Equality Diversity and Inclusion Flashcards
6 cards from real PGCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Equality Diversity and Inclusion flashcards as text
Which piece of UK legislation provides the primary legal framework for equality in schools?
Answer: The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 consolidates previous anti-discrimination law and defines nine protected characteristics, applying to all schools in England, Wales and Scotland.
What is the 'public sector equality duty' (PSED) and what does it require of schools?
Answer: A legal requirement for public bodies, including schools, to have due regard for equality, eliminate discrimination, and advance equality of opportunity for all protected characteristics
Under the PSED (Equality Act 2010, Section 149), schools must actively consider equality in all policies and practices - not just avoid discrimination but proactively promote equality.
What does 'inclusive education' mean in practice for a classroom teacher?
Answer: Designing learning environments and experiences so all pupils, regardless of background or need, can access and participate fully
Inclusive education means actively adapting teaching, environment and curriculum so every pupil - SEND, EAL, disadvantaged, gifted - can participate, belong and achieve.
What is meant by 'unconscious bias' and why is it important for teachers to understand it?
Answer: Automatic, unintentional stereotyping or prejudice that can influence interactions and expectations without the person being aware
Unconscious bias can cause teachers to have lower expectations of certain pupil groups (e.g. by race, gender, class), affecting the quality of feedback, questions asked, and opportunities offered.
What does 'cultural capital' mean in an educational context, and why does it matter?
Answer: The knowledge, skills, behaviours and cultural references that give individuals advantages in society and academic settings
Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital describes the social assets (knowledge, language, habits, cultural references) that advantage pupils whose home background aligns with school expectations.
What is 'intersectionality' and why is it a useful concept for teachers working with diverse pupils?
Answer: The idea that individuals have multiple overlapping identities (e.g. race, gender, class, disability) that interact to create unique experiences of advantage or disadvantage
Intersectionality (Kimberle Crenshaw) recognises that identities do not operate independently - a Black working-class girl with SEND faces a unique combination of disadvantages not captured by examining each dimension alone.