There are currently a number of changes and developments

that affect the learning for young people in the 14-19 age range.

The over-arching aims of these reforms is to make learning more relevant, motivating and engaging for young people and equip them with the skills they will need to succeed in the future – in learning, work or life. The reforms are also designed to keep more young people learning for longer – at school, college or in work through the apprenticeship system.

Some of the main changes will be:

• A greater focus on the 3Rs which are the functional skills needed for everyday life. New qualifications in English, Maths and ICT are being developed that can either be embedded in GCSEs or be taken as stand alone qualifications.

• More stretching options on both general and applied routes and activities which extend young people. For example extended projects that will develop high level planning and research skills.

• Changes to the Secondary Curriculum. This will make sure that all young people have a good grounding in the basics whilst freeing up time for schools to offer extra support to some learners or the opportunity for young people to follow individual talents or interests.

• A greater choice of vocational routes with qualifications that give young people the broad education and practical experience they need to progress further in learning as well as into employment. This will be largely covered by the new Diplomas. From 2008 learners will begin to have opportunities to follow new qualifications from age 14-19 in areas such as Society Health and Development, Creative Media, Construction and the Built Environment, Information and Communication Technology, and Engineering. More areas will come on board and by 2013 all young people will be entitled to choose any one of the new 14 Diplomas.

In order to achieve these reforms, schools, colleges and training providers will need to work together – in partnership: they won’t be able to deliver these new qualifications on their own. Employers will also need to be involved in order to give young people an understanding of the world of work and the skills they need to develop. Staff may also need extra training so that they can confidently deliver these new qualifications.

Apart from changes in the curriculum, many areas are having to make changes to their infrastructures – such as building new vocational centres, changing timetables and reviewing transport systems.

One of the key areas that supports these changes is the provision of high quallity information, advice and guidance (IAG) so that young people (and their parents/carers) are confident that they are making informed choices that are right for them.

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