After Dearing: what next?

Abstract

Following the review of 16 - 19 qualifications under the direction of Sir Ron Dearing undertaken in 1995 (see Physics Education News in May p133), the UK government has set out its proposals for action in the areas of education and training. It is intended to increase the rigour and standards of A-levels and vocational qualifications, increase participation with emphasis on core skills to prepare young people for work and higher education, reform training for young people with the introduction of the National Traineeships, and reduce bureaucracy through a more coherent framework of qualifications. Among the actions announced at the end of March was the creation of a new-style AS-level, new national certificates and a new national diploma. Core skills for employment (literacy, numeracy and information technology) will be improved by providing opportunities to develop these in all qualifications routes. The success of vocational qualifications will be built on, following the wide-ranging reviews of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs). Standards of achievement and participation in mathematics and science will be addressed with more rigorous and demanding courses and tougher examination papers. The successful National Record of Achievement will be introduced to young people under the age of 14 and new initiatives considered to provide work-related education for 14 - 16 year-olds. Finally it is planned to strengthen careers education and guidance to ensure young people have the best information about education, training and employment opportunities. In May the publication was announced of a consultation paper suggesting options for the future of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) and the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA). A merger of the two bodies (as recommended by the Dearing report) would combine their experience in delivery and assessment of the different range of qualifications, and enable schools, colleges and employers to work more closely with the single body which would result. An action plan is also in hand to address the main concerns of a recent review of NVQs and their Scottish equivalents (SVQs). Among the aims is: a reduction in bureaucracy and jargon; an increase in the range of assessment methods and external assessment where feasible in the workplace; introduction of the common presentation of information and the same procedures for Awarding Bodies; an increase in customer focus and a boost for the knowledge and understanding behind the qualifications; and reviews for each individual NVQ and SVQ over the next two years.