But what is more interesting to me is that it's been made longer, harder and supposedly more rigorous - we shall see.
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Obvious really
Ofqual say that the OCR National in ICT was far too easy - now that's not news as we all know that's the case, that's why it's the most popular "choose to do" qualification offered by schools.
Certainty is good, it's a shame it had to be delayed
Well, you could look at the announcement by John Hayes that Key Skills stay for a short period as being bad news for Functional Skills, but read further and in fact it's very good news.
It turns out that not only did ALP/AoC ask for an extension because they "weren't ready" (see below), but they also wanted a report into evidence that Key Skills work - something that has been flatly refused.
Functional Skills are not going anywhere and the sooner that institutions realise this, the better for all concerned. It's just a shame they can't come now as they are badly needed and every business person that I speak to (and that's a lot) agree that kids with Functional Skills are simply better at understanding the real world!
(The pilot started in 2007 so we're now in the 5th year of Functional Skills availability and every College was involved in the pilot.)
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Making Sense of Functional Skills Newsletter Dec 14th
Our fortnightly look at the world of Functional Skills.
Functional Skills at BETT 2011 - The BETT show is held at Olympia from Wednesday 12th to Saturday 15th January. We did a search of all exhibitors to see who was focusing on Functional Skills and Foundation Learning and the following companies came out on top:
- Guroo - J11, National Hall Main Floor.
- CIA Training - SW26, National Hall Gallery.
- BKSB - T10, National Hall Gallery.
- Creating Careers - SW4, National Hall Gallery
- Amazing Interactives - L49, National Hall Main Floor.
- Making Sense of Functional Skills presentation in the Software Theatre SW5 on Thursday at 1pm.
Schools funding and pupil premium - Judging by announcements on Sunday and Monday, it looks like schools funding will just about keep pace with inflation but the introduction of the pupil premium (£430 for all FSM pupils) will mean some re-distribution from April 2011. Without wanting to bring politics into the discussion, reality indicates that a higher proportion of FSM pupils will be involved in Foundation Learning so the extra funding is a welcome addition to the funding landscape for this group. More on the story here.
Section 96 qualifications stopped. We understand that all post-16 and pre-16 qualifications have been approved where they meet the criteria, but a number of pre 16 qualifications are still being examined to identify if they are QCF replacements for NQF qualifications. Ofqual are unlikely to approve ANY qualifications for pre-16 learners until the Wolf report is published around Easter. The effect of this is actually quite large, as it covers pretty much every new qualification designed for schools including new BTEC and OCR Nationals. A full list of funded qualifications is here.
What's new in Guroo 2.0 video - Brand new randomised Functional Skills quizzes, the release of My Functional SkillsTM to track learning progress, and significant updates to the layout, interactive tasks, multimedia and download documents means Guroo 2.0 is a long "hop" forward in Functional Skills resources. Find out what's new in this 12 minute video - click the seasonal logo below (or go to www.guroo.info/#g2).
Next issue! The next issue of the Functional Skills newsletter will be after the New Year on Tuesday 4th January. If you have a story, a question or a suggestion - please contact jwells@guroo.co.uk Please also feel free to forward this newsletter to your Functional Skills friends, it's free, informative and occasionally just a little bit of fun.
Pupil Premium a good start?
£430 for pupils on Free School Meals, the same for Looked After Children an £200 for children from an Army background.
Maybe the final numbers are not as big as those originally suggested (my estimate is they are worth an extra 8%) but they will make a difference.
What will be interesting to see is how schools apply the premium. It isn't ring fenced so whilst it follows the deprived youngster, it isn't necessarily spent on that person. If schools start to use it for other intervention strategies (perhaps to boost borderline C/D performance) instead of Foundation Learning, then I think we'll quickly see this policy change.
But at this stage, it's a good start in my view.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
International standings
The OECD reported (and Daily Mail has interpreted as usual) the story that England (I guess that Scotland and NI are excluded) has fallen even further behind in Maths, English and Science.
I shall be brave an put forward a hypothesis as to why - targets resulting in silo teaching.
