Publisher Description

This book explores the experiences of young people as they move through the Irish secondary educational system. Drawing on a rich study which combines survey data with in-depth interviews with students, it addresses the key facets of schooling which influence young people's experiences. With chapters organised thematically, including ability grouping, school climate and the impact of high stakes examinations, the central dimensions of school structure and process is explored. Placing young people's voices centre stage, it explores how they respond to the school context and make decisions that will profoundly affect their future. This book contrasts different types of school settings and examines how gender and social class play out at the school level.

Back Cover

This book explores the experiences of young people as they move through the Irish secondary educational system. Drawing on a rich study which combines survey data with in-depth interviews with students, it addresses the key facets of schooling which influence young people's experiences. With chapters organised thematically, including ability grouping, school climate and the impact of high stakes examinations, the central dimensions of school structure and process is explored. Placing young people's voices centre stage, it explores how they respond to the school context and make decisions that will profoundly affect their future. This book contrasts different types of school settings and examines how gender and social class play out at the school level.

Author Biography

Emer Smyth is Research Professor, and Head of the Social Research Division, at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Ireland. She is also Adjunct Professor at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. She has published widely on school effects and student experiences, and recently co-edited Religious Education in a Multicultural Europe. 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Structuring Student Experience.- Chapter 3. Educational Decision-making.- Chapter 4. School Climate.- Chapter 5. The Democratic Climate of the School.- Chapter 6. Ability Grouping.- Chapter 7. Teaching, Learning and Assessment.- Chapter 8. Conclusions. 

Feature

Draws on the perspectives of young people to explore their experiences of the secondary school system Examines how gender, social class and a culture of high stakes examinations affect experiences of schooling Utilises a rich study of both survey data and in-depth interviews to highlight the variety of experiences involved

Details