Education secretary Michael Gove claims choice, autonomy and competition make Alberta's schools the highest performing in the English speaking world. This film looks behind the rhetoric and discovers a highly collaborative network of school heads working with and within the local authority network. Principal Jean Styles reveals the key role played by Edmonton district. The principals are a tightly knit and supportive unit who meet monthly for collaborative discussions about curriculum and teaching practice. The programme explores the choice available to parents. In a number of primary schools two programmes operate side by side - a mainstream programme with children working in mixed ability groups and a more traditional, 'Cogito' programme, with children sitting in rows with the teacher at the front. One principal states that the success of the choice agenda has had a profound impact on new private schools. 'By all means set up' he says ?and we'll blow you out of the water'

Video Series: Lessons from Alberta
Release Date 2010