The life and death of secondary education

"Is there life after death for secondary education? This book focuses upon the quality of learning. Educational 'Reform', too often begins with qualifications, examinations, institutional provision, paths of progression. Whilst these are important, their value lies in the support they give to learning in its different forms. This book starts with the aims of education and progresses onto what it means to learn (practically, theoretically, morally) taking into account the very many different needs of the learners. In so doing, it will be both philosophical in analysis and empirical in example. So much is happening 'from down below' that goes unrecognised by policy makers. But innovations too often get hampered by government interventions, by a bureaucratic mentality and by failure to spread good practice. The general argument of the book, therefore, will be illustrated throughout with detailed references to practical developments in schools, colleges, the third sector, youth work, independent training providers and professional bodies, all expressed from an international angle"--