The future of post-16 level 3 and below vocational qualifications in England
In July the an immediate pause and review of the post-16 vocational qualification reform in England.
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The Government's Curriculum and Assessment Review gives us and the wider sector the opportunity to share our views on how curriculum and assessment can bring together a love of learning with fundamental knowledge and skills.
Here’s where you’ll find our insights and recommendations to support this important conversation.
In July the an immediate pause and review of the post-16 vocational qualification reform in England.
Today, 200,000 Level 2 BTEC results are being delivered to students in schools and colleges in the UK.ÌýÌýÌý Around 150,000 of these will be receiving the first qualification level BTEC results for the new Tech Awards (2022), as part of the government’s wider reform programme.Ìý ÃÛÌÒapp are one of a number of providers of these qualifications.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
Today, just over 200,000 Level 3 BTEC results will be issued to students in the UK.Ìý These young people can now progress into apprenticeships, higher or further education, or full-time employment, often in key industries that suffer from a shortage of skilled workers.ÌýÌý
In our response to the Government’s call for evidence, we shared recommendations for how meaningful change in education can be brought about. These include:
Alongside sharing our recommendations, we’re also showing how they can be made a reality.
To support this important conversation, we’ve approached our thinking in four focus areas, which underpin our recommendations and work moving forwards.
Knowledge, skills and breadth in the curriculum
We advocate for an ambitious curriculum with the right balance of foundational knowledge and skills, and the right level of breadth. For us, breadth includes the range of subjects studied, the breadth of opportunity in a subject, and the development of life/transferable skills. This must be considered carefully to achieve big picture goals for the curriculum with no unintended consequences.
Curriculum and the assessment system
We believe that curriculum should inform the assessment approach – not the other way around. In this area, we’ll consider what is most beneficial to assess and why, as well as what form of assessment is most appropriate. We’re especially interested in how technology and AI can contribute to improving the validity, reliability and management of assessment.
An inclusive curriculum and equitable assessment system
We believe in an inclusive curriculum and fair, equitable assessment approaches that support the diversity of all learners and allow them to show the best of their potential and capabilities. We believe technology has a role to play here in creating inclusive assessment.
Focusing teachers on what they do best and removing the barriers that get in the way of that is crucial in this important area. Here, we’ll share the learning, insights and practical examples from leaders, educators and learners on implementing a system that prepares young people for successful, rewarding and fulfilling futures – in life, work and future study.
To be the first to hear more about our Curriculum and Assessment Review viewpoints, sign up to our News and Policy updates. You can also share your thoughts with us directly via our social media channels.
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