An introduction has two functions One, it orients the reader, frequently by describing the ‘big picture’ or major backdrop to the focus of the content: Primary Education Leadership Assignment, UCD, Ireland

An introduction has two functions. One, it orients the reader, frequently by describing the ‘big picture’ or major backdrop to the focus of the content. Two, it provides a set of ‘signposts’ as to the structure and content of the remainder of the work. Consequently, having read an introduction, as a reader I should know what the focus and purpose of the work is and have a roadmap as to the steps, stages, or sections that I will encounter on the journey on which you
are taking me!

So, the ‘big picture, or part of it includes the pace of change, globalization-internationalization, New Public Management and some of its preoccupations with accountability, efficiency, and competitiveness, the impact of international players such as EU, OECD, etc and how these international ‘discourses’ are taken up in national policy documents that then need to be reinterpreted at the level of the school, often being re-written for accountability purposes.

Arising from these various influences, however, you choose to configure them, schools are under considerable external pressure to be ‘agile and ‘adaptive’ while being sensitive to learners’ and parents’ needs etc. This is the general backdrop to and the context in which Irish schools are expected to ‘play the game’ of education – to be accountable and professionally responsible.