This paper examines different curriculum making actors, discourses and practices at different sites and then situate Scotland and Wales within these. I illustrate the interconnected nature of different sites of curriculum making and explain how these exert influences in the two countries while acknowledging their social and cultural differences.…

Many countries are in the process of adopting radical changes to the purpose, nature and organisation of the school curriculum as the principles of lifelong learning are transferred to schooling. One of the most fundamental changes lies in the emphasis on learning how to learn as a transferable skill set that underpins the whole curriculum. On…

Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), constitutes the demands that teachers are supposed to meet. Its intentions for the mathematics curriculum are similar to those in many countries: that learners be sufficiently mathematically literate to use mathematics in the personal, professional and societal dimensions of their lives. But like many…

This article is written in response to a recent report on a review of teacher education in Scotland undertaken by Graham Donaldson (2011). In particular it questions the recommendation that engaging teachers in professional enquiry and research-informed teaching is the way forward for developing the professional capabilities required of "21st…

This is the first in a series of information papers that are intended to supply information on matters of general importance to the educational system. It focuses on the complex committee structure for curriculum development in Scotland beginning in 1965 and outlines its growth up to the present. (Editor/RK)

Charts development and describes features of multidisciplinary health studies course emphasizing experiential learning being introduced as part of Munn and Dunning development program. Suggests methods for easing tensions generated when aspects of school-based development are introduced into centrally controlled curriculum change to develop…

Presents arguments for and against modularization as a form of curriculum organization. Looks at implications for the content of the curriculum, for the learning experience of students, for the professional experience of teachers, for the development of the educational institution, and for the society at large. (JHZ)

Outlines current bilingual provisions, practices, and programs for the teaching of Gaelic at the preschool, primary, secondary, and higher educational levels of Scotland. Discusses curriculum development, resources and support structures. Classifies government policy toward bilingual education as one of "benevolent neutrality." (NEC)

Compares teachers' perceptions of the school-based curriculum development process during the 2-year development of three new multidisciplinary courses in nine Scottish secondary schools. Suggests reasons for differences in perception including influence of the action research approach. Considers implications for future school based development.…

Traces the history and development of the postsecondary vocational and technical educational system in Scotland since 1956. Summarizes organizational structure, courses of study, entrance requirements, and services. Reviews the government's plan for curriculum reform introduced in 1983. (NEC)

Investigates origins and growth of the idea that education is a science. Explores meaning of science and draws analogy between teaching and craftsmanship. Argues that educational sciences have significant contributions to make to fields like curriculum development. (LFL)

Discusses the metacognitive skill of learning to learn and explores questions related to its importance for teaching. Describes work in progress that is designed to incorporate learning to learn into the curriculum for 10-14 year olds. Presents a hierarchical model of learning skills, strategies, and approaches and a guide for teachers. (JHZ)

Attentional skills (distractibility, attention span, goal directedness) are crucial in promoting or hindering progression through curricular targets, yet these strands are not included in "5-14" (national curriculum) guidelines. Proposes an additional 5-14 learning outcome with its associated strands and targets to encourage growth of…

Criticizes computing and information technology curricula in "Higher Still" (proposed new Scottish upper secondary curricula). Argues that the proposals are outdated, inflexible, and inconsistent with current "5-14" curricula. Examines specified courses in information technology, higher computing studies, and information…

Although inquiry has been identified in recent Scottish curriculum documents for young learners, no considered approach has examined what it means for practice. As a first step toward building inquiry into elementary curriculum planning, a working model of inquiry is outlined from the perspectives of the learner and of the teacher supporting…