ABSTRACT
A 'school audit', according to D. H. Hargreaves and D. Hopkins 'involves questioning current provision and practice in a systematic and self-critical way: comparing what the school is striving to achieve with what is actually happening. The audit clarifies the nature of a school's weaknesses and guides the action needed to put things right'. J. Reynolds and M. Skilbeck produced a situational analysis model of curriculum development. They argue that situational analysis is really a cultural analysis and involves the teacher in reviewing 'external' and 'internal' factors. Needs assessment enables educational needs to be defined and priorities set. It is also a very valuable vehicle for bringing together parents, students, teachers and citizens to discuss alternative educational goals. Needs assessment activities can occur within a single school community or across a region or local education authority. The scale of the activity will depend upon the magnitude of the task/change being considered.
