This textbook heads the Open University's flexible PGCE Perspectives on Practice series, which provides a practical illustration of skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach in the secondary classroom. As well as describing concepts and ideas, the book provides a critical examination of some of the key issues, and will encourage the reader to engage with the ideas and consider their views and beliefs. This book accompanies each of the subject-specific books in the series, providing a valuable link between disciplines. The series complements our other OU series, Teaching in the Secondary School which addresses theoretical issues relating to teaching. Together these to series provide a complete resource for students.