MARK

    Mark attended an all boys  independent public school.

   Mark felt that it was possible that there were higher aspiration among the upper class.  However he did portion blame on the government for not giving more opportunity and investment to make sure everybody was on 'a level playing field'. 

    On the question as to whether selective schools would choose people from upper classes over those from working class backgrounds, Mark replied that through using an entrance exam it allows people of the same intelligence and approach to work together.

     Mentioned on the topic of equal opportunities how at the school there were children from many different religious backgrounds, cultures and religions.

    On the topic of options for both GCSE's and A-Levels and whether a future career, teachers or friends pushed them in certain  directions, Mark mentioned that he just did subjects he enjoyed and was good at and that his friends did not really influence him and that he has yet to decide on his career.

    When asked on the link between social class and educational achievement, Mark responded by questioning the desire of some and the goals they are set.  The fact that many in the working class would come from a line where it was more common to start work then go to University this was seen as a reason for what some could see as 'lower educational achievement'. 

    Mark was taught about a wide range of races and cultures and remembers visiting synagogues and churches.

     Throughout his school life Mark could never recall seeing any acts of racism or stereotyping by teachers against anybody.  However he did remember one particular teacher constantly making jokes about the French.

  As Mark attended an all boys school he did not experience first hand but he was aware of the generalisation that girls would do arts and boys more science based subjects.