This is a presentation on the changes to the 14 - 19 curriculum which is taking place across secondary schools in England.

1. Implications of the Changes to the 14-19 Curriculum Presented by Richard Collins

2. Aims Why are we reforming? The main changes to the curriculum. The affects of these changes for students and teachers. The advantages and disadvantages of the reform.

3. Why are we reforming? The world is changing fast! But the UK is falling behind. Employers are looking for high skilled employees. Employees lack basic skills in literacy, numeracy and Information Technology. 10% of 16 – 18 year olds are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

4. The five progression routes GCSEs and A Levels The Diploma Apprenticeships The Foundation Learning Tier Full time employment with accredited training

5. GCSEs & A-Levels Already being updated and improved. Functional skills incorporated into ICT, Maths and Science from 2010. Stretching and Challenging students to equip them for higher education and employment. New A* grade awarded to recognise high levels of achievement in A Levels.

6. The Diploma New qualification as part of the 14 – 19 reform. Allows students to understand why skills and knowledge are so important in the workplace. Gives students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for their chosen subject area. Teaches students to transfer knowledge and skills when needed for different circumstances.

7. The Diploma – Levels and Grading The diploma is available to students at different levels to suit their educational needs.

8. The Extended Project Worth half an A-Level grade A* - C. Will allow students to pursue an area of interest to research. Will give students an insight into what is expected in higher education.

9. Apprenticeships The aim is to have one in five young people in apprenticeships by 2020. Apprenticeships will continue to include NVQ, BTEC and City and Guilds qualifications. Advanced apprenticeships will allow young people to achieve a foundation or honours degree.

10. Work with Accredited Training From 2013 s tudentsgoing into full or part time work at age 16 will need to continue in part time education until the age of 17. This will continue to the age of 18 by 2015. Part time education will need to be one day a week or equivalent.

11. The Foundation Learning Tier Created to improve the potential of students aged 14 and over working at entry level and level 1. Will help students progress their studies to level 2. Personal learning programmes catered for students needs. Students can achieve unit qualifications from the Qualifications Unit Framework which can be combined to achieve whole qualifications.

12. Personal, Learning & Thinking Skills Created to ensure students have the skills for employment and higher education. Incorporates six skills – Independent inquiry, Creative thinking, Reflective learning, Team working, Self management and Effective participation.

13. Functional Skills Introduced to ensure students have the skills for employment and higher education. Stand alone qualifications equivalent to half a GCSE A* - C for each functional skill. Functional skills for ICT, Maths and English will be taught to all students from 2010.

14. Disadvantages of the Reform Government funding and planning of funds is essential to the success of the initiative. Can only be successful if all stakeholders involved work together.

15. Advantages of the Reform Empowers young people to take charge of their own learning. Offers a variety of different pathways for students to take. Boosts self esteem by setting young people up for success. Schools creating links to businesses.

16. Advantages of the Reform - Continued Personalised learning so all young people can be successful. Provides an environment where young people can not only learn and develop but apply key and functional skills. Provides opportunities to transfer skill into different areas. Prepares young people for a continually changing world.

17. References The 14 – 19 Reforms and You, A guide for Schools, DCSF Publications 2009. http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/ http://www.14-19reforms.co.uk/ http://www.14-19reforms.co.uk/Videos.aspx

18. Questions Thank you for listening, I welcome any questions you may have.