2. What is 14-19 Curriculum Reform?
• As stated by the “department for Children school and family’s” the reform
will :
– Have a greater emphasis on developing functional skills
(English, maths, ICT), making sure that students can apply their
knowledge in the context of their daily lives;
• So what is Curriculum Reform?
– Curriculum Reform is transition of the school curriculum from a exam
based assessment to a more vocational based teaching, developing
and grading method.
The 14-19 curriculum will be a mix of vocational studies
(learning through doing) with strong academic content.
3. Why is it required?
• Previous education systems offer options that
turn into ‘dead ends’ for students.
• No chance of further progression or
opportunity for many.
• No means of encouraging and continuing
education beyond the age of 16 for more
challenged students.
• Will offer a more, different, exciting and
challenging way of learning.
4. Statistics Evidence
The last few years has seen a steady increase in the
number of 16 - 17 year old Not in Employment,
Education or Training (NEET).
“Being NEET is a major predictor of later
employment, low incomes, teenage motherhood,
depression and poor physical health.”(DfES, 2005b)
5. Aims
The reform is a long term, structural
transformation of the 14 -19 education system.
There are three main aims:
• Raising attainment now.
• Designing new curriculum and qualifications.
• ‘Delivering on the ground’.
6. Implications for Learners
• No choice but to continue education till 18.
– Compulsory
• Access to alternative curriculum routes.
– Choices
• Opportunity to experience ‘real world’ jobs.
– Can inform future career decisions
• Work experience whilst still schooling.
• Access to knowledge and skills to prepare them to
be successful in future, work and life.
7. Implications for Schools
• Providing a curriculum that is engaging and more
meaningful for students.
• Offer more qualification choices.
• Basic skills courses.
• New apprenticeships.
• Young Apprenticeship programme for 14 – 16 year
olds.
• Flexible timetabling.
• Personalised learning.
New curriculum and qualifications has key implications
for schools in terms and staffing and training.
8. Implications of Change in the Future
• The option to choose the type of learning that
motivates, interests and challenges them.
• More appealing opportunities for young people to
choose will enable them to achieve more by the
age of 19.
• Vocational based learning.
• ‘Practical approach to learning’.
• Apprenticeships.
• Increased role of employers in changing / shaping
the curriculum content.
9. Summary
This is a evolution of GCSE’s, A levels and Vocational
Courses into a new pathway, providing students
to select a mixed pattern of subjects / areas of
learning.
“to ensure that every young person has a
high quality, interesting and useful
curriculum that will help them achieve
their potential and progress to further and
higher education and skilled employment”
10. Opinions
• ‘Inclusive for all’
– Will enable all learners regardless of ability to achieve their full
potential.
• Provide more practical approach to learning.
• Equip students with the necessary skills in the work place.
• Enable all to have a develop a range of skills, knowledge and
experience.
• Encourage more students to continue their learning, and
hence achieve more by the age of 19.
• Better job prospects.
• Better skilled workforce.
• Could lead to a social divide
– Non-academic students
– Academic route (university)
