ABSTRACT
The 'Work Progress Cards' involve every subject teacher in awarding each pupil in their class a tick for average effort and achievement, a plus for good effort and achievement, and a minus for poor effort and achievement. It is often argued that the exam system dominates the secondary school curriculum, with schools unable to respond properly to local conditions and needs as they continue to force-feed their pupils on an academic diet, pre-packed by the examination boards. Eastfield High School is a former co-educational secondary modern school situated on the outskirts of a large market town. Of course liking teachers and subjects must in turn be influenced by other factors. Teachers then, have a professional and personal investment in "education", which is expressed through the pursuit of examination success, both for themselves and for their pupils.
