Identify and explain one factor which may account for the relatively low numbers of students from some minority ethnic backgrounds attending university, as referred to in Item C.
AQA
GCSE
2022
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Essay Outline: Barriers to Higher Education for Minority Ethnic Students
Introduction: Briefly introduce the issue of underrepresentation of certain minority ethnic groups in universities, drawing on statistics or examples. State the factor you will focus on from Item C and outline the argument you will develop.
Body Paragraph 1: Educational Underperformance as a Key Factor
Explain the link between educational attainment and university access. Discuss: * How some minority ethnic groups experience lower educational outcomes (mention specific examples from Item C). * Potential reasons for this underperformance: language barriers, cultural differences in learning styles, unconscious bias in teaching, socioeconomic factors impacting school resources. * However, acknowledge that this is not a universal experience for all individuals within these groups.
Body Paragraph 2: The Interplay of Socioeconomic Factors and Aspirations
Discuss: * The concentration of some minority ethnic groups in lower-earning occupations (as mentioned in Item C) and how this can create a cycle of disadvantage. * Financial concerns: How low earnings can make university seem financially out of reach (fear of debt, need to contribute to family income). * How these factors can impact aspirations and discourage students from even considering university as a viable option.
Body Paragraph 3: Addressing the Role of Institutional Discrimination and Lack of Representation
Discuss: * While socioeconomic factors are significant, acknowledge the role of institutional discrimination (as mentioned in Item C). * Explain how university recruitment practices can disadvantage minority ethnic students (e.g., reliance on networks inaccessible to certain groups, unconscious bias in admissions). * The lack of minority ethnic role models in senior academic positions and how this can impact a student's sense of belonging and belief in their own potential.
Conclusion:
Summarise the complex interplay of factors contributing to lower university attendance among some minority ethnic groups. Reiterate the importance of addressing both socioeconomic disadvantages and institutional barriers to create a more equitable higher education system.
Educational Underachievement and University Attendance Among Minority Ethnic Groups
Item C highlights the disparity in university attendance between different ethnic groups. While multiple factors contribute to this complex issue, this essay will focus on the significant impact of educational underperformance among some minority ethnic groups as a key explanatory factor.
Statistics consistently demonstrate that certain minority ethnic groups, such as those of Black Caribbean and Bangladeshi origin, tend to achieve lower educational outcomes compared to their White British counterparts. This attainment gap manifests in various ways, including lower GCSE grades, reduced A-Level participation, and decreased university application rates. Several interconnected factors contribute to this educational underperformance:
Socioeconomic Deprivation:
Many minority ethnic groups are disproportionately represented in lower socioeconomic brackets. This often translates to limited access to quality education, overcrowded housing, and inadequate resources, all of which can hinder academic progress. Furthermore, financial constraints might force students into part-time work, detracting from their studies and limiting their university aspirations.
Cultural and Language Barriers:
For students from families where English is not the first language, language barriers can pose significant challenges in accessing the curriculum and engaging effectively in the classroom. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and ultimately, impact academic performance.
Unconscious Bias and Institutional Racism:
Studies have shown the presence of unconscious bias within the education system, leading to lower expectations and differential treatment of students from certain minority ethnic backgrounds. This can manifest in various ways, from setting lower targets to providing less support, ultimately contributing to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement.
Lack of Role Models and Representation:
The lack of representation of minority ethnic individuals in higher education, particularly in senior academic positions, can further perpetuate the cycle of underachievement. Without visible role models who have successfully navigated the education system, minority ethnic students may lack the aspiration and belief that university is a viable option for them.
Consequences for University Attendance:
This educational underachievement has significant repercussions for university attendance. Lower grades can make it challenging for students to meet the entry requirements of their desired courses, limiting their university choices or even precluding them from applying altogether. Additionally, the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses can be a major deterrent, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are already grappling with the pressures of socioeconomic hardship.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while several factors contribute to the underrepresentation of certain minority ethnic groups in universities, educational underperformance plays a pivotal role. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach, tackling socioeconomic inequalities, promoting cultural sensitivity, challenging unconscious bias within the education system, and providing targeted support to empower students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential. By striving for educational equity, we can create a more inclusive and representative higher education landscape.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Educational Underperformance of Some Minority Ethnic Groups
Some minority ethnic groups achieve poorer educational outcomes. This can be attributed to several factors:
Concentration of Minority Ethnic Groups in Lower-Earning Occupations
Low earnings mean that some minority ethnic students are put off from going to university and accruing more debt.
Discrimination in University Admissions
Recruitment practices of universities can institutionally discriminate against minority ethnic groups.
Lack of Minority Ethnic Role Models
Lack of minority ethnic senior academics results in minority ethnic students thinking it is ‘not for them’.