14-19: Opportunity and Excellence
Department for Education and Skills, 2003

Background to the 14-19 curriculum
This summary of the Government's White Paper puts forward the vision to transform the learning experiences of young people aged 14-19 so that they are committed to continue learning, whether at school, college or in the workplace. It is acknowledged that to achieve the lower grades at GCSE is demotivating for many young people and discourages them from staying on in education. The aim is to address the unacceptably high drop-our rates and disengagement by offering young people, from the age of 14, a range of courses and qualifications covering a wider range of subjects and skills. English, maths and science will remain as compulsory subjects, as well as ICT, although this will increasingly be taught through other subjects. Young people will also be entitled to study literacy, numeracy and computer skills until the age of 19 to level 2 standard (GCSE or equivalent).

Preparation for work
High quality work-based training is being offered through an expanded and improved Modern Apprenticeships (MA) scheme. Young people who are not ready for apprenticeship join a new flexible and individually focused programme called Entry to Employment (E2E). Drawing on support from the Connexions Service, the programme will also target disadvantaged young people to help them access the MA route. More

Partnerships
Having a consistent approach to teaching and learning across the whole 11-19 age range in schools, colleges and workplaces means breaking down the barriers between schools and colleges, increase e-learning opportunities and develop consistent partnerships between learning and business so that employers, not only value the qualifications young people achieve, but they also champion the true value of vocational attainment. As a result of the Success for All reforms, aimed at improving the range, quality and choice in post-16 provision, there should be greater opportunities for partnerships so that students can draw on the strengths of several different institutions.

Guidance and support for young people
Key to these proposed 14-19 reforms is young people getting the right support and guidance to help them make the best choices. All schools will be encouraged to help young people from the end of Key Stage 3 to plan ahead for the whole of the 14-19 phase. Recent changes have meant that Education Maintenance Allowances which provide financial support to young people from poorer backgrounds to continue their studies will be extended across the country from September 2004.

A working group for 14-19 Reform, under the chairmanship of Mike Tomlinson, looked at the proposals in detail and produced a report on its findings. The Government responded with the 14-19 Education and Skills White Paper. For more details see the links below.

Links:

• The Tomlinson report
• 14-19 Education and Skills - the White Paper
• Key skills and basic skills
  
  
• For the Working Group on 14-19 Reform, and more information on Government approaches to 14 to 19-year-olds, visit www.14-19reform.gov.uk