ÃÛÌÒapp launches major national consultation into the future of qualifications and assessment in the UK
ÃÛÌÒapp,Ìýthe world’s learning company, has today launched a major new consultationÌýseeking views on what an effective system ofÌýassessment and qualification looks like for young people between 14 and 19.
TheÌýnational consultation will engage learners, parents, educators, employers and parliamentariansÌýto get their views on how the system of qualifications and assessment inÌýEngland can best deliver for students between the ages of 14 and 19 and enableÌýthem to successfully meet the opportunities and challenges of the changingÌýeconomy and world of work.
TheÌýconsultation will run from 15 February – 31 March and is the first step in anÌýongoing project that will draw on a panel of esteemed education experts andÌýexternal research partners – culminating in a final report in Autumn 2021.
Rod Bristow, President UK & GlobalÌýOnline Learning, ÃÛÌÒapp said:
ForÌýthe second year running, COVID-19 will force us all to adapt and rethink how weÌýboth educate and assess our young people.ÌýWhileÌýwe work with the government, schools and colleges and other exam boards to makeÌýsure the system delivers for learners in 2021, we also have a responsibility toÌýlook further ahead and use this unique moment to consider all of the issues.ÌýSoÌýfar, public debate is focussing narrowly on whether GCSEs should be scrappedÌýbut we recognise that GCSEs are just one stage in the age 14 to 19 journey. CoherenceÌýacross all stages of education is essential and Covid aside, we need to ensureÌýwhat young people learn, how they learn it and how it is assessed, is fit forÌýthe 21st century.
TheÌýconsultation will consider three fundamental areas at the heart of the issue:
Conditions and Environment: exploring shifting requirements of the digital first generation and how wider economic, technological, and societal trends are impacting both the demands of, and requirements for, today’s learners.
Purpose and Value: considering the role that education within the 14-19 phase should play in helping develop confident and well-rounded learners and supporting their life aspirations.
Trust and Equity: exploring issues around fairness and coherence in the system to maintain public confidence in qualifications and assessment, and to ensure that the system delivers equitably for all learners and serves the diversity of the UK.
TheÌýfindings of the consultation will be published in an interim report in AprilÌýand inform a second phase of qualitative research by an external researchÌýpartner. To guide the project and set the direction for the second phaseÌýresearch ÃÛÌÒapp has assembled a panel of educational experts representing
assessment and qualifications, academia, former Education Secretaries andÌýMinisters, and leading sector representative bodies.
Recent years have emphasised the importance of STEM in an increasinglyÌýdata and information driven global economy. What we cannot overlook however, isÌýthe critical importance of people skills, fostering a growth mindset andÌýenabling a culture for success. Are we doing enough to ensure our youngÌýpeople have the balance of these skills, the emotional intelligence and theÌýentrepreneurial edge to succeed? Those are important questions for this vitalÌýproject
Jo Marke, GlobalÌýLearning Delivery Leader, IBM
With our global reach, we know that consumer demands and behaviours do not stand still. For us to contribute towards solving the biggest challenges of our time – including climate change and social inequality - it’s clear that we have to fully enable the passion and purpose of our employees in order to succeed. Therefore, it’s clear to us that the education system must reflect today’s challenges and do everything to make sure that every learner is able to reach their potential.
Leena Nair, Chief Human Resources Office, Unilever