If you set a simple target - in this case pass GCSE at grade C, then all available resources will be focussed in influencing that, where it can be influenced - ie at the borderline - to the exclusion of all else. Further because the pressure is on teachers to get their students through their subject, teachers do not worry that students can't do Maths or spell so long as they can show enough knowledge to get through their subject.
And yes - the Humanities teacher at my daughter's school did tell us at a parents evening when reviewing a badly spelled essay - it's not my job to teach English, I'm only interested in getting her through the Humanities exam.
Classic silo teaching to one specific target an it serves no-one except the target.
That's why every pupil should be truly functional in Maths and English and every teacher in every subject should carry that responsibility.
Rant over ......... Jonathan
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Good reporting in Sec-Ed
Leader by Pete Henshaw and a good piece by the AAT all about vocational education and the white paper.
should get you there.
Jonathan
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Functional Skills Newsletter Nov 30th
Our fortnightly look at the world of Functional Skills.
Vince Cable and John Hayes launch Skills for Sustainable Growth - After a three month consultation, BIS have published their strategy for skills and FE. Click here for a quick link. We noted paragraph 20 of the "investing" document goes a lot further than ever before in suggesting that Functional Skills will replace current Adult Basic Skills from 2012/13.
The Education White Paper - We went through all 90 pages of the "Importance of Teaching" white paper with a fine tooth comb and whilst there is no specific reference to Functional Skills, there is certainly nothing negative either. Here's three items we picked out:
"We will review the operation of the current ‘basic skills’ tests of literacy and numeracy which teachers are required to pass before they can practice. We will make sure student teachers take the test at the start rather than the end of the course, reduce the scope for retaking (currently one in seven teachers re-sits one of the tests more than three times), and strengthen the rigour of the tests to ensure they set a high enough standard." Editors note - is this Functional Skills for teachers perhaps?
"While good vocational qualifications are important and valuable, too many young people are following courses because they are easy for schools or colleges to deliver or because they confer advantages in the accountability system."
"Professor Wolf will also consider what controls are needed to ensure that vocational qualifications offered to students in schools, colleges or independent training providers up to the age of 19 are as robust and appropriate as GCSEs and A Levels."
Fact, predictions and rumours! Coming as a direct result of the conversations we had at the Making Sense of Functional Skills conference, we think:
- Fact - From August 2011, the Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy qualifications, will not be approved under Section 96 and therefore will not be eligible for public funding for young people (under the age of 19 years). Click here for more information on Section 96. Editors note - this link is also great for seeing which qualifications are approved.
- Prediction - We are starting to hear about good empirical evidence that shows Functional Skills improves GCSE attainment. We'll keep all readers informed of what we find out.
- Rumour - Key skills will get another terms stay of execution for those enrolled on Apprenticeships now.
Regional Conferences - After the success of the first event in London (the pic below was taken at the conference) we're planning four more. Oldham and Exeter are planned for late February/early March with Walsall and Grantham early/mid June. Go to www.guroo.info/events to download presentations from London.
Functional Skills resources from Guroo
Next issue! The next issue of the Functional Skills newsletter will be back to the regular schedule on Tuesday 14th December. If you have a story, a question or a suggestion - please contact jwells@guroo.co.uk Please also feel free to forward this newsletter to your Functional Skills friends, it's free, informative and occasionally just a little bit of fun.
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Monday, 29 November 2010
More vocational push
A nice piece in the Guardian today.
Government skills strategy aims to address 'failings' in training
Vince Cable pledges to increase apprenticeships and vocational training, despite spending cuts
The government today announced moves to tackle the "current failings" in skills training, while admitting that savings will have to be made because of cuts in public spending.
Business secretary Vince Cable said the government wanted to improve workers' skills aand engage them in learning. "If we are to achieve sustainable growth, nothing is more important than addressing current failings in skills training, and this strategy reflects this government's determination to do both.
"We are not in a position to throw money at the problem, but even against the backdrop of reductions, resource will be found to expand the apprenticeship programme for adults and support more people undertaking an increasingly respected form of vocational training."
He said reforms included expanding adult apprenticeships, so that by 2014-15 there will be be 75,000 more places than under the Labour government's plans.
Government-backed loans will be available from 2013-14 for learners over the age of 24, while a "growth and innovation" fund of up to £50m will be launched.
