Pretty sure this is what I've been saying for while

The assessment conference run by Cambridge Assessment had the head of Ofqual saying that grade C GCSE should be done away with as they make schools focus on C/D borderline.

Why is this a surprise, why is this revolutionary?

More on the Diplomas

Apparently, according to Ofsted, just one in three students who started a Diploma two years ago have passed.

It isn't the main learning, it's Functional Skills which is causing problems.

Sorry, but we've been saying this for several years now, teaching Functional Skills is hard but passing is just so worthwhile as can be seen from the success that the Diploma students are getting in new careers and apprenticeships.

I will keep saying it, just because it's hard, doesn't mean to say it's not worthwhile.

Jonathan

SSAT

Most schools these days are Specialist Schools. The spending review uncovered some very big news - all Government funding for SSAT (currently £13m) is to go.

I can't see how subscriptions from the schools will ever make up anything like this so if SSAT survives, then the new SSAT will be very much smaller indeed.

Making Sense of Functional Skills Newsletter Oct 19th

Our fortnightly look at the world of Functional Skills.

As we race toward the spending review later this week and half term next week, regular news seems to have been suspended. Nevertheless, a video about Education Policy at the Party conferences, support for Diplomas, an update on the Making Sense of Functional Skills Conference and a link to e-CPD for Functional Skills make up this fortnight's news.

Education Policy at the Party Conferences. Education journalist Mike Baker presents a 10 minute general summary of education policy from the party conference season. Click here for the link.

Developing a Diploma survival plan. At a surprisingly lively (and well attended) Delivering Diplomas conference last week, Sue Kirkham of ASCL spoke up for Diplomas.

"It would have a great deal of impact if employers were to say that this is not an easy option. It is rigorous and challenging and needs to have true value in league tables."

Making Sense of Functional Skills conference - book now! Making Sense of Functional Skills is in London on Tuesday 16th November. Join more than 100 like minded colleagues and a reminder that newsletter readers save £25 by using the promotion code NEWS25 before half term.

National Strategies e-CPD. A reminder that National Strategies keep a large source of on-line learning materials for Functional Skills on their website. This section is all about applied learning, progression and securing the use of Functional Skills.

Functional Skills resources from Guroo

Next issue! The next issue of the Functional Skills newsletter will be sent on Tuesday 2nd November, after both half term and the spending review. 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 - and don't forget the Making Sense of Functional Skills conference - I'm the chair!

Diplomas finding their niche?

Let's be absolutely clear, Diplomas = uncertainty.

But at the Sec-Ed organised conference last week (well done on getting this away guys by the way) there was, amongst the doom and gloom, just a glimmer of life that despite everything, the diploma is actually a great qualification!

Yes - it's hard to pass, but it's also good to teach and students with a Diploma are doing much better in today's tough economic climate in finding great jobs.

So students who persevere, pass Functional Skills and get their Diploma are fining lots of reward at the end of the day.

And that is good news!

Making Sense of Functional Skills conference

Making Sense of Functional Skills Conference

Mary Hard House, Bloomsbury, London

Tuesday 16th November

See the agenda here

Confirmed speakers

• Gareth Griffiths - YPLA
• Simon Nathan - CBI
• Richard Jackson - Job Train
• Stewart Hutton - Guroo
• Heather Frier - Functional Skills in Apprenticeships workshop
• Jane Williams - Functional Skills in Foundation Learning workshop
• Sally Bryant - Functional Skills in GCSE workshop
• with more still to confirm

The major Awarding Organisations are supporting the event with both a presence in the Marketplace and a chance to ask a burning question during AO Q&A.

Save money! If you are a current subscriber to Guroo, your school/college/institution is entitled to 1 free delegate place and 1 half price delegate place. Call Guroo for your code to use when booking. If you're not a subscriber, you can still save £25 on the already very reasonable delegate fee of £150 by using the promotion code NEWS25. Click here to go straight to the booking site.

Next issue! The next issue of the regular Functional Skills newsletter will be sent on Tuesday 19th October. 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!

Vocational Grade values wrong?

A piece in the TES today saying that the value of some vocational quals (BTEC and Nationals identified explicitly) should be reviewed.

Of course they should - why are we afraid of doing it?

Functional Skills Newsletter Oct 5th

Our bi-weekly look at the world of Functional Skills.

In this issue we have confirmation from the Government about Functional Skills, a link the new Delivering Diplomas magazine, news and links to relevant conferences and a reminder about the vocational education review.

Official Education Department guidance about Functional Skills. The Department have published a short, concise and remarkably readable FAQ guide confirming what is happening. There are no surprises, but it's nice to read this quote! Click here for a quick link.

"Functional Skills are currently included in the KS3 curriculum and should be taught as part of the revised KS4 curriculum from September 2010 .... schools and colleges should plan on this basis."

Delivering Diplomas magazine out now. A brand new issue edited by Chris Parr and featuring articles about results, Functional Skills, case studies, award winners, assessment and assignments is out now. Click here to get to the free digital version.

'Tis the season for conferences - Making Sense of Functional Skills & Delivering Diplomas both open for bookings now. Making Sense of Functional Skills is in London on Tuesday 16th November. Newsletter readers save £25 by using the promotion code NEWS25. Delivering Diplomas is in Birmingham on October 11th.

Vocational review reminder. Professor Alison Wolf of Kings College London is conducting the review covering organisations, funding, progression and the roles of key stake holders such as employers, AOs and training providers.

Functional Skills resources from Guroo

Next issue! The next issue of the Functional Skills newsletter will be sent on Tuesday 19th October. 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 - and don't forget the Making Sense of Functional Skills conference - I'm the chair!

To forward this email to a friend click here This email has been sent to you by Guroo Ltd Guroo Ltd evolve centre Rainton Bridge Business Park Cygnet Way Houghton le Spring DH4 7SL To edit your details/unsubscribe click here Sign-Up.to : Right Person. Right Place. Right Time.