Analysis

Investigative journalist and author Fran Abrams looks at a popular but controversial programme designed to teach children emotional and social skills in schools. The concept of emotional intelligence has almost become a global ideology. It's taught, in one form or another, in around 70% of secondary and 90% of primary schools in England and is popular in Scotland and Wales too. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, can it really be developed and how sound are its scientific claims?With contributions from:Dave Read Workshop leaderProfessor Roger Weissberg President of CASELProfessor Katherine Weare Southampton UniversityPupils Bournemouth Park SchoolProfessor Richard Layard Labour peerAngela Hutchison Head, Bournemouth Park SchoolProfessor Neil Humphrey Manchester University.