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Curriculum developments
Funding emphasis since Curriculum 2000
In 2000, government funding for post-16 education and training focused on provision for 16–18-year-olds. In 2004, the focus was on provision for 14–19-year-olds, with the 14–16 element funded by local education authorities (LEAs) and 16–18 provision funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
In 2006–7 the emphasis is on strategic collaboration between LEAs and local LSCs. Eligibility for DfES funding depends on having a fully integrated plan catering for the education of 14–19-year-olds drawn up by the LEA, LSC and associated providers. This development falls within DfES planning for the delivery of new Diplomas.
How will this affect your staff and what can you do to help them meet your new targets?
Find out more from QCA.
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Diplomas
All 14-year-olds will be entitled to study for one of the new Diplomas to be launched in 2008. The Diplomas will be awarded at three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. A diploma route will be available for each area of learning or ‘curriculum line’ and work is currently under way to determine the content for these. Subject clusters are likely to include those in the National Teaching and Learning Change Programme.
Diplomas will include Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills and Functional Skills in English and Mathematics: this element will be piloted from 2007.
Diplomas have to be delivered collaboratively and not just within one organisation.
Provision for 14–16-year-olds is likely to form a major part of the work of the further education system, creating a corresponding need for staff development.
Find out more from the DfES website (search on 14-19 education)
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Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)
Although not a new initiative, CoVEs recognise the specialist expertise of providers and now provide a base for the development of other initiatives such as Diplomas.
Find out more about CoVEs
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Foundation Degrees
The Government has plans to give half of all 18–30-year olds some experience of higher education by 2010 and Foundation Degrees will contribute significantly towards this target. Employer-focused, part-time Foundation Degrees offer a two-year route to a qualification that meets the needs of business and can be topped up to a full degree. The Further Education and Training Bill introduced in November 2006 further proposes empowering FE colleges to award Foundation Degrees in their own right.
Find out more from Foundation Degree Forward
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Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
In 2004 languages were made optional at Key Stage 4 in schools and there are now fewer language students in further and higher education. To combat this, the Government has invested an additional £115 million over the next three years to support and promote language study at Key Stage 4 and beyond. This aims to create an opportunity to support Modern Foreign Languages and respond positively to the needs of learners and the economy.
With government policy stating that by 2010 every child in Key Stage 2 should have an entitlement to learn a language other than English, it is clear that MFL provision is expected to grow. The global marketplace and ease of working in Europe in particular (but other countries, too) is likely to increase demand for language learning. This means that providers need to be prepared to support this increased demand and to offer progression for learners who may well start to come through the education system with higher-level language skills at an earlier age.
More businesses are looking for employees with language skills
Mike Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors (2006)
Find out more from the National Centre for Languages.
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Revised qualifications framework
The three regulatory authorities have updated the National Qualifications Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of a review of regulatory arrangements.
Find out more from QCA
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