Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School

What is the role of the individual school 'subject' and 'subject teacher' within school? Is it to teach a set of core subject knowledge, skills and understanding in way that remains faithful to long-standing subject cultures and pedagogies? Or is there another way to consider how the curriculum, and the notion of individual subjects and teachers' pedagogy, could be constructed.

Working from the key principle that there is no curriculum development without teacher development, Cross-Curricular Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School argues for a new, skilful pedagogy which embeds an authentic, cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning in the work of the individual teacher. This approach respects and builds on individual subject cultures, embracing and exploring links between subject knowledge and subject pedagogies in an enriching way.

Drawing on examples and case studies taken from innovative practices in different schools and subject areas, as well as summarising lessons from key pieces of research evidence this book includes:



Clear theoretical frameworks for cross-curricular processes of teaching and learning


A lively account of key issues blended with engaging stories of current practice


An analysis of the use of language, ICT and assessment as key components of a skilful pedagogical practice that affects how teaching is delivered and how pupils learn in cross-curricular contexts


Practical tasks and questions for reflective practice


This timely textbook is essential reading for all students on Initial Teacher Training courses and PGCE courses as well as practising teachers looking to holistically introduce cross-curricular themes and practices in their own subjects.

Jonathan Savage is a Reader in Education at the Institute of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University and Managing Director of UCan.tv. His research interests include implementing new technologies in education, cross-curricular approaches to teaching and learning, supporting gifted and talented students, creativity and assessment.

1. Introduction: The context for cross-curricular teaching and learning 2. The principles and purposes for cross-curricular teaching and learning 3. The pedagogy of cross-curricular teaching and learning 4. The language and literacy of cross-curricular teaching and learning 5. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a mediating tool for cross-curricular teaching and learning 6. Assessment and evaluation within cross-curricular teaching and learning 7. Metaphors for a cross-curricular future