Product reviews for Reclaiming the Curriculum

In Reclaiming the Curriculum Bill Laar and Jackie Holderness have produced a compendium of examples of quality practice from a range of primary schools to exhibit successful strategies which extend the learning beyond a narrow curriculum. The case studies clearly illustrate how learning is enhanced and how the enthusiasm for knowledge and understanding is promoted.

The range of practice described within the book will inspire the reader to reflect upon and consider extending their current practice. I particularly enjoyed reading about the projects based on sustainability, on building Goblin cars and on learning outside of the classroom. Readers will also gain from the authors' discussion of their ideas regarding creativity in the curriculum, particularly around the development of personal skills which enable creativity to blossom in learners of all ages.

Reclaiming the Curriculum is a thoroughly enjoyable, stimulating and thought-provoking read, written with a strong emphasis on enthusing and involving learners as active participants in their learning - and on allowing them to visually experience the results of their endeavours. The book is like a good walking guide, and should serve as a handy compass with which to explore new ideas in primary schools.