Implications of the national curriculm in secondary schools for 14-19 year olds

1. The changes to the national curriculum and the implications it will have for 14-19 year olds Asma Hussain

2. Why Change? There have been no changes in the curriculum for at least 30 years. Today’s students will be applying for jobs that do not exist at the moment. Education needs to take on board the changes in society especially technology. Recognise that young people need to be equipped with skills essential for life, study and work. The aim is to equip 14-19 years with the skills that may be needed in workforces today and in the future.

3. The New curriculum will: Students are more able to be catered for individually. The new curriculum encourages different forms of assessing the learners’ knowledge, skills and understanding. This , in turn, will enable the teacher to have greater flexibility and opportunities to focus on assessment for learning. It will enable the teacher to provide extra support or increased challenge for those students who may need it.

4. The Key Elements of the Secondary Curriculum Personal development: the publication of the Every Child Matters framework, schools, health and social services, police and other services have been working together with children and families to ensure children are important and at the heart of local services. Skills : the curriculum has been updated in that it will create opportunities for the learners to develop as self managers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, problem solvers, team workers, independent learners and effective communicators – the ideal future workforce.

5. Cross curriculum dimensions: should enable the learner make sense of the world and realise the importance that education will play in their lives. Subjects Assessment: fundamental part of curriculum because it enables the learners to recognise achievement and make progress.. It allows the teachers to shape and adapt their teaching to individual needs and aspirations. These elements together will help in the delivery of the curriculum because it will be more relevant, motivating and engaging for them, which in turn will enable them to make good progress and transitions throughout their time in school.

6. What is the national curriculum trying to achieve? Successful learners in that they enjoy learning, achieve and make progress Confident people who are able to live safe, healthy and live life to the full Responsible citizens who are able to make a positive contribution to society.

8. Summary The new system will provide for different learning preferences and will help motivate all young people to participate and achieve. The Diploma is an integral part of the changes in the curriculum in that it has been developed by schools, colleges, universities and employers. It offers different ways of learning and enables progression into higher education and skilled employment. With all these organisations working together they will be able to developthe type of people that are required in workforces today and tomorrow.

9. References: http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/ask8/ask8_14_19.cfm http://www.qcda.gov.uk/curriculum/secondary/549.aspx http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?go=site.home&sid=3 http://www.qcda.gov.uk/curriculum/secondary/550.aspx http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?go=site.home&sid=3