Focuses on the conflicts that emerged among powerful interest groups in determining the shape of the curriculum during 1988 and 1989. Explores the processes of developing what became known as the whole curriculum, or the basic curriculum of the National Curriculum and religious education, and the cross-curricular themes, skills, and dimensions.…

Reviews the legacy of previous educational reforms in special education and discusses the current trends in government policy for special educational needs (SEN). Addresses three possible outcomes of the current policies. States that current policy will not change systems and approaches for special educational needs. Includes references. (CMK)

Under the National Curriculum in the United Kingdom, children with learning difficulties will need to use transfer skills for various cross-curricular themes. To promote transfer, the use of cognitive strategies is recommended, including perceived similarity, analysis of the learning context, expert scaffolding, and detailed planning of practice…

Describes students' misconceptions related to surface area and volume of solid body. Recommends changes in the National Curriculum for Mathematics to make an easy transfer from elementary to secondary school. Provides a table showing diverse levels of the content. (YP)

Presents an academic achievement assessment program undertaken at an English comprehensive school. The assessment had three functions: (1) to ascertain the extent to which teaching and learning objectives are being met; (2) to identify pupils' strengths and weaknesses; and (3) to motivate pupils by giving them a regular sense of achievement. (CK)

Reflects on the process of developing national curriculum guidelines for early childhood based on New Zealand's experience. Discusses how development involved complex interactions between the nature of early childhood in New Zealand and its history (setting), the opinions, ideas, and practice of current practitioners (consultation), and decisions…

Suggests that a major reappraisal of school science education in England and Wales is urgent and relevant to other nations' science education programs as well. Suggests that science instruction should be centered in technologies that will directly affect students' lives. Argues that science imparts values in spite of a reputation for neutrality.…

This paper summarizes and comments on recommendations of the Modern Foreign Languages Working Group concerning attainment targets, programs of study, and statements of attainment in Great Britain's National Curriculum. Strategies used in modern language instruction in Berkshire's special schools are described. (JDD)

Described is the Vale Interactive Science and Technology Adventure (VISTA) center that caters specifically to primary school students, involves concepts and skills from the National Curriculum, and researches playing children's patterns of learning. The plans for the future and early descriptions of students reactions are reported. (KR)

This article reviews the current state of gifted education in Great Britain, noting the development of a national center; effects of the National Curriculum; needs; aims; and issues, such as early childhood education, distance inservice courses for teachers, and use of information technology to individualize instruction. (DB)

This article describes the development of the Birmingham Institute for Conductive Education in England; its work with students who have motor disorders; its collaborative work with the Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary; the compatibility of conductive education and England's National Curriculum; and differences between Hungarian and British…

Computer-assisted instruction can aid in the implementation of British National Curriculum requirements with children having profound and multiple learning difficulties. Suggestions are given for developing visual skills, auditory skills, cognitive skills, vocalization, communication, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. (DB)

Contends that school size is an increasingly important factor in discussions concerning school effectiveness. Clarifies the current usage of the term "small secondary school" so that research can be conducted. Concludes that curriculum reform requirements will have an impact on determining effectiveness of education in small secondary…

Describes the revision of the National Curriculum in England and discusses the potential of the revised curriculum for raising the achievement of ethnic minority students. The curriculum demonstrates a clear commitment to the education of minorities and includes provisions for citizenship and health education. (SLD)

Examines the issue of national curriculum standards within social studies education. Addresses conservative and liberal viewpoints, insights from the works of John Dewey, Paulo Freire, and Michel Foucault on how a radical Left critique developed, an essay by E. Wayne Ross as a case study, and the implications of the radical Left critique. (CMK)