
Schools play a crucial role in shaping the social and academic development of students. While competition can be a motivating force, it is essential for schools to balance this with promoting collaboration, inclusivity, and a supportive learning environment. The methods discussed above can be effective tools for promoting academic achievement, but their impact on student well-being and mental health must be carefully considered.
**Note:** This outline includes concepts and explanations to provide a foundation for a well-structured essay. However, it is essential to delve deeper into specific sociological theories and research that support your arguments.Outline two ways in which schools may promote competition between pupils.
Schools, often seen as microcosms of society, can inadvertently foster a culture of competition among students. While competition can be a motivating factor for some, it can also lead to negative consequences such as stress, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy for others. This essay will outline two ways in which schools may promote competition between pupils.
Academic Streaming and Examinations
One prominent way schools promote competition is through academic streaming and the emphasis on examinations. Setting, banding, or streaming involves dividing students into different groups based on their perceived ability. This practice inherently creates a hierarchical structure where pupils are constantly vying to climb higher. The desire to be placed in the top set or stream can fuel intense competition as students strive to outperform their peers.
Furthermore, tests and examinations, often used as barometers of individual achievement, exacerbate this competition. The pressure to attain high marks and outperform classmates can be immense. This focus on individual achievement can undermine collaboration and create a climate where students are more concerned with their own success than the collective learning of the group.
Reward Systems and Competitive Teams
Beyond academics, schools often employ reward systems that foster a competitive environment. Merit systems, for example, reward students for good behaviour or academic performance. While seemingly positive, these systems can pit students against each other as they compete for recognition and rewards. This can lead to a focus on extrinsic motivation rather than a genuine love of learning.
The emphasis on competitive teams in schools also contributes to this culture of competition. Whether it's sports teams, debate clubs, or quiz teams, students often compete for limited spots. While teamwork is encouraged within these teams, the selection process itself can be fiercely competitive. This can lead to feelings of rejection and inadequacy for those who are not selected, potentially discouraging participation and fostering a sense of elitism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while schools aim to provide a supportive learning environment, the inherent structures and practices within them can inadvertently promote competition among pupils. From academic streaming and high-stakes examinations to reward systems and competitive teams, the message of individual achievement and outperforming others is often embedded within the school system. It is crucial for educators to be mindful of these dynamics and strive to create a balance between encouraging healthy competition and fostering collaboration and a love of learning for all students.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Competition in Education
Answers may include:
- ranking pupils by ability (1 mark); tests and examinations emphasise individual achievement (+1 mark)
- setting, banding or streaming (1 mark); pupils are divided by perceived ability and compete to get into higher sets, bands or streams (+1 mark)
- pupils are encouraged to compete with each other for rewards (1 mark); through behaviour reward systems such as merits (+1 mark)
- the value placed on competitive teams (1 mark); pupils compete to be chosen for eg sports or quiz teams (+1 mark)
- school entrance exams or criteria (1 mark); creating competition for places at the desirable schools (+1 mark).
Other relevant material should be credited.
No marks for no relevant points.