Describes recently introduced legislation that attempts to radically change the French education system. Explains that these changes are most keenly felt at the elementary level where the whole curriculum is moving toward a child-centered approach. (DDR)

British researchers asked elementary teachers how competent they felt to teach the National Curriculum with existing knowledge. Teachers considered themselves most competent in English and mathematics. Inservice priorities were for assessment, testing, science, and technology. Teachers did not oppose the national curriculum but were concerned…

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)

A former board member of a New Zealand primary school describes the country's political climate as radical economic libertarian; contract bidding among schools will soon be required. Elementary schools are child-centered and multicultural, operate year-round, involve the board and community, follow a national curriculum, and have overworked,…

Reports on a comparative study of aspects of the science knowledge of primary student teachers in Singapore and Great Britain. Results indicate that there no connection between content knowledge and the ability to teach that knowledge. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Examines primary teachers' confidence and identity as science teachers in tandem with their views on the British National Curriculum and the warrants they give for those views. Collects data using in-depth interviews with a small sample of primary teachers, setting their views in the context of their science-related life stories. (Contains 28…

Examines the point at which children develop negative attitudes toward science and whether the adoption of the National Curriculum in England and Wales has influenced student attitudes. Results indicate that although unpopular, students do not necessarily have negative attitudes toward science. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Summarizes in chronological order the main issues that have been considered in defining primary English (elementary school English) in the United Kingdom as a subject. Discusses the English subject knowledge considered necessary, over time, for teachers to know. Concludes that primary English, when compared with other subjects, is a special case:…

This keynote lecture evaluates the national curriculum for primary education in England and Wales that has been in the process of being implemented since 1987. It critiques six assumptions that have been relied on in the implementation of the curriculum and offers, with caveats, six steps toward solution or amelioration. The national curriculum as…

The effects of the significant changes in English education that have followed the 1988 Education Reform Act are explored in this study that considers the impact of the Reform Act on elementary schools and the changes in primary (elementary) schooling as an illustration of wider social developments. The work of B. Bernstein provides a framework…

This document discusses the state of science education in primary school before and after the introduction of the National Curriculum in 1989 established science as a core subject. The first half describes research and specific efforts to improve science education in the primary grades. It includes the following sections: (1) "Background to…

This paper examines the current state of outdoor education in primary schools in England and Wales and presents arguments to counter current constraints on its provision. Within the national curriculum, outdoor education has been interpreted in the sense of "outdoor and adventurous activities" and, as a result of recent pruning, is now…

This book outlines the processes involved when children learn to write, and it shows how certain strategies can improve children's progress in writing. Dealing with the age range 3-13, the book addresses issues of the gender gap, children with English as an additional language, and left-handedness. It includes ideas for assessment of writing. It…

Describes a teacher's experiences with using partnerships with industry as a resource to motivate primary science students. The project enables students to see the relevance of classroom science to the real world and provides an opportunity for students to apply concepts learned in the classroom. (DDR)

Reports on a study showing how the achievement of bilingual learners can be raised within a classroom context and within the framework of the National Curriculum. Shows how to stimulate a wide variety of language activities, including those concerning different styles and structures, audience awareness, vocabulary, and the exploration of…