This document discusses proposed changes to the UK education system curriculum. It suggests raising the compulsory education age to 16 and requiring students to complete GCSEs. Further education like A-Levels would be optional. The changes are aimed to provide more opportunities for higher education and better jobs. Potential advantages include higher qualified individuals and benefits for disadvantaged people. However, disadvantages could include increased competition for university places and less time for other commitments if pursuing an apprenticeship. The conclusion states the changes may be beneficial but the results remain to be seen.

1. By James Pountney

2.  Background
 New and Old Curriculum
 Changes
◦ Advantages
◦ Disadvantages
 Conclusion

3.  Continue in education until the age of 16
 GCSEs could be the only qualification
 Further education optional e.g. A-levels
◦ Leads to Higher education (i.e. University)

4.  Raising age limit
 Current year 8 students stay in education
until 17 years of age
 Current year 7 students stay in education
until 18 years of age

5.  More options for higher education
 Better job opportunities
 Higher qualified individuals
 Better advantages for less fortunate people
 Give people the desire to aim for better
opportunities

6.  Increase of students applying for University
position
◦ Keen students may be denied entry due to lack of
places
 Larger class sizes =less concentration
 If apprenticeship was undertaken, less time
would be available to spend on other
commitments

7.  Would limit personal growth and
entrepreneurial skills e.g. Alan Sugar
 No motivation = waste of time
 Less intellectual individuals who struggle at
lower level education may find it difficult to
undertake extra training

8.  In principal, the changes that have been made
will prove to be beneficial, however none of
the students have reached that level yet so we
are yet to see any physical results