Pupil subcultures can be positive or negative depending on alignment with the dominant school culture. Which statement best describes this?

• A. They always improve grades.
• B. They always harm grades.
• C. They can be positive or negative depending on alignment.
• D. They have no impact on achievement.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that pupil subcultures aren’t inherently good or bad for achievement. Their effect depends on whether their values and behaviours fit with the dominant school culture. When a subculture shares the school's aims—such as valuing effort, studying, and following rules—it tends to support learning and can improve grades. When it clashes with school norms—prioritising disruption or anti-school attitudes—it can hinder learning and lower achievement. So, the statement that they can be positive or negative depending on alignment best captures how context shapes outcomes. It’s not always improving, not always harming, and they do influence achievement depending on how well they align with what the school promotes.