Secondary Schools: Some Changes of a Decade

Summary

In 1968‐9 a survey was made of the organization of pupil learning and behaviour in a sample of secondary schools, and in 1978‐9 45 of the original schools were re‐surveyed. Compared with the earlier period there is now significantly less streaming but more mixed ability grouping, setting and team teaching, and a generally tighter control of school work. General behaviour is also more subject to rules. The prefectorial system has become less important, with a reduction in the duties, punishments and ritualization of prefects. There are more school councils, which have become more democratic in their organization. School assemblies are more diverse in their content and less ritualized. There has been a reduction in sex‐differences in the curriculum and in the control of behaviour.