Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: Gender and educational attainment
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key sociological concepts related to gender and educational attainment.
  • Explain how functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives account for gender differences in education.
  • Analyse UK empirical data on gender gaps across qualification levels.
  • Evaluate the impact of family, school, and societal factors on gendered educational outcomes.
  • Propose evidence‑based policy interventions to reduce gender disparities.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts of gender‑gap data tables
  • Case‑study worksheet on STEM gender gap
  • Laptop for slides/video
  • Sticky notes for quick polls
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking statistic: females now outperform males at GCSEs but remain under‑represented in STEM A‑levels. Ask students to recall how gender stereotypes have influenced their own subject choices. Outline that today they will explore sociological explanations and evaluate policy responses, with success measured by their ability to analyse data and construct arguments.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Quick poll on students' perceived gender‑typical subjects using sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Introduce key concepts and theoretical perspectives with slides.
  3. Data analysis activity (15’) – Small groups examine the UK attainment table, calculate gender gaps, and discuss patterns.
  4. Case study discussion (10’) – Review the STEM gender gap case, identify contributing factors, and link to theories.
  5. Evaluation debate (10’) – Groups argue the strengths/limitations of each perspective; teacher facilitates.
  6. Synthesis & exit ticket (5’) – Students write one policy recommendation and a brief justification.
Conclusion:
Summarise how functionalist, conflict and interactionist lenses together explain the persistent gender gap, especially in STEM. Remind students of the exit‑ticket policy ideas as a checkpoint of understanding. Assign homework to research a recent gender‑focused education policy and prepare a short critique for the next lesson.