Primary education is currently at the centre of political attention. Reform is constantly under consideration, though the leading proponents of reform are often far removed from the classroom and the world of hard-pressed, demoralised primary teachers. Colin Richards rectifies this by communicating the big picture of primary school culture. He takes the world of the primary school since Plowden (1967) and traces perennial and emergent issues - the issues that need to be understood in order to make a difference to the future of primary education. Through constructive criticism of the national curriculum, OFSTED, ITT and teaching methodology the book will influence and improve the understanding of policy makers, headteachers, governors and teachers and students.

In this book the author looks at the past, present and the future of history teaching in primary schools in an attempt to provide a practical framework for teachers. Section one reviews relevant literature with an aim to clarify the dilemmas and advance present thinking and practice in history teaching in primary schools. Section two offers case studies, curriculum materials and designs, teaching ideas and methods, teacher-development and curriculum development materials, at the same time as tying it in to the existing knowledge-base. Section three considers the 'perennial dilemmas' for school history in the 21st century, including: how can history survive in an increasingly over-crowded and competitive school curriculum? How can history be harnessed to improvements in literacy and numeracy? What should the primary history curriculum contain? How can IT secure easier access to historical information and evidence?

This book supports primary trainees in their learning and teaching approach to the core humanities subjects: geography, history and religion. It promotes an integrated approach to these subject areas and encourages trainees to reflect on the links between subjects, across the curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 2. This edition has been updated to incorporate the revised Professional Standards for the Award of QTS and addresses key initiatives such as Excellence and Enjoyment, Every Child Matters and the Primary National Strategy for Literacy and Mathematics.

Designed specifically for teachers with little subject knowledge or experience in history, this book provides trainees with the confidence they need to teach primary history. Based on Curriculum 2000, the book provides valuable step-by-step guidance on how to create, plan, develop, organize and assess high-quality teaching activities in primary history. This book: is full of teaching approaches, practical ideas, teaching activities, real-life case studies and vignettes of good teaching practice; covers both conventional and modern approaches - such as drama, role-play, story telling, music and dance; and explains how each approach can be adapted to suit all primary ages and abilities. Children with a range of learning needs and styles respond with enthusiasm to a wide variety of teaching approaches - and this book provides trainee teachers with that repertoire and variety.

Presenting a balance of theoretical insight and practical advice, this text is a clear and accessible guide to the key issues relating to primary education. Alphabetically arranged and fully cross-referenced to ensure ease of use, entries include both curriculum specific terms, as well as those that are more generic, such as: assessment objectives coping strategies differentiation behaviour special needs time management. Written by an experienced teacher and lecturer, this is a concise yet comprehensive text that takes into account the everyday realities of teaching. Readable and user-friendly, it is a first-class resource for the primary practitioner at all levels.

"This is a timely book, enabling teachers to reflect critically upon their existing work-place practices, which have been so powerfully shaped by the target culture and the logic of performativity that has underpinned it for two decades. More importantly it will empower primary school teachers to play a more active role in effecting curriculum and pedagogical change in their schools and classrooms." Professor John Elliot, School of Education, University of East Anglia, UK This book encourages you to question the existing culture of schooling, its principles and practices. Current practices have been shaped and dominated by a target led and outcomes driven agenda. The book addresses some of the conflicts that arise in the demand for performance on the one hand and teachers' responsiveness to children and their learning on the other. Sue Cox sets out to show how change might be based on clear understandings of how children learn and how teachers contribute to that learning. She does this by providing frameworks for change and shows how, from these perspectives, participation is key to children's learning. She then goes on to explore the implications for teachers working collaboratively with children in areas such as interaction, curriculum and assessment. An underlying aim of the book is to provide the tools for teachers to develop a principled approach to what they do and how they think in order to challenge some entrenched practices and thinking. This book provides thoughtful reading and promotes reflective thinking for primary teachers, teachers in training and researchers with insight into new ways of thinking about and developing primary education.

Exploring Education Studies is a rich and multi-layered investigation of the world of education. Although aimed at Education Studies courses, the books thematic approach also makes it an excellent general introduction to education. Building around four central themes psychology, sociology, current policy and global education the authors lively discussions capture the essence of this diverse subject area.