Argues that there is still an underdeveloped conceptual framework to the British National Curriculum's primary oracy curriculum as a whole, despite the recent School Curriculum and Assessment Authority's "Exemplification of Standards" booklet. Attempts to construct a useful conceptual framework for classroom oracy using different concepts which…

Argues that Curriculum 2000 fails to address the complexity of modern life. Agues that there are substantial gaps in the curriculum which derive mainly from British government policy being premised on crude and obsolete notions of English identity. Notes that this severely constrains English educators' ability to construct a critical curriculum…

Collects primary pupils' views of themselves as writers and their preferences, attitudes and awareness of the source of their ideas in the context of England's National Literacy Strategy. Underlines the importance of listening to pupils' views about literacy, in order to create a more open dialogue about language and learning, and to negotiate the…

Provides a personal account of Great Britain's National Curriculum Committee's English Evaluation Project based at Warwick University. Describes the way the interim and final results of the committee were used by higher powers. (HB)

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)

Compares the "standard English" that has been employed in the formation of the English National Curriculum with the way Norwegian has found its place in the "Monsterplan" ("monster" meaning pattern or guideline in Norwegian). Notes that Norway (which itself has been dominated by other cultures and languages for…