14-19 curriculum and qualifications reform: final report of the Working Group on 14-19 Reform

This is the final report of the Working Group formed to provide advice on the reform of curriculum and assessment arrangements for 14 to 19 year olds in England. The report documents the Group's proposals and recommendations for reform, building on the strengths of the current system and dealing with its weaknesses. The proposals are based on two related developments: (1) a common format for all 14-19 learning programs incorporating general skills and knowledge and individualised curriculum; and (2) a unified framework of diplomas providing clear and transparent pathways into further and higher learning, training and employment that are valued by employers and higher education. The reforms are intended to: (1) raise participation and achievement; (2) get the basics of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills right; (3) strengthen vocational routes by improving the quality and status of vocational programs delivered by schools, colleges and training providers; (4) provide greater stretch and challenge by ensuring opportunities for greater breadth and depth of learning to help employers and universities to differentiate more effectively between high achievers; (5) reduce the assessment load for learners, teachers, institutions and the system as a whole; and (6) render the system more transparent and easier to understand by rationalising 14-19 curriculum and qualifications within a diploma framework, where progression routes and the value of qualifications are clear. The report issues the challenge of how to fulfil the needs and aspirations of every young person. The contents are: Executive summary and summary of recommendations; Introduction; A unified framework for 14-19 learning; Themes; Delivering the new system.

The white paper responding to the challenge issued in this report is indexed at TD/IRD 88.163. The interim report of the Working Group is indexed at TD/TNC 77.322.

This is the final report of the Working Group formed to provide advice on the reform of curriculum and assessment arrangements for 14 to 19 year olds in England. The report documents the Group's proposals and recommendations for reform, building on the strengths of the current system and dealing with its weaknesses. The proposals are based on two related developments: (1) a common format for all 14-19 learning programs incorporating general skills and knowledge and individualised curriculum; and (2) a unified framework of diplomas providing clear and transparent pathways into ...  [+] Show more