Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: Social class and educational attainment
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key concepts of social class, educational attainment, cultural and social capital.
  • Explain functionalist, conflict and interactionist perspectives on class‑based educational differences.
  • Analyse empirical data linking class to attainment and identify the mechanisms involved.
  • Evaluate policy approaches aimed at reducing educational inequality.
  • Apply sociological concepts to a case study of a pupil’s school experience.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides with theory summaries and data
  • Handout containing the class‑attainment table
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for group debate
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking headline about the GCSE gap between social classes to hook interest. Ask learners what they already know about meritocracy and class in education, linking to previous lessons on social stratification. Outline today’s success criteria: students will be able to describe theories, interpret data, and critique policy responses.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – quick quiz on definitions of social class, meritocracy, cultural capital.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – present key concepts and the three theoretical perspectives using slides.
  3. Data analysis activity (15’) – groups examine the attainment table, calculate gaps, and discuss mechanisms linking class to outcomes.
  4. Case‑study discussion (10’) – analyse a scenario of a working‑class pupil; apply interactionist ideas.
  5. Policy debate (10’) – debate “equality of opportunity” vs “equality of outcome”; record arguments on sticky notes.
  6. Summary & check for understanding (5’) – teacher recap; students complete a two‑question exit ticket.
Conclusion:
Recap the main ways social class influences educational attainment and the strengths of each theoretical lens. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: write a 150‑word paragraph evaluating one policy discussed in class. Thank students and remind them to bring their notes for the next lesson on social mobility.