SCHOOL CLIMATE and SCHOOL ORGANISATION: A STUDY IN RELATIONSHIPS.

This work is the product of two years' in-service study of one middle school. The aim was to examine the major structural dimensions of perceived school "climate", and assess the influence of internal organisation upon that climate. Initial attention is given to the evolution of the school, its physical structure, environment, staffing and routine procedures. The central part of the study is concerned to present and analyse the expressed attitudes and activities of the personnel in the school; pupils, teachers and ancillary staff. Within a broadly "illuminative" paradigm the tactical methodology utilises a variety of research techniques notably questionnaires, personal interviews, participant observation and assessment of the formal records of school life. The final part of the study reflects upon a period of change at the school which followed upon the appointment of a new headteacher in January 1979. Assessment is made of the organisational changes rapidly introduced into the school and the response of staff to a markedly different style of leadership. The conclusion summarises the major findings, discusses the interaction between climate and organisation and reflects upon the suitability of the phenomenological approach to such case study analysis