ABSTRACT
The National Curriculum (of England and Wales) is primarily a medium through which the government attempts to involve itself in the education of future generations. For the first time in our history the requirements of what teachers are to teach and what children are to learn are being set out for all to see. The fact that they are so explicit, so public and, unfortunately, so open to different interpretations, makes the setting of standards a very important function. How do we go about it, and are we likely to succeed?
