Implications of the Changes to the 14-19 Curriculum

David Webb16th December 2009

THE 14-19 REFORM

The 14-19 Reform

The reasons for reform The key changes in the reform An overview of each change and its

implications Implications for ICT Teachers

Why Reform? Current weaknesses:

Low participation rates post 16 (UK ranked 25th out of 29 developed countries)

Low skill levels in numeracy, literacy and ICT

Low status and quality of vocational courses and qualifications

High assessment burden for learners and teachers

A complex web of qualifications By making improvements we can hope to

compete better in a changing world market

What are the Key Changes?

Functional Skills and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)

The Diploma Updated GSCEs and A Levels The Extended Project The Foundation Learning Tier Apprenticeships Raising the participation age

Functional Skills and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

The aim – to equip young people with the essential skills they need for life.

Functional skills:

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

Team working, Independent Enquiry, Self-Management,

Reflective Learning, Effective Participation, Creative Thinking

The Diploma

A new qualification combining practical and theoretical achievement

Reflects up-to-date requirements and teaches applied skills

Allows students to keep their progression options open

GCSEs, A Levels and the Extended Project

Functional skills included into GCSEs Coursework reviewed to reduce

assessment burden The Extended Project allows students to

pursue an area of special interest

The Foundation Learning Tier

Created to enhance opportunities for young people working at entry level and level 1 (below GCSE grade A* to C)

Learning is broken down into small manageable chunks

Personalised learning programmes to include:

Personal and social development Functional Skills Vocational knowledge and skills

5

Apprenticeships

The aim to have 1 in 5 young people to be able to take up an apprenticeship place by 2020.

New online vacancy matching service Young apprenticeship places available for those

still studying at Key Stage 4 Offer an alternative route to higher education

The Participation Age

Young people required to participate in education or training past 16

By 2013 – until they are 17 By 2015 – until they are 18

Young people can choose to stay in school, work based training or part-time education.

Implications in ICT Teaching

ICT is seen as a key area in the Functional Skills initiative.

Students to study longer New courses Improved existing courses

Summary

• Our young people will stay in learning and training longer

• This will create a more educated population

• More choices for young people

• Teachers and employers will need to adapt to make the changes work

References

Thanks for listening

Any questions?

www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19www.teachernet.gov.uk/publicationswww.actiononaccess.org