Children, their World, their Education

Children, their World, their Education is the definitive text for students, teachers, researchers, educational leaders and all who are interested in primary education. As the culmination of the Cambridge Primary Review, the most comprehensive enquiry into English primary education for half a century, its publication provoked instant and dramatic headlines. Widespread support from teachers and eminent public figures demonstrated that the book had identified the issues that really mattered. Ministerial unease showed that here were findings that politicians could not ignore. But Children, their World, their Education is much more than a report. It is an unrivalled educational compendium that systematically covers the issues that are central to the daily work of students, teachers and heads. For trainee teachers on undergraduate and postgraduate courses it effectively maps the territory of primary education and provides the context, information and insight which are essential to the development of classroom skill. Its vast range of carefully evaluated evidence makes it a core resource for those undertaking research and advanced study.Its direct engagement with the policy process during a period of unprecedented change makes it an indispensable tool for policy analysis. It places England's education system in the global context, and combines evidence on recent developments with a vision of how primary education should be. Part 1 sets the scene and tracks primary education policy since the1960s. Part 2 examines children's development and learning, their needs and aspirations, and their lives in a diverse society and fragile world. Part 3 explores what goes on in schools, from the vital early years to educational aims and values, the curriculum, pedagogy and classroom practice, assessment, standards and school organisation. Part 4 deals with the system as a whole: educational ages and stages, the work and training of primary teachers, school leadership, local authorities, funding, governance and policy. Part 5 pulls everything together with 78 conclusions and 75 recommendations for policy and practice. Companion volume: The Cambridge Primary Review Research Surveys, edited by Robin Alexander with Christine Doddington, John Gray, Linda Hargreaves and Ruth Kershner.The Cambridge Primary Review is supported by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation:

“'What an inspirational book! I have been a head teacher for twenty years and this is the best book on primary education that I have ever read.'”

-- Bob Garton, Head Teacher, London 'This is the most thorough, research-based analysis of primary schools I have seen in over two decades of reporting on education. It should carry the testimonial "This book should change English primary schools forever".' -- Mike Baker, formerly Senior BBC Education Correspondent 'There is a simple account of the Cambridge Primary Review, which is essentially about awe and wonder: it is a formidable achievement.' -- Andrew Pollard, British Educational Research Journal

Robin Alexander is Director of the Cambridge Primary Review, Fellow of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, and Professor of Education Emeritus, University of Warwick, UK. Michael Armstrong is a writer and former Head Teacher of Harwell Primary School, Oxfordshire, UK. Julia Flutter is Research Associate at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK. Linda Hargreaves is Reader in Education, University of Cambridge, UK. Wynne Harlen is Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, UK. David Harrison is former Research Associate at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK. Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer is a social policy consultant, parenting adviser, journalist and author. Ruth Kershner is Lecturer in Education, University of Cambridge, UK. John MacBeath is Professor of Education, University of Cambridge, UK. Berry Mayall is Professor of Childhood Studies at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK. Stephanie Northen is an education journalist and editor. Gillian Pugh is Chair of the National Children's Bureau and Visiting Professor, Institute of Education, University of London, UK. Colin Richards is Emeritus Professor, University of Cumbria, UK, and a former primary HMI. David Utting is a writer, researcher, policy analyst and former Associate Director at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK.

How do children live, think and learn during their early and primary years?How well are our primary schools doing?What has been the impact of government efforts to raise standards?By what values should schools be guided and what curriculum and learning environments should they provide?How can primary education best meet the needs of today's children and tomorrow's world?These were among the many questions that the Cambridge Primary Review set out to answer when it was launched in 2006. Politically independent and grounded in an exhaustive array of national and international evidence, it was the most comprehensive enquiry into English primary education for 40 years. Its 31 interim reports provoked lively headlines and debate.In this book, the Review presents its findings and recommendations. Compellingly and accessibly written, the book is divided into five parts:Part 1 sets the scene and tracks primary education policy since the 1960sPart 2 examines children's development and learning; their upbringing and lives in an increasingly diverse society; their needs and aspirationsPart 3 explores what goes on in schools, from the vital early years to aims, curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, standards and school organisationPart 4 deals with the system: ages and stages; teachers, training, leadership and workforce reform; funding, governance and policyPart 5 pulls everything together with 78 formal conclusions and 75 recommendations for policy and practice.Children, their World, their Education is more than a ground-breaking report. It is an unrivalled educational compendium. It assesses two decades of government-led reform. It offers a vision for the future. It goes to the heart of what education in a democracy is about. It deserves to be read by all who care about children, their primary education and the world that they will inherit.Editor: Robin Alexander, Director of the Cambridge Primary Review.Authors: Robin Alexander, Michael Armstrong, Julia Flutter, Linda Hargreaves, David Harrison, Wynne Harlen, Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer, Ruth Kershner, John MacBeath, Berry Mayall, Stephanie Northen, Gillian Pugh, Colin Richards, David Utting.The Cambridge Primary Review is supported by Esm

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.