Implications of the Changes to the 14 - 19 Curriculum

1. Implications of the Changes to the 14 – 19 Curriculum

2. Why? The new secondary curriculum is being developed to improve the standards of education and to help learners to be prepared for the future. ‘Inspiring and engaging’ Improve knowledge for future employment Ensure assessment supports teaching Flexibility Encourage young people into higher education. Overall it should improve the learning experience and attendance of students. Prepare students for new leaving ages of 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015.

4. All areas must deliver some Foundation learning for 14-19 year olds in 2010. Local authorities must present plans for foundation learning by 2009/10 to 2010/11 It is aimed at level 1 students It is helping bridge the gap towards raising of the participation age in 2013 It is designed to help progression of students towards level 2 education Personalised learning programmes Qualifications awarded by units to offer students an award for their efforts. Foundation Learning

5. New Learning Route The Diploma will cover 17 subjects Will be available in area across the country by 2011 Functional skills in English, Maths and ICT Work experience (minimum of 10 days) Different levels for all abilities – Higher and Foundation Diplomas Route into Further education What does the Diploma offer?

7. What are PTLS? Personal learning and thinking skills framework is set out into six groups together they cover the areas of competence that are most demanded by employers. independent enquirers creative thinkers reflective learners team workers self-managers effective participants They apply to all people aged 11-19

8. Functional Skills The functional skills will be introduced into the following areas of the curriculum: Diplomas Replace Key skills Apprenticeships Foundation, Learning programmes Part of GCSE English, Maths & ICT Most of these will be introduced in September 2010

9. GCSE Replace coursework with controlled assessments Examination questions with broad range of questions Applied and general pathways within subjects Incorporating Functional Skills in GCSES Incorporating languages All subjects have been reviewed and the final subjects of English ICT and Mathematics will be first taught in September 2010

10. A Level The main changes to A Level are: Most subjects will be reduced to four units instead of six (Excluding Music, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, Geology, Mathematics, and the applied A levels.) Introduce a new Idea of ‘stretch and challenge’ to allow students to prepare for higher education Broad range of question types A requirement of extended writing Synoptic assessment Introduction of A* Grade

11. Apprenticeship In 2008 the National Apprenticeship service was launched you may remember seeing Sir Alan Sugar in an advertising campaign, but the real truth is apprenticeships are becoming a more appealing option than standard education routes, why? The DCSF expects one in five young people to take up apprenticeships over the next decade The aim by 2013 is to have apprenticeship entitlement for all suitably qualified young people The DCSF are encouraging small businesses to take part in offering apprenticeships with a pilot wage subsidy programme

12. Apprenticeship They are also providing 35,000 apprenticeship places in 2009/2010 The minimum salary is £95 a week In 2009/10 there are 164 young people from Nottingham city and Nottinghamshire on a Young Apprenticeship programme

13. Conclusion I have spoken to three different teachers who all agree changes in the curriculum are vital. It should improve attendance of students Offer employer recognized qualifications that will suit the needs of both the employers and the learners Improve the flexibility of how the courses are taught Assessments replacing coursework New courses bridging the gaps in education Establish strong routes into further and higher education Will anybody know the true success until full implementation and results are evaluated?

14. References http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/ 14 – 19 Reform http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/ National Curriculum http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2007/jul/12/schools.uk1 Guardian Report on National Curriculum http://www.education.gov.uk/ Department of Education http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ Apprenticeships http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3627 Nottingham Apprenticeships http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/diplomas Guardian Diplomas