Working in groups of about 5 students, each member of the group should investigate a different website from the following list.
Find out about the school – for example, the cost of fees (and ‘extras’); how to gain admission; school facilities and sport, arts and expeditions available; the range of subjects and examination results.
Some sites have interesting virtual tours you can take:
http://www.etoncollege.com
http://www.harrowschool.org.uk
http://www.westminster.org.uk
http://www.roedean.co.uk
http://stonyhurst.ac.uk
http://www.charterhouse.org.uk
Now report back your findings to the group and together answer the following questions:
- Why do students from these schools do so well in their GCSE and A level exams?
- Why are parents willing to pay so much for their child’s education?
You might like to come back to this information at the end of the topic and explain how these factors are relevant for your study of material and cultural deprivation.