work-related learning
The Government proceeded with the removal despite only 9% of contributors to its 2011 consultation supporting the proposal to end the entitlement. The removal was necessary, according to the Department for Education (DfE) to:
“Cut down on bureaucracy and free up schools to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, allowing them to be flexible in their provision for students who would genuinely benefit from work-related learning.”
A policy position seemingly at odds with the stance taken by a recent report by the Work & Pensions Committee which recommended that not only should work-related learning be incorporated into lessons at Key Stage 4, but also for younger students too.
However, new Ofsted requirements for schools to provide data on student destinations effective from September 2012 may place a greater focus on school’s wider approach to preparing their students for employment. In addition to a range of measures through which DfE will scrutinise the destination of students post-Key Stage 4/5, the new Ofsted requirements state:
“When evaluating the achievement of pupils, inspectors consider how well… pupils are prepared for the next stage of their education, training and/or employment.”
And in future, for a school to be considered Outstanding, it will need to ensure:
“Pupils, and particular groups of pupils, have excellent educational experiences at school and these ensure that they are very well equipped for the next stage of their education, training or employment.”
Tags: DfE, Key Stage 4, Ofsted, Work & Pensions Committee, work-related learning
The Work & Pensions Committee report was produced following its inquiry into the effectiveness of the Youth Contract measures, and whether they amounted to a “proportionate response to the youth unemployment problem”.
The committee examined a number of policy areas, including the reform of vocational education, Government’s proposal to raise the participation age (RPA), and changes to the way work-related learning and careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) are provided to young people by schools and colleges in England.
They received 36 written submissions and held five oral evidence sessions with Ministers, civil servants, academics, employer organisations, business owners, Work Programme providers and young people.
Almost all were concerned about the Government’s removal of a statutory duty to provide work-related learning in schools in England at Key Stage 4. In verbal evidence, the then Minister for Further Education, Skills and Learning felt these concerns were misplaced, claiming:
“When employers complain that 16 year-olds have not got employability skills, I do not quite know what they expect. What they might reasonably anticipate is that people can read, write and count, have a reasonable degree of self-discipline and have a reasonable set of values, which have been imparted in part by their family and in part by their schooling.”
In supplementary written evidence, the Government clarified its rationale for removing the duty, telling the Committee it was to: give school leaders freedom to use their professional judgement to meet pupil’s needs; respond to Professor Alison Wolf’s concerns about the quality of pre-16 work-related learning and her recommendation that efforts should be focused on improving post-16 work experience; and, address the wider context that all young people in England will be required to be in education or training until the age of 18.
Though the Committee supported the need to give school leaders flexibility in how they provide work-related learning, it dismissed the practical delivery concerns highlighted in the Wolf Report and echoed by some inquiry witnesses, saying:
“It would be regrettable if schools chose not to provide work-related learning for younger age groups as a result of the recent removal of the statutory duty at Key Stage 4. As well as arranging work experience placements where appropriate, we believe schools, in co-operation with local employers, should incorporate work-related learning into lessons at Key Stage 4 and for younger school students.
“We are concerned that the removal of a broadly defined statutory duty will send the message to schools that work-related learning is something they need not do. We request that, in response to this Report, the Government sets out how it envisages its new approach will enable schools to deliver effective work-related learning, including work experience where appropriate, for all school students.”
Tags: IAG, Key Stage 4, RPA, Work & Pensions Committee, Work Programme, work-related learning, Youth Contract
IEBE has published its response to the Government’s consultation on work-related learning (WRL). The Government wants to end the statutory entitlement to WRL for students in England at Key Stage 4. With youth unemployment at record levels, we believe this decision is wrong.
WRL helps young people learn about work, for work and through work. It takes place in the classroom, through projects and in the workplace. Much of the best WRL involves direct contact between employers and young people. They see how knowledge learned at school is used at work, develops their employability skills, and helps them find out about jobs and careers.
We believe that young people, employers and teachers want more WRL, not less.
Changing the law now could put young people’s employability at risk
WRL is already under pressure in schools. There is an almost exclusive focus on student performance in ‘traditional’ subjects. Many may see a change in the law as a reason to cut back even further.
Take action to protect WRL
In the next few days, IEBE will publish details of an online petition requesting Government to reverse its decision and protect WRL. We ask that you sign it and encourage your colleagues, clients and partners to do the same.
In the meantime, if you share our concerns please:
READ our full response to the government consultation paper
SEND your own response (deadline 4th January 2012)
Ends
Tags: DfE, KS4, work-related learning
On 9th June, over 200 people gathered at the Business Design Centre, Islington for BE2011, IEBE’s national convention.
In the past 12 months, a Schools White Paper has been published, Government has responded to the Wolf Review and public spending cuts have started to take hold.
BE2011 was an opportunity for everyone with an interest in work-related learning and enterprise education to get a feel for the national picture and exchange views about the way forward. Delegates came from schools, colleges, universities, businesses, central and local government, agencies, awarding bodies, trade associations and specialist providers. We were also delighted to welcome delegates from Australia and Sweden.
Asked what they wanted from the event, most delegates said “engage in great debate” and “get new ideas”. They were rewarded with a programme and an atmosphere that encouraged both debate about policy and a focus on pride, professionalism and good practice.
Take a look at more of our photos here.
Tags: BE2011 - IEBE's National Convention, Schools White Paper, Spending Cuts, Wolf Review, work-related learning
