The author argues that the national primary survey invites, indeed necessitates, a thorough reappraisal of the purposes, content and management of the primary curriculum. His suggested response involves a comprehensive strategy of analysis and renewal, involving curricular and management components, though within the framework provided by the…

This article is based on a research project completed in 2000 which examined the processes involved in target-setting in primary schools and its relationship to school improvement. It seeks to identify the stages of the process and to describe a range of teaching staff involvement in its management. The findings indicate that in general schools…