New 14-19 Curriculum

Description

In this programme, we take an in-depth look at what the future could hold in store for vocational courses.

By 2010, the government wants to offer a range of 14 specialised vocational diplomas alongside the existing A-Levels.

This falls far short of the recommendations made by former chief schools inspector Sir Mike Tomlinson, who suggested replacing GCSEs and A-levels with a four-part diploma encompassing academic subjects, vocational training and key skills like literacy and numeracy.

So, will vocational courses continue to be regarded as the poor relation to A-levels?

Peter Curran discusses the issue with Tomlinson committee member Ken Spours from the Institute of Education and Louise Potter, policy advisor for the Chambers of Commerce.

We also visit John Moores University in Liverpool, where teachers are trained specifically to teach vocational courses, whilst Fiona Flynn from the TES visits a London sixth form college that firmly believes in encouraging its students along a vocational path.

Part of the series: CareerWise