ABSTRACT
Teaching is a complex process, made interesting by the vast range of educational, social and political contexts and purposes that shape it. There is likely to be a mix of boys and girls, pupils from different ethnic origins, and pupils from family backgrounds with differing views on the value and purpose of education as well as pupils who have disabilities. The presence of people originating from other cultures, faiths and backgrounds has been a feature of British society for many centuries. The notion of ‘other’ suggests that British society is easily described but ‘Britishness’ is neither a clearly defined nor a fixed concept. The increased diversity of our society does not just come from the range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds it represents. Advancements in health and social care mean more children are surviving with complex needs and the number of people with disabilities in the UK is increasing.
