First published in 1988. Good topic work is the epitome of all that is best in British primary schools. It is an all-embracing way of working and one which is infinitely flexible. It therefore requires tremendous skill and sensitivity on the part of the teacher. This is particularly demanding in terms of monitoring what the children are learning and of managing the opportunities for learning so as to maximize the benefit for each child. The purpose of this book is to support those who want to develop the potential of topic work. This can best be done by sharing the experiences of teachers who have been excited by the learning which they have witnessed taking place through topic work. The book is written at a time of intense educational upheaval: a time of review and reform concerning what our schools should be teaching and how they should be monitored.