ABSTRACT
An identified problem in school was an aspect of under-achievement in speaking and listening which related to classroom discussion and was characterised by pupils who exhibited the following features: low self-esteem; limited skills of social interaction; and an inability to transfer skills across subjects. The School Perspective Through a framework of self review Throckley is striving to raise standards particularly in terms of pupil achievement. Curriculum development and innovation are essential to ensure a curriculum and pedagogy which is relevant to the needs of young people and allows them to realise their full potential. Carol Strickson’s report contains energetic statements which usefully show the syntactic complexity of children's speech. Every teacher is a teacher of English, and should know how to do it in relation to their own subject. But there should be a subject co-ordinator who has a special responsibility and competence in the area, to help at least those who seek help.
