UK education: what's new

Abstract

Towards the end of 1997 various developments were announced that would naturally have an effect on UK education. The first of these was the launch of a new examination board, Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR), following the merger of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and the Royal Society of Arts Examinations Board. OCR is the last of the three unitary bodies to be set up following the UK government's consultation earlier in the year, and it will offer both academic and vocational qualifications - A-levels, GCSEs and GNVQs. All three awarding bodies are now in place in readiness for the summer 1998 examinations, with the aim of ensuring that both vocational and academic qualifications are equally worthwhile and equally valued. Plans were also unveiled for each new teacher to complete a year's induction course on starting their first school. This trial year, which would become the norm in every school, would involve new teachers being shadowed by a more experienced colleague and being offered guided support to ensure they had fully mastered the skills necessary in the classroom, before being confirmed as teachers. This structured planned support and development is intended to reflect guidance issued by the Teacher Training Agency, and the induction year in general will set the pace and direction for the teachers' future professional development. Also announced at the same time was a professional qualification for new head teachers, and a General Teaching Council which should give a single voice to the teaching profession, as well as provide a new engine for change together with a driving force for higher teaching standards. In addition, further funding was earmarked to enable extra schools to join those already delivering Part One GNVQ courses to 14 - 16 year-olds. This should mean that from September 1998 over 600 schools will be participating in the scheme, which has proved very popular with students, teachers, parents and employers.