The 14-19 Reform ProgrammeAn overview for schools

The big picture

What is driving the Reforms?

Why do we need them?

Substantial progress has been made

64% of students now achieve 5 A*-C grades at GCSE compared with 45% in 1997

78% of students now continue their education post 16

But…

Up to 10% of our 16-18 year olds are not in education, employment or training (NEET)

And the world is changing fast – new skills are needed for changing labour markets and jobs that didn’t exist a few years ago, and young people need to be qualified to higher levels

The World is Changing

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The challenge

To provide the opportunity for all young people to succeed at a higher level:

– by creating clear learning routes that provide the skills and knowledge they need

– by offering young people the chance to learn in different ways

– by offering qualifications that are widely understood

Fulfilling Potential

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Raising the participation ageRaising the participation age

Progression is at the heart of the reforms Aim to ensure all young people develop

their potential From 2013 all young people required to

continue in education or training post 16* This could be in:

– full-time education - school and college

– work-based learning - Apprenticeship

– part-time education or training - employment, self-employment, volunteering 20+ hours a week

*Until 17 from 2013 and until their 18th birthday from 2015

New pathways

The qualifications currently available are being brought together into a series of distinct pathways:

CONSIDEROPTIONS

17

GCSE

Foundation Learning Tier

Apprenticeship

Foundation or Higher Diploma

Foundation Learning Tier

Foundation, Higher or Advanced Diploma

GCSE / A-Level

Employment withtraining

CONSIDEROPTIONS

16

CONSIDEROPTIONS

14

Further education

Higher education

Employment

Employment with training

Apprenticeship post 18CONSIDEROPTIONS

18

Creating Opportunities

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Individual strands

A closer look at the individual reform strands

Functional skills

Functional skills aim to equip young people with the essential skills they need for life, work and study

Will be taken by all young people from 2010

They are:

– part of the secondary curriculum and the Diploma, Foundation Learning Tier and (from 2010) Apprenticeships

– being embedded in GCSE English, maths and ICT specifications but also assessed separately

Personal, learning and thinking skills

Embedded in the new secondary curriculum

Cover six areas:

– Independent enquiry

– Creative thinking

– Reflective learning

– Team working

– Self management

– Effective participation

Highly valued by employers and HE

The Diploma

By 2013 an entitlement to all students

Combines practical and theoretical achievement

Provides access to university as well as to skilled employment and training

Helps students understand why certain skills and knowledge are important and lets them apply these to realistic problems and scenarios

Existing qualifications such as BTECs, GCSEs and A Levels are available as components

Delivered in partnership with other schools, colleges, employers and HEIs

The Diploma

Phase 1 – 2008 Phase 2 - 2009 Phase 3 - 2010 Phase 4 - 2011

Construction and the Built Environment

Creative and Media

Engineering

IT

Society, Health and Development

Business, Administration and Finance

Environmental and Land-based Studies

Hair and Beauty Studies

Hospitality

Manufacturing and Product Design

Public Services

Retail Business

Sport and Active Leisure

Travel and Tourism

Humanities and Social Sciences

Languages and International Communication

Science

The Diploma

Available at 3 levels - Foundation, Higher and Advanced

Sits alongside statutory curriculum at KS4 Full-time programme over one

or two years post 16

3 components :

– Principal Learning: mandatory and applied

– Generic Learning: functional skills; personal, learning and thinking skills; project; 10 days’ work experience

– Additional and Specialist Learning: options

Apprenticeships

In future, more Apprenticeships in a greater variety of sectors

1 in 5 students to have access to an Apprenticeship place by 2020

Advanced Apprenticeships can lead towards a foundation or an honours degree

Work with accredited training

Some may wish to take up work at 16

From 2013, 16 year olds in work will need to continue their education or training part-time

They will be expected to do at least a day a week or the equivalent

This provision funded by the employer

GCSEs

Updated and modernised

More emphasis on functionality in English, maths and ICT

Controlled assessment replacing coursework

A Levels

Number of modules reduced in many subjects

Stronger connections between topics

More extended written work

New A* grade to recognise the highest attainment

The Extended Project

Students can pursue an area of special interest

Worth half an A Level at A2

Develops independent study skills

Good preparation for higher education and employment

Foundation Learning Tier

Progression for learners below level 2

Small, manageable chunks of learning and recognition for their achievements along the way

Personalised learning programmes that all include personal and social development, functional skills and vocational knowledge and skills

Current qualifications

All qualifications need to be trusted and widely understood within a system that is easy to navigate

The current wide range of qualifications are being brought together into the defined pathways – many are already part of a Diploma qualification or Apprenticeship framework

From 2013, only those included in the Diploma, Apprenticeships, the FLT or which are GCSE or A Level will be publicly funded, unless a qualification meets very specific industry or learning needs

Information, advice and guidance

The right guidance is vital: All to have personal tutor by 2010 All 16 and 17 year olds are guaranteed a

suitable place in learning in their area 14-19 area prospectuses which are clearer

and easier to use Common application process (CAP) for

post-16 courses by 2010 Continued financial support for those who

need it post 16

Collaborative working

Schools and colleges should work together to offer a comprehensive range of learning pathways from age 14

14-19 Partnerships, led by the local authorities, are required to set out their strategy and development plans

Support is available:

– Diploma and functional skills training and CPD programmes

– Capital funding available

– Guidance and planning tools on a wide range of issues

Learning to Work

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Help and support

The 14-19 area of the DCSF website is a good starting point for:– further details about aspects of the reform

programme

– a database of FAQs and case studies

– a series of videos on individual strands and useful links

www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19

Additional weblinks are available in The 14-19 Reforms and You: a guide for school staff

The 14-19 Reform ProgrammeAn overview for schools