The teaching of English in the national curriculum : a study of selected schools in Gibraltar

Garcia, George Alexander

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of national curriculum English in three schools in Gibraltar. The schools in question, St Paul's First School, Bishop Fitzgerald Middle School and Bayside Comprehensive School together encompass the full national curriculum age-range.

To set the above in context, the study first traces the development of English as a subject since 1904 and the advent of the national curriculum. Furthermore, it provides a historical perspective through the examination of the forging of links between the Gibraltar and English systems of education. It then goes on to trace the evolution of English teaching on the Rock leading to the decision to adopt the national curriculum there.

The main body of research deals with the strategies for implementation of the English Orders employed by the three schools which form the basis of this study. Significantly different approaches were observed with St Paul's School being more advanced in its strategies, something that can be attributed to the decision by the school to pilot the national curriculum two years before it was required of them.

Bishop Fitzgerald School whilst displaying features of good practice, was found to be working to an out-dated syllabus. Bayside School, for its part was found to be basing teaching in years 8 and 9 on the GCSE syllabuses for years 10 and 11.

The study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the English programmes adopted by the three schools and concludes that they are in a 2 fair position to react to changes in the English Orders once the current moratorium on changes draws to a close in the year 2000.

Citation

Garcia, G. A. The teaching of English in the national curriculum : a study of selected schools in Gibraltar. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215448

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 13, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215448
• Additional Information: Department of Education, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 1998