Asks whether the National Curriculum, introduced to British primary schools in 1989, has succeeded in raising standards of attainment in mathematics. Analyzes mathematics standards of eight cohorts of year 6 students from five primary schools from 1989 to 1996. Reveals no evidence of rising standards in attainment. (DSK)

Focuses on the role of play in the reception class by examining the attitudes and perceptions of play in 10 primary schools in England. Reports that there is a clear distinction between the rhetoric and reality of play. Includes references. (CMK)

Provides background information on the 1991 and 1992 Key Stage 1 National Curriculum Assessment evaluations. Investigates whether the outcomes of summer-born children who received seven terms of infant education differ from those receiving nine terms. Reveals that children receiving a longer length of education did not have significantly higher…

Describes a joint history-technology project undertaken with ten- and eleven-year-old students in an English primary school with a view to developing the cross-curricular theme of Economic and Industrial Understanding (EIU). Outlines the classroom course and discusses the principles of EIU in relation to the British National Curriculum. (DSK)

Explores the role and significance of co-operation, or clustering, between small primary schools in rural areas across England and Wales. Describes small-school cluster groups in detail and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of clustering based on the opinions of sample headteachers. Considers the future of cluster co-operation. (Contains…

Describes a survey of early childhood educators in England to assess the effects of the new national curriculum for primary schools. Finds some impact in the education sector but little change in social service nurseries. Most respondents reported changes in assessment and record keeping in a positive light. (AC)