Changing Life Chances : Practical Projects and Endeavours in Schools

The link between a child'¬"s background and their chance of success at school and in later life is known to be strong. But it is not the determining factor'¬ ;schools can and do make a real difference to learning outcomes. This book describes a range of effective practical projects in schools and the principles underlying good practice. Chapters consider * issues of social class and socio-economic disadvantage * issues relating to ethnicity, gender and disability * special educational needs * the needs of young people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds * a project on language, especially the concept of academic language * modifying teachers'¬" expectations and assumptions * transition arrangements between primary and secondary schools. The book is a follow-up to the best-selling Trentham handbooks by Robin Richardson: Here, There and Everywhere(2005) and Holding Together(2009). It has the same engaging layout, with much use of case-studies, stories and pithy quotations. Most, though not all, of the practical examples are drawn from one local authority, Derbyshire, but are of wide relevance and interest, both nationally and internationally.