Language Policy in the Primary School

The Bullock Report in 1975 urged each school to develop its own language policy but, one of the major obstacles to this was the lack of professional expertise among heads and teachers. First published in 1988, Language Policy in the Primary School aims to identify what language is, how it can be taught and learned and how appropriate management skills can be applied in schools. It suggests headings under which a language policy might be planned – looking in detail at the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing and what the teacher can do to develop them. In examining the management of language work, it focuses on the role of the head and language specialists but stresses the collective responsibility of staff for results and emphasizes the vital interdependence of staff development and curriculum development. It also urges close cooperation between teachers and parents. This book will be a valuable read for students and researchers of education and will also interest language specialists and teachers.