This forward-looking book combines theory and practice to present a broad introduction to the opportunities and challenges of teaching English in secondary school classrooms. Each chapter explains the background to current debates about teaching the subject and provides tasks, teaching ideas, and further reading to explore issues and ideas in relation to school experience. With reference to new legislation, the chapters suggest a range of approaches to the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening, drama, media study, information technology, language study, grammar, poetry, Shakespeare, GNVQ and A Level English Language and Literature. Learning to Teach English in the Secondary Schooloffers principles and practical examples of teaching and learning in the context of the end of the twentieth century when new notions of literacy compete with the demands of national assessment. Taking as its starting point the changing ideologies of English as a subject, the text addresses questions about the nature of teacher education. It raises issues concerning competence-based courses, working with a mentor in school and monitoring the development of a student teacher. Learning to Teach Subjects in the Secondary School series, edited by Sue Capel, Tony Turner and Marilyn Leask.