The book explores the potential of comprehensive schools by advocating for a unified and coherent curriculum and organization. It delves into the connection between educational theory and practice, moving beyond the common discussions of its time. Through this examination, it aims to highlight how a well-structured approach can enhance the educational experience and effectiveness of comprehensive schooling.
Originally published in 1983. Written by an experienced headteacher and curriculum consultant, this book was written to help schools with the task of planning their whole curriculum - teachers, governors, administrators and students. It provides information on national educational policies of the time, approaches to curriculum planning, and the structures of actual schools. The Department of Education and Science had just issued Circular 6 of 1981, which called upon education authorities, governing bodies, heads and the staffs of schools 'to secure a planned and coherent curriculum within the schools'. The book describes the background to this development; spells out the tasks involved; provides a series of exercises for planning and discussion; and offers ideas, questions and methods. It recognises the diversity of school circumstances, and talks about the vital transition from theory to practice.