Primary Harmonisation

A Framework for General Professional Studies

This framework has been developed, not in the spirit of drafting a common syllabus, but with the intention of generating a range of possibilities which could be incorporated into a programme of general professional studies for student teachers. It is to be hoped, therefore, that course designers working in this area will find the framework of value, both in relation to the identification of key themes and resources and also with regard to the detail of potential activities on campus and in schools. We see this framework as ripe for further development and we look forward to its evolution in the light of feedback.

The following have contributed to the development of the Framework:

• Jean Ashfield, Kingston University
• Keith Barr, Bannockburn Primary School, Greenwich
• Jill Blunden, London South Bank University
• Tim Burgess, Holy Trinity Primary School, Surrey
• Sue Dixon, University of East of London
• Karen Doull, Roehampton University
• Parveen Duggal, Stamford Hill Primary School, Haringey
• Joan Hafenrichter, St Mary's College
• Kim Insley, Institute of Education, London University
• Alayne Ozturk, London Metropolitan University
• Colton Paul, Goldsmiths College
• Anne Robertson, Institute of Education, London University
• Mary Watt, Middlesex University
• Robert Young, University of Greenwich (Convenor of working party)

The team met for the first time in November 2005 and have had 7 further meetings through the academic year. This project has been funded by the Training and Development Agency (TDA) with the central aim of enhancing the vision of what professional studies is about in the context of:

• the challenges inherent in teaching in the London conurbation
• the promotion of the new professional working collaboratively with the wider school community and external agencies
• and responding to the central task of developing reflectiveness and critical awareness in the profession