Cultures of performativity in English primary schools refer to systems and relationships of: target-setting; Ofsted inspections; school league tables constructed from pupil test scores; performance management; performance related pay; threshold assessment; and advanced skills teachers. Systems which demand that teachers "perform" and in…

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework consists of principles of learning and teaching, essential learning areas, skills, attitudes, values, and assessment methods. Conflicts to be resolved include cooperation versus competition, priorities among subjects, testing, equity versus economic goals, and ownership of the curriculum. (SK)

A paradox seems to exist in educational policy and practice in England and Wales. On the one hand, numerous references to promote community are made in the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum, and throughout the curricula. On the other, trends to increase accountability and standardization through competition seem antithetical to ideals…

This paper explores the role of meso-level actors and their ongoing mediating roles in educational policy processes situated, as they are, between policy-makers and central government, on the one hand (the macro level), and teachers and schools, on the other hand (the micro level). Although the example given here is in the role of a group of…

Between 1937 and 1952 three differing philosophies for the reform of NSW schooling found expression in three successive ministers for education. David Drummond, the Country Party minister during the Great Depression, wanted to extend the well-established democratic principle of equality of opportunity and the formation of character. He emphasised…

In this article, the authors argue that if pupils are to make educated choices about their roles in Europe, it is important that a European dimension be included within education. These authors see three concepts as integral to a European dimension--identity, cooperation, and integration--and suggest that for the full potential of European…

This paper argues that key education policy initiatives since the introduction of the National Curriculum in the UK are Government-mediated responses to pressures in the global knowledge economy. Successful implementation of these policies has required a change in the way in which education institutions and professionals are controlled and…

Government Ministers, health care professionals and sporting organisations throughout the UK are presently engaged in the promotion of extending the length of time each school child spends participating in quality physical education. Agendas may differ from a crackdown on obesity and sedentary lifestyles to basking in reflected glory of British…

Explores the impact of the nonstatutory Scottish Curriculum and Assessment Programme 5-14 and the extent to which it represents a national curriculum. Considers the increasing demand for significant representation of Scottish culture in the curriculum, the tension between national identity and multiculturalism, and difficulties in selecting…

British government policy requires schools to teach environmental education in the National Curriculum and encourages schools to develop their own policy and practice. It is unlikely to be effective without better advice and support. (SK)

In September 2000, new qualifications for 16-19 year olds, known as "Curriculum 2000", were introduced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with the aim of broadening the advanced level curriculum. It was left to schools, colleges, and their learners, however, to decide how these new qualifications would be used to build learner…

Background: In this article we address some of the challenges posed by the development of national assessment systems and discuss the need for high quality information on trends in attainment; support for school improvement processes and ways in which learning should be enhanced through valid assessment. Purpose: Key elements are explored,…

Early childhood teachers in Britain (n=359) found working with young children rewarding but felt impeded by stressful educational changes and curriculum initiatives, especially when required to implement policies contrary to their teaching values and philosophy. They were frustrated at spending more time on bureaucratic tasks than on teaching. (SK)

This article, which is based on research funded by the Nuffield Foundation, examines the responses of higher education institutions (HEIs) to the recent reform of advanced level qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, known as "Curriculum 2000". The research, undertaken in late 2002 and early 2003 following the…

Issues of gender equity in English secondary schools over the last decade have been dominated by a concern with the "under-achievement" of boys, implicitly acknowledging the apparent success of strategies developed in schools in previous decades to improve equality of opportunity for girls. This paper presents evidence to challenge this…