ABSTRACT
What kind of young people are being turned out by the education system? Youngsters who know facts about academic subjects? Or motivated responsible young adults with a thirst for understanding, a curiosity about life, a concern to contribute to the communities in which they find themselves, and to build relationships with other people? The compulsion to ‘reform’ education has focused on systems and curriculum, but should not lose sight of how education affects pupils and fits them for the tasks ahead. Which vision of education we choose helps us to create policies and priorities on teaching and learning. There is a tension in British education between many different voices, debating teaching and assessment methods, accountability, relationships between schools and parents, and values.
