PGCE Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Question 1

Which piece of UK legislation provides the primary legal framework for equality in schools?

Accepted Answer

The Equality Act 2010

Answer

The Children Act 2004

Answer

The Education Act 2011

Answer

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001

Question 2

What is the 'public sector equality duty' (PSED) and what does it require of schools?

Accepted 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

Answer

A duty for schools to publish annual Ofsted inspection results online

Answer

A requirement for schools to employ staff from all nine protected characteristic groups in equal proportions

Answer

A duty for governors to review school uniform policies every three years

Question 3

What does 'inclusive education' mean in practice for a classroom teacher?

Accepted Answer

Designing learning environments and experiences so all pupils, regardless of background or need, can access and participate fully

Answer

Placing all pupils with SEND in mainstream classrooms without any adaptation

Answer

Inclusion applies only to pupils with physical disabilities

Answer

A policy of mixing all ability groups in every lesson without differentiation

Question 4

What is meant by 'unconscious bias' and why is it important for teachers to understand it?

Accepted Answer

Automatic, unintentional stereotyping or prejudice that can influence interactions and expectations without the person being aware

Answer

Deliberate discrimination by a teacher against a specific pupil group

Answer

A pupil's bias against certain subjects due to previous negative experiences

Answer

A legal term defined in the Equality Act 2010

Question 5

What does 'cultural capital' mean in an educational context, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The knowledge, skills, behaviours and cultural references that give individuals advantages in society and academic settings

Answer

The monetary value of cultural events and trips that schools provide

Answer

A fund schools can access to improve cultural provision for disadvantaged pupils

Answer

Cultural capital is a concept relevant only to arts subjects

Question 6

What is 'intersectionality' and why is it a useful concept for teachers working with diverse pupils?

Accepted 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

Answer

A road safety topic taught in PSHE

Answer

A cross-curricular teaching approach linking different subjects

Answer

A term describing the overlap between SEND categories such as ADHD and dyslexia