Skills minister John Hayes said: "The government's skills strategy is one of the most important documents yet published by the coalition government. Helping business and individuals gain the skills they need is vital to helping the country gain economic strength and build sustainable growth in the long term.
"Despite a reduction in the further education and skills budget, we are continuing to protect and invest in programmes that provide the highest quality and greatest benefit to the maximum number of people."
Under the spending review, the further education budget will be cut by 25% by 2014-15.
Dr Adam Marshall, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "We are pleased that the government's new approach to skills has business growth at its heart.
"The government has taken up a number of our long-standing recommendations, including the need to focus limited resources on technical skills, on apprenticeships, and on helping small and medium-sized businesses get access to the right workforce. After all, these are the companies that will drive employment and productivity growth in the years to come."
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "There is much to welcome in the strategy – plans to increase the number of apprenticeships, continued free courses for adults who struggle with their reading and writing, and the recognition that unions are key to helping people sign up for learning at work.
"But at a time when UK employers are still putting far too little money into training their staff, cuts to the funding of courses which adults can currently access for free will force many more employees who want to get on at work to fund their own training.
"At a time when inflation is high, pay is being squeezed and hundreds of thousands of job losses are on the cards, paying for training is likely to be a very low priority for cash-strapped workers."
Sally Hunt, the University and College Union general secretary, said: "We welcome the government's intention to raise the status of vocational education, but is it realistic to expect private sector employers to take on three-quarters of a million adult apprentices during an economic downturn?
"Many adult students doing vocational courses are in low-skilled, low-paid jobs and will be forced to rely on loans to fund their study. We know from research that it is people from low-income households who are most likely to be put off by the prospect of debt. Some will decide expensive retraining financed through credit is not an option."
Christina McAnea, Unison's head of education, said: "This is not a strategy for sustainable growth. Cuts in further education and skills will be disastrous for learners, colleges and the wider economy. Millions of people will be saddled with debt trying to get a decent education if the government gets its way.
"Learners not only have to face huge job and course cuts: those seeking financial help will see their funding slashed and be left struggling to start out or re-skill after the recession."
Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "We recognise the importance of having people with the right skills for employment, but we are disappointed that these proposals are totally focused on the economy rather than the needs of learners."
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
We got a mention in Parliament
I met Bridget when i was down in London for the launch of Sunderland's Economic Master Plan. She clearly listened and all credit to her for taking action as well.
....Bridget then spoke of the successful partnership of Sunderland City Council, One North East, University of Sunderland and the business community in pioneering services such as the e-volve centre and Sunderland Software City. These combined efforts have attracted software companies estimated at a worth of £250 million to the region, including Fifth Generation Technologies, Codeworks, DigitalCity, The Test Factory, Raise a Tree, and Guroo.
At last some college good news?
Or maybe it's bad news for the schools......
We will consult on developing and introducing a clear,
transparent and fairer national funding formula based
on the needs of pupils and end the disparity in funding
for 16–18 year-olds.
White paper today.
Teachers will have to pass Functional Skills!
From the white paper published today:
Second, we will review the operation of the current ‘basic skills’ tests of literacy
and numeracy which teachers are required to pass before they can practice. We
will make sure student teachers take the test at the start rather than the end of
the course, reduce the scope for retaking (currently one in seven teachers re-sits
one of the tests more than three times).
I think that means that teachers will have to pass their functional skills!
FS newsletter Nov 18th
Our fortnightly look at the world of Functional Skills.
Apologies for this edition being late - but on the usual publication date (Tuesday) we were all tied up at the first "Making Sense of Functional Skills" conference in London. With keynote speakers from Local Authorities, Colleges, Work Based Learning, YPLA and the CBI, what better to fill this edition with than copies of their presentations!
Making Sense of Functional Skills, London, November 2010
If you weren't there, the one-line summary messages from the keynote speakers were:
Gill Scott, Manchester LA
You can use Functional Skills to support attainment, especially in GCSE. Manchester are doing it and their learners "get it". There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but you can do it.
Gareth Griffiths, YPLA
There is a good deal of excellence in education, but too little equality. We are still failing our most disadvantaged learners. Functional Skills has a part to play in giving those learners a chance.
