Book excerpt: How can we bring the curriculum to life so that all young people of compulsory school age are fully engaged in their learning and achieve to their maximum? Professor Janice Wearmouth and Dr Karen Lindley bring together contributions from practising teachers, researchers and academics to answer this question for a range of educational contexts and demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved on student learning at all levels. This edited volume highlights challenges and opportunities within the current English education system. With reflective questions and ideas for teachers to implement in the classroom, this important book bridges the gap between theory and practice and will be invaluable reading for trainee teachers, teacher trainers, qualified teachers and others with an interest in education and the curriculum. "The intrinsic value of the book is that it seeks to illuminate the discussions surrounding the issues identified, from differing and alternative perspectives in education." Dr Barry Paraskeva Costas, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education, University of Hertfordshire, UK "A highly engaging and refreshing look at how a diverse range of learners might be immersed in their learning, this book provides an imaginative and thought-provoking consideration of creative curricula to involve and inspire learners." Julie Wharton, Senior Lecturer, University of Winchester, UK "This book does an excellent job of drawing together a wide range of contributions and contexts that collectively put the challenges and opportunities of curriculum centre stage." Dr Warren Kidd, School of Education and Communities, University of East London, UK Janice Wearmouth is Professor of Education at the University of Bedfordshire, UK. Dr Karen Lindley is Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Bedfordshire, UK. Both editors are experienced teachers and researchers with continuing close links to Education students, trainee teachers, teacher trainers and practising teachers.