Home > News > October 2004 > 19-Oct-2004

Evolution not revolution - Tomlinson

Proposals