[Dhaal_Chawal]

If we look at the poverty levels for each ethnic group:
White British: 20%
Indian: 25%
Black Caribbean: 30%
Black African: 45%
Pakistani: 55%
Bangladeshi: 65%

Now we look at the results:

Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades (%)

Indian: 90.1
Bangladeshi: 82.8
Black African: 82
Pakistani: 80.5
National Average: 80.5
White British 80.2
Black Caribbean: 77.5

Why do white pupils underachieve?

[AspiringGenius]

must be the lack of pigment in our skin making us stupid. Well that's what I'd vouch for anyway.

[KingMessi]

Exam results - especially GCSE's - aren't the only barometer of achievement.

As it is, if we do want to take those statistics as indicating achievement, it's likely to be due to a combination of factors - not down to one reason.

[Fusionary]

What has poverty levels got to do with anything? I mean sure, it could lead to a better standard of education but does that compromise hard work and motivation to do well. If you're poor say, you may be encouraged to work harder perhaps.

[pshewitt1]

maybe it;s the education system and not the students...we can only be as good as our teachers(at least initially)

[pshewitt1]

I also don't believe there can be true poverty in the UK... in comparison to those you ahve posted who live in total squalor, even our tramps can eat

[Rybee]

Because us white folk can dance.

[Just Josh]

edited out..

[Rainingshame]

(Original post by Dhaal_Chawal)
If we look at the poverty levels for each ethnic group:
White British: 20%
Indian: 25%
Black Caribbean: 30%
Black African: 45%
Pakistani: 55%
Bangladeshi: 65%

Now we look at the results:

Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades (%)

Indian: 90.1
Bangladeshi: 82.8
Black African: 82
Pakistani: 80.5
National Average: 80.5
White British 80.2
Black Caribbean: 77.5

Why do white pupils underachieve?

Dude, love your name! :P

[gapyearstudent]

is this just the retaliation thread to this:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/show....php?t=2025406

[Hearty_Beast]

Hmmm...

[R4INBOW]

How could we possibly know?

[Frankster]

(Original post by KingMessi)
Exam results - especially GCSE's - aren't the only barometer of achievement.

As it is, if we do want to take those statistics as indicating achievement, it's likely to be due to a combination of factors - not down to one reason.

(Original post by Dhaal_Chawal)
If we look at the poverty levels for each ethnic group:
White British: 20%
Indian: 25%
Black Caribbean: 30%
Black African: 45%
Pakistani: 55%
Bangladeshi: 65%

Now we look at the results:

Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades (%)

Indian: 90.1
Bangladeshi: 82.8
Black African: 82
Pakistani: 80.5
National Average: 80.5
White British 80.2
Black Caribbean: 77.5

Why do white pupils underachieve?

I agree - GCSEs aren't the greatest measure of achievement. If there is any evidence for how many people of ethnic minority go to Oxbridge despite achieving the best grades that will give a better idea.

[chapman.]

Because them pakis have to work harder to get out of poverty, whilst white kids know they'll get supported even if they fail

[Topcat19]

They don't seem to underachieve by much, you might ask why are white brits and afro caribbean brits underachieving, probably a shared problem, and also perhaps to solve the problem are indians hot housing their children or is there a less distressing reason for the statistic.

[Nightstar-27]

1) I would say a the lad and ladette culture don't help. Also the way we regard intelligent people in this country is pretty bad. We seem to think everyone who is clever is a snob or anti-social and uncool.

2) It might also be where teachers actually don't pay that much attention to underachieving white children

3) White people from countries such as Poland may be at a language disadvantage.

4) White children may not be taught a good work ethic and may expect the state to look after them. They might not see a point in bothering.

[Topcat19]

(Original post by chapman.)
Because them pakis have to work harder to get out of poverty, whilst white kids know they'll get supported even if they fail

Ironically Pakistanis are closer to white levels of achievement and possibly below it, gang culture problems, indians on the otherhand

[Plums&Peaches]

(Original post by KingMessi)
Exam results - especially GCSE's - aren't the only barometer of achievement.

As it is, if we do want to take those statistics as indicating achievement, it's likely to be due to a combination of factors - not down to one reason.

This. The only reason other ethnic group seem to do better is because they're pushed by their parents harder.

[KingMessi]

(Original post by Plums&Peaches)
This. The only reason other ethnic group seem to do better is because they're pushed by their parents harder.

Perhaps, yes. I would argue that employment statistics would also be just as suggestive of supposed 'achievement' as well.

(Original post by Nightstar-27)
1) I would say a the lad and ladette culture don't help. Also the way we regard intelligent people in this country is pretty bad. We seem to think everyone who is clever is a snob or anti-social and uncool.

2) It might also be where teachers actually don't pay that much attention to underachieving white children

3) White people from countries such as Poland may be at a language disadvantage.

4) White children may not be taught a good work ethic and may expect the state to look after them. They might not see a point in bothering.

I can't disagree with much here; as I say, there are a number of possible explanations, and even then only if one accepts the premise that white people are underachieving.

(Original post by Frankster)
I agree - GCSEs aren't the greatest measure of achievement. If there is any evidence for how many people of ethnic minority go to Oxbridge despite achieving the best grades that will give a better idea.

Good idea. As I say above, employment figures for age groups may also be an equally barometer of 'achievement'. The problem with using Oxbridge as a barometer is that 'achievement' isn't synonymous with 'Oxbridge' - hell, achievement isn't even synonymous with 'university'. However, employment may be a more accurate indicator.

[Plums&Peaches]

(Original post by Frankster)
I agree - GCSEs aren't the greatest measure of achievement. If there is any evidence for how many people of ethnic minority go to Oxbridge despite achieving the best grades that will give a better idea.

This doesn't undermine the work ethic or intelligence of these other ethnic group but goes to show just how racist these universities are, even in this day and age