1. Give young students experience of life skills and careers.
2. Replace all SATs with individual student profiles.
3. At 14 let students choose a pathway which matches their aspirations.
4. Ensure all vocational courses are taught in excellent facilities by teachers with relevant real world experience.
5. At 16 students can specialise further or change pathways.
6. Vocational degrees endorsed by employers.
Posted by: J Lewis | 12.02.2009 06:54pm
I have taught in a fair number of secondary schools in Merseyside and have been upset by the way in which pupils have been put off the practical subjects which they had been excited to begin.
At Key Stage 4 there is an over emphasis on writing around a practical subject.
For example in Design or Food Technology pupils have to make something, but the joy they feel is snuffed out by the production of A2 sized portfolios in which they have to write about the thing they are going to make, the materials,the techniques and tools they'll use, the consumers, what went wrong, how can they improve their product, and on and on . Writing, writing, diagrams, diagrams. All very worthy and desireable but absolutely guaranteed to make the pupils hate the subject they couldn't wait to do.
Can't they have a totally practical course with assessments based on work in progress, discussion, finished product and verbal pupil assessments, with no writing? Enthusiasm and confidence would grow and maybe in a year or two, writing can be included if needed.
secondary school
Posted by: J Rutter | 16.02.2009 04:34pm
Young people still need skills in reading and writing for worklife, homelife and contribution to their society. To take this away just because they are studying a vocational qualification defeats the objectives of the 6 steps. Just because young people find things boring doesn't mean you should take it away!