Argues for an emphatic role for theory in everyday science teaching. Contrasts science's confidence in its theories with those of other sorts which students encounter in their everyday lives. Discusses common denominator science teaching in which teachers teach science in units based on different sciences. (DDR)

Discusses the decline of the number of students wishing to continue with physics in many countries. Brings together the relevant findings of two research projects and considers the effect of changes in the school curriculum. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Seeks to formulate a coherent view of English based on an analysis of pupil language experience in its cultural and social setting. Argues that the revised British National Curriculum has no fundamental rationale underpinning its prescriptions. Makes the case for critical literacy as the foundation for English. (TB)

Focuses on the effects of the British National Curriculum and the SATs on teaching and changes in how poetry is examined. States that some teachers view these changes as having a detrimental effect on student poetry experiences, while others see a positive advantage in the changes. (CMK)

The article looks at the degree to which special educational needs are addressed by the new British national curriculum initiatives for 14- to 19-year-olds. A survey of special needs coordinators in the Sheffield schools concluded that special education needs to be in the forefront of whole-school curricular change. (DB)

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…

An analysis of the Language Awareness/Knowledge about Language components of the English/Welsh National Curriculum in English and Modern Foreign Languages is used to investigate the explicit awareness of language expected of secondary school students. The framework assumes increasing degrees of abstraction and the changes in types of…

Survey of 43 British secondary teachers showed that the National Curriculum positively influenced teaching methods, encouraging greater variety in delivery and more active learning. Concern was expressed that these practices may be hindered if national assessment tests are narrow in nature and content. (SK)

Focuses on the struggle that occurred within the Association for Science Education (ASE) between 1976 and 1981 as it formulated its policy for school science education. Addresses policy and the ASE's inability to respond quickly to changes in education, such as science education for all. (CMK)

Examines educational reforms relating to school choice introduced in England and Wales by Conservative governments. Evaluates whether choice has increased, and for whom, and whether desired achievement standards have been met. The range of schools has increased and student performance has improved. However, curricular diversity is constrained by…

Reports on a survey undertaken to test teacher perception of the effectiveness of their teaching of an earth science component which was added to the National Curriculum of England and Wales in 1989. Teachers indicated that the achievement of their pupils in earth science is moderate while reports on national testing show that it is poor.…

"Thinking Science," the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) curriculum, is a program designed for 11-14 year olds (in the first two years of secondary school) which encourages them to reflect on their own thinking and to develop their reasoning power in tackling novel problems. This study presents results that represent the…

In the spring of 1991 a two-part questionnaire was mailed to a nationwide sample of 100 uppersecondary teachers in England. Usable responses were received from 72 teachers. The purposes of this study were the following: (1) to describe the impact of the 1988 British Reform Act on Education; (2) to determine teacher perceptions in selected publicly…

This second report of the National Council is an outgrowth of a conference conducted as an inservice program for members of the Council's parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The report contains four papers which examine problems, issues, and perspectives about the improvement of American secondary…

This booklet provides information and teaching strategies to support the teaching of sentence level work in Year 7 (England). Focus in the booklet is on using the sentence level objectives in the context of shared writing, and the emphasis is on putting knowledge and language to use, rather than treating it in isolation. Care has been taken to…