As South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy, changes in the political landscape, as well as educational agendas and discourse on both a national and international level, shaped successive waves of curriculum reform over a relatively short period of time. Using South Africa as a germane example of how curriculum and pedagogy can…

Compares recent educational assessment policies of the United States and England. Asserts that the two nations are moving closer in their approach to educational assessment and student evaluation. Contends that U.S. social studies educators should follow closely the ramifications of national assessment in England. (CFR)

This paper reviews the report of Britain's Design and Technology Working Group, which contains recommendations for the inclusion of design and technology as a foundation subject for special educational needs students in the National Curriculum. The paper describes attainment targets and programs of study for design and technology and for…

Examines plans and proposals for the "Key Stage 4" portion of the United Kingdom's General Certificate for Secondary Education (GCSE) program. Explains the development of a 10-point assessment scale and plans for combined subject courses. Argues that, although economics instruction should be encouraged, it should not be the sole emphasis…

Considers how design and technology may contribute to the development of students' economic understanding. Defines design and technology and the connection to economic understanding through values. Suggests that technology teachers need to be made aware of a broad range of contexts that can be used to develop economic understanding through…

A British special school's experience in developing an aims-based curriculum for disabled pupils is described. Overriding aims, or first principles, were spelled out and translated into more pragmatic terms, which were analyzed to constitute a curriculum. Methods for linking the aims-based curriculum with the National Curriculum are outlined. (JDD)

A cyclical process model for implementing England's National Curriculum was developed by a British school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. The model focuses on curriculum audit, time allocation for various subjects, framework for curriculum organization, support program for teachers, developing subject rationale, recordkeeping,…

Discusses the United Kingdom's plans for increasing student participation in post-16 vocational education and training. Explores the proposed General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) and Ordinary and Advanced Diplomas. Identifies the place of economics in the National Curriculum. Draws a number of parameters from the government plan and…

This paper reviews changes to the key stage 3 curriculum at a leading comprehensive school. The nature and practical concerns of the changes are described. These move beyond a fresh approach to content; they include issues about engaging students actively in learning for the future, planning around the school's distinctive ethos and expertise in…

Outlines ways that the core skills recommended by the British Secretary of State can be integrated into the economics A/AS level syllabi. Identifies and discusses these skills in the context of curriculum development. Discusses the implications for the first national examination in 1996. (NL)

Presents a brief history of teacher education in Great Britain and ways that academic study and practical experience evolved into reflective teaching. Notes that the relective model rests on the basic assumption that teachers have autonomy in their decision making. Claims the Education Reform Act of 1988 is an attack on professional autonomy. (NL)

Issues involved in adapting Britain's National Curriculum for students with special educational needs are discussed. Outlined are the official position on modification and disapplication of the curriculum, the lack of adequate guidance in this area, the need to distinguish between modifications and disapplications, and possible patterns of…

Some of the projects designed to increase girls' uptake of physics are surveyed and some aspects of teaching physics in a girl-friendly way are presented. Possible reasons for the underrepresentation of girls in high school physics are discussed. The Girls into Science and Technology (GIST) and the Girls' Education in Mathematics, Science and…

Discusses the Business and Economics Education (BEE) portion of the National Curriculum in Great Britain. Describes a project for incorporating technology training into other subject areas for a common, practical approach to learning. Emphasizes the importance of having a specialist to teach BEE to provide a quality experience and ensure…

This paper describes how sixth form girls in England provided music experiences to young children (ages 3-9) with severe learning difficulties. The weekly sessions involve individual sessions and use of various instruments. The relationship of the music therapy program to the National Curriculum is noted. (DB)