Types of school Cambridge IGCSE Sociology revision
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In plain words
Fee-paying or free, mixed or single-sex, open to all or entry by exam: the kind of school a child attends is one of the biggest decisions made about them, and it is usually made by someone else.
8 things to know
- State schools, called public schools in many countries, are paid for by the government out of taxes and are free to attend. They are open to all, although standards and resources can differ from school to school.
- Private schools charge fees. They often have smaller classes and better facilities, and good results. Only families who can pay can use them, so critics say that they pass on privilege.
- Selective schools choose their pupils, usually by an entrance exam. They can stretch the most able pupils. Children who fail the exam may be labelled as failures at a young age, and better-off families can pay for coaching.
- Non-selective schools take pupils of all abilities. They mix children from different backgrounds and give late developers a chance. Critics say that the most able may be held back.
- Single-sex schools teach only girls or only boys. Supporters say there are fewer distractions and less pressure to choose subjects by gender. Critics say they do not prepare pupils for a mixed society.
- Co-educational schools teach girls and boys together, which reflects life outside school.
- Faith schools are linked to a religion and teach in line with its values. They often have a strong sense of community. Critics say they can separate children of different beliefs.
- International schools teach an international curriculum, often in English, and give qualifications recognised around the world. They are usually expensive, and can be cut off from the local culture.
Worked example
A town has a free non-selective school and a selective school with an entrance exam. Explain why middle-class children are more likely to win places at the selective school.
- Their parents can afford private coaching for the entrance exam.
- They are more likely to have books, a quiet place to study and help at home.
- So the exam partly measures family background, not only ability.
- The selective school then appears to be chosen on merit, while reproducing class differences.
Tips and tricks
- For each type of school, be ready with one strength and one limitation. The syllabus asks for both.
- Selective is about how pupils get in. Private is about who pays. A school can be both, either or neither.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Types of school: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
Who pays for state schools?
They are free to attend.
What is a co-educational school?
"Co" means together.
Which is a criticism of private schools?
Access depends on family wealth.
What is a faith school?
It teaches in line with the values of that religion.
Why do critics say selective schools reproduce class inequality?Stretch
The test rewards preparation that money can buy.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Types of school
Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 · 10 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What is meant by the term "selective school"?[2]
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A school that chooses its pupils, usually on the basis of ability shown in an entrance exam.
Describe two differences between state schools and private schools.[4]
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State schools are funded by the government and are free, and private schools charge fees. State schools are open to all, and private schools are open only to those who can pay, and often have smaller classes and more resources.
Explain one strength and one limitation of single-sex schools.[4]
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Strength: there are fewer distractions, and pupils may feel freer to choose subjects without gender stereotyping, for example girls taking physics. Limitation: pupils have less experience of working with the other sex, so they may be less prepared for mixed workplaces and society.
Answers: Types of school
- 1. A school that chooses its pupils, usually on the basis of ability shown in an entrance exam.
- 2. State schools are funded by the government and are free, and private schools charge fees. State schools are open to all, and private schools are open only to those who can pay, and often have smaller classes and more resources.
- 3. Strength: there are fewer distractions, and pupils may feel freer to choose subjects without gender stereotyping, for example girls taking physics. Limitation: pupils have less experience of working with the other sex, so they may be less prepared for mixed workplaces and society.