In this issue we come back to the issue of English and maths and how
policy is developing. Whilst the short term is secure (GCSE or Functional
Skills) there may be lots of changes planned for 2017 when the requirement for
continuing study in English and maths will be "stepped up".
We've also got news of an important new product from Guroo - KISS
Assessment for Functional Skills is a simple and straightforward assessment
that produces a full diagnostic for Functional Skills - and nothing else and is
designed for those who just "want the diagnostic". Finally, we
have news of recorded and live webinars.
As always, we aim to send this newsletter out every two weeks, your
comments and thoughts are always appreciated - let us know what you'd like us
to cover in the newsletter by emailing the editor - jwells@guroo.co.uk
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GCSE, Bite Size or Functional Skills in
2017?
In the words of the late Clive Dunn "don't panic",
as it will be four years before any changes are likely to come into place.
Nevertheless, policy is being formed as we speak so it's a timely chance
to look at the options for English and maths, and indeed for vocational
education as a whole.
We've seen over the last few weeks a definite shift in
moving Apprenticeships "upmarket". Research
from EDGE and C&G suggests
that employers agree with this view, the BBC report on the same subject was equally
supportive.
Common to all these themes is the need to put more emphasis
on English and maths. Last month, The Government indicated GCSE was their
preferred "long term aim", AELP
rejected this saying GCSE
wasn't fit for purpose with limited assessment windows and supported Functional
Skills. This week, we see support for "Stepping
Stone or Progression" qualifications as
being another route towards GCSE, not unreasonable as these "bite
sized" qualifications are often described as "little bits of
Functional Skills".
So the outcome? None yet, but if you have a view, let us
know and we'll try to draw views together.
Simple, straightforward self-registered
initial assessment and diagnostic from Guroo - now available from 95p
In direct response to customer demand, the Guroo guys have
developed a brand new, simple, straightforward, easy to use, "does what it
says on the tin" initial assessment for Functional Skills that produces a
detailed diagnostic mapped to all Functional Skills criteria automatically and
instantly.
We've called it KISS
Assess for Functional Skills. Why KISS? It's a
bit of an in-house secret but if you call us, we'll tell you!
KISS Assess for Functional Skills uses self -registration, so it's absolutely perfect for
pre-recruitment or interview where you'd like potential learners to arrive with
a completed Functional Skills level and diagnostic.
A typical learner will complete each subject assessment in
around 40 minutes, and with no tutor marking needed, plus Guroo's famous rigour
and expert knowledge of Functional Skills comes as standard.
Want to know more - call us and we'll show you in a webinar,
or join us on Wednesday at 4.00pm for KISS Functional Skills webinar.
OCR Blog - Initial and Diagnostic
Assessment - an engaging tool?
A nice little piece looking at some of the wider advantages
of a rigorous initial assessment and diagnostic tool written by Garry
Haynes of OCR.
It also brings attention back to the need for rigour in
initial assessment, and with the Ofsted focus on "stretch", using an
initial assessment and diagnostic tool that is rigorous is very important.
After all, a learner with a marginal level 1 assessment will be expected
to move straight to level 2, a challenge for many learners in that category.
If you'd like to receive a copy of the White Paper - Initial
Assessment in Functional Skills, simply email
us and we'll send you a pdf
copy by return.
Wednesday Webinar at 4.00pm
"KISS Assess for Functional Skills" is Wednesday's
webinar with Jonathan Wells, on Wednesday 27th November at 4pm.
A guided tour of the simple and straightforward assessment
tool that produces a full Functional Skills diagnostic and nothing else!
We record every session as we know that many more people enjoy coming
back for the recording afterwards, so if you want to join or just want to watch
the recording, just drop an email to info@guroo.co.uk
Join us on Wednesday 27th November at 4pm.
All previous
webinars are recorded and available anytime for playback - login as a guest and
the password is password. Simply click on
the links below and don’t forget, if you’d like to have your own 1:1 webinar
looking at how Guroo can help you support Functional Skills, just call us on
0191 305 5045 or email info@guroo.co.uk and we’ll take it from there.
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