Freda Leaning, Grimsby Institute
People are working on producing diagnostic and levelling tools for Functional Skills - but it isn't as easy as it was for previous qualifications!
Richard Jackson, Camden Job Train
Work based learning is a powerful way to engage learners - especially NEETs and similar groups - but they still have to be "knowingly competent" with Functional Skills.
Simon Nathan, CBI
The CBI supports robust qualifications and sees Functional Skills as an important part of employability.
Copies of the presentations are available online from the Guroo events page
Future Events
Following the success of, and feedback from this first event, we'll be sitting down soon to scope out dates and locations for the next events around the country. These will drill down to an extra level of detail regarding practical delivery of Functional Skills teaching and learning, and will focus on "for practitioners by practitioners" guidance and sharing of best practice and experience. More details very soon!
Exam officers - updated information about administering Functional Skills assessments. Judging by the questions to the Awarding Organisations and QCDA on Tuesday, it's clear everyone is hungry for detail, detail, detail. A good place to start is the updated guidance is available here.
Functional Skills resources from Guroo
Next issue! The next issue of the Functional Skills newsletter will be back to the regular schedule on Tuesday 30th November. If you have a story, a question or a suggestion - please contact jwells@guroo.co.uk Please also feel free to forward this newsletter to your Functional Skills friends, it's free, informative and occasionally just a little bit of fun.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Functional Skills exams
http://muchfurthereducation.wordpress.com/
I picked this up through my google tracker and I did like the description of the nervousness of the Functional Skills exam compared to ALAN (which is now effectively banned in schools).
Juts though it was interesting.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Book now - Functional Skills conference
A final reminder - Making Sense of Functional Skills Conference
Tuesday 16th November at Mary Ward House, 5-7 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN
The final agenda and speakers have been released
9.30 Registration and marketplace
10.00 Jonathan Wells (Chair) Introduction and welcome
10.15 Gill Scott (Manchester LA) Raising attainment with Functional Skills
10.30 Gareth Griffiths (YPLA) Closing the GAP with Functional Skills
10.45 Freda Leaning (Grimsby Institute) A Diagnostic for Entry Level Functional Skills
11.00 Break and marketplace
11.20 Morning Workshop
12.15 Lunch and marketplace
1.15 Stewart Hutton (Guroo) A lighthearted look at Functional Skills from our sponsors
1.35 Richard Jackson (Camden JobTrain) What it all means to a training provider
1.50 Simon Nathan (CBI) Employability and employers views
2.05 Break and marketplace
2.25 Afternoon Workshop
3.20 Ask the Awarding Organisations and Speakers
3.35 Final comments and end
We have four workshops run by expert Functional Skills practitioners repeated am/pm in addition to the keynotes led by:
· Jane Williams who will run Functional Skills in Foundation Learning.
· Heather Frier running Functional Skills in Apprenticeships.
· Gill Scott will take Functional Skills in GCSE.
· Sally Bryant will run Using Guroo to Support Functional Skills.
Your last chance to book - click the banner below for full event details or click here to go directly to the bookings page.
Once you have registered, choose off-line payment to received an invoice. Don't forget to use the promotion code NEWS25 to claim your discount and pay only £125. Guroo subscribers go free - call the Guroo Guys on 0191 305 5045 for your promotion code.
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Sunday, 7 November 2010
The easy exam option argument rumbles on ...
Comments form a Radio 5 investigation .... linked form the BBC education site.
"If you are a head teacher you'd want to get the best results you could and so you seek out the best awarding body offering the best way forward.
"The awarding bodies know that and so they make it possible for everybody to succeed.
"So everybody is pushing at the edges of the rules. It's the professional foul really, it's the sleight of hand - everybody is testing the tolerance to the limit."
This is the view of Professor Mick Waters, a former director at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority - the body responsible for overseeing educational standards in England, until it was dissolved earlier this year.
Speaking to 5 live Investigates he also claims that the new exam regulator for England, The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a "toothless" watchdog, incapable of dealing with the problem.
Professor Waters' comments have been strongly denied by Ofqual, but they are likely to inflame the ongoing row over academic standards and specifically the publication of league tables, which have been the subject of controversy ever since they were introduced in 1992.
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