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The Curriculum
Theory and Practice

Sixth Edition
  • A V Kelly - Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK


January 2009 | 336 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'This book will be of interest to educational practitioners, and many other professionals concerned with the education and development of the young' - ESCalate

`A very well-respected book [and a] Curriculum classic...[which offers] balance to current official publications...One of its strengths is the coherent argument that runs throughout. It is very much a product of the wide knowledge and experience of the author.' - Jenny Houssart, Senior Lecturer, Department of Learning, Curriculum & Communication, Institute of Education, University of London, UK

Praise for previous editions:

`I use this book as an essential course text for a module on curriculum theory. It is an excellent text for the whole course'

`Vic Kelly's writing is always concise and informative, but also at times challenging'

`A most comprehensive text that takes the reader beyond content/balance issues values, beliefs and assumptions on the curriculum'

This is the sixth edition of a book that has been regularly revised and updated since it was first published in the mid-1970s. A V Kelly's now classic work focuses on the philosophical and political dimensions of curriculum, and especially on the implications for schools and societies of various forms of curriculum.

The book outlines what form a curriculum should take if it is concerned to promote a genuine form of education for a genuinely democratic society. Kelly summarises and explains the main aspects of curriculum theory, and shows how these can and should be translated into practice, in order to create an educational and democratic curriculum for all schools at all levels.

The book also seeks to show that the politicization of the school curriculum has led to the establishment of policies and practices which demonstrate a failure to understand these principles of curriculum theory and practice. As a result, policies and practices have been implemented which fall short of being adequate.

In view of the rapid pace of educational change imposed by various governments over the last 35 years, including New Labour, this book is more relevant than ever.

 
The Curriculum and the Study of the Curriculum
 
Knowledge and the Curriculum
 
Curriculum as Content and Product
 
Curriculum as Process and Development
 
Curriculum Development, Change and Control
 
Assessment, Evaluation, Appraisal and Accountability
 
The Politicization of the School Curriculum
 
What the Average Politician Knows about Education
 
The Flaws Endemic to Central Planning by Politicians
 
A Democratic and Educational Curriculum

'This book will be of interest to educational practitioners, and many other professionals concerned with the education and development of the young' - ESCalate


The book provides many perspectives on the evolution of curriculum design and purpose. It is likely become a recommended text for one of our newly revalidated modules on the curriculum.

Ms Lisa Baldwin
Faculty of Education, Winchester University
July 6, 2019

A detailed and well written description of current theories of curriculum. An essential introduction to the topic for both ITT and Education Studies courses.

Mr David Eversley
Manchester College of Arts & Techn., Manchester College of Arts & Techn.
June 30, 2016

A challenging and comprehensive guide to the curriculum which is a must for anyone interested in the construction, and corruption of the curriculum.

Mrs Jade Murden
Education , Derby University
April 9, 2015

This book has been a core text in a new module on Advanced Pedagogies.

Miss Marilyn Kelly
Education and Early Childhood Studies, Liverpool John Moores University
February 24, 2015

A useful text for assisting with understanding curriculum in a wider context. The book makes you consider the theory behind the curriculum and its principles.

Mr Andrew Faulkner
Business, South Devon College
January 23, 2015

I believe that anyone who would like to have an overview of Curriculum must have this one.

Mrs Debra Cushen
care and education, University of Wales
January 15, 2015

A useful supplementary text to support curriculum studies.

Ms Lis Bundock
Education, Brighton University
January 12, 2015

Excellent resources. Highly recommended.

Miss Syreeta Charles-Cole
Education, Carshalton College
April 23, 2014

This book has brilliant information on theories and ideologies of curriculum as well as good information on evaluation curriculum.

Mr Adam Brown
Sport, Leeds City College
March 9, 2014

New to the 6th edition:

  • Updated pedagogical features including points for discussion and further reading
  • An incorporation of current users' feedback
  • Deals with the Blair era in its entirety
  • Internationalised further
  • Updated references

For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781847872753
£48.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781847872746
£141.00