Menu
20/10/2006
Report suggests teenagers failing to engage in education
A new report on teenagers' learning in England and Wales reports that many young people are failing to engage in education.
The review, from the Nuffield Foundation, covered the education and training of 14-19 year olds, and found that there is too much ‘policy busyness’ - and that the unprecedented amount of policy initiatives is unlikely to produce significant improvements to the education and training system as a whole.
A priority, highlighted by the report, was the need for more opportunities for young people outside of education and training. It found that the jobs market for 16 and17 year olds was mainly in low-skilled, poorly paid jobs, without training opportunities.
Suggested reforms include reducing the burden of assessment, ensuring more practical modes of learning for all young people and raising the status of vocational qualifications through linking them to licence to practice. The report's authors said: “There has been some, though only partial, success in widening access. But progression to higher education can be problematic for those with vocational qualifications, and there is a need for these qualifications to be viewed and utilised more positively.”
The report suggested that the current drive to ensure young people achieve the examination results needed to progress into higher education may have detracted from the quality of learning for 14-19 year olds, and such an approach may be turning some students away from education.
Lead director of the report, Professor Richard Pring, stated: “There is clearly a need, in the light of the changing economic, social and global conditions, for constant reappraisal of the aims of education at every level of decision-making.”
(CL)
The review, from the Nuffield Foundation, covered the education and training of 14-19 year olds, and found that there is too much ‘policy busyness’ - and that the unprecedented amount of policy initiatives is unlikely to produce significant improvements to the education and training system as a whole.
A priority, highlighted by the report, was the need for more opportunities for young people outside of education and training. It found that the jobs market for 16 and17 year olds was mainly in low-skilled, poorly paid jobs, without training opportunities.
Suggested reforms include reducing the burden of assessment, ensuring more practical modes of learning for all young people and raising the status of vocational qualifications through linking them to licence to practice. The report's authors said: “There has been some, though only partial, success in widening access. But progression to higher education can be problematic for those with vocational qualifications, and there is a need for these qualifications to be viewed and utilised more positively.”
The report suggested that the current drive to ensure young people achieve the examination results needed to progress into higher education may have detracted from the quality of learning for 14-19 year olds, and such an approach may be turning some students away from education.
Lead director of the report, Professor Richard Pring, stated: “There is clearly a need, in the light of the changing economic, social and global conditions, for constant reappraisal of the aims of education at every level of decision-making.”
(CL)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
17 July 2014
B&Bs Not Suitable For Young People Leaving Care, Report Claims
Young adults leaving the care system should not be placed in bed and breakfast accommodation, the Commons Education Select Committee has said.
B&Bs Not Suitable For Young People Leaving Care, Report Claims
Young adults leaving the care system should not be placed in bed and breakfast accommodation, the Commons Education Select Committee has said.
17 February 2004
Diploma system proposed as replacement for GCSEs and A-levels
GCSE and A-Level exams could disappear, to be replaced by a tiered secondary school diploma system, under reform proposals published today.
Diploma system proposed as replacement for GCSEs and A-levels
GCSE and A-Level exams could disappear, to be replaced by a tiered secondary school diploma system, under reform proposals published today.
19 November 2003
'Make the Difference' against bullies, communities urged
Schools, charities, parents and young people have been urged to 'Make the Difference' and join together to tackle bullying and intimidation in schools. The 'Make the Difference' campaign brings together heads and school staff, pupils, local education authorities and voluntary organisations to support schools in developing communities.
'Make the Difference' against bullies, communities urged
Schools, charities, parents and young people have been urged to 'Make the Difference' and join together to tackle bullying and intimidation in schools. The 'Make the Difference' campaign brings together heads and school staff, pupils, local education authorities and voluntary organisations to support schools in developing communities.
23 May 2012
New Report Expresses Concern Over Employability of 'Neets'
A new report on the issue of ‘Neets’ has said that too many young people lack the social skills needed to get their first job. The Work Foundation says more than 450,000 Neets - youngsters not in education, employment or training - have never had a regular job.
New Report Expresses Concern Over Employability of 'Neets'
A new report on the issue of ‘Neets’ has said that too many young people lack the social skills needed to get their first job. The Work Foundation says more than 450,000 Neets - youngsters not in education, employment or training - have never had a regular job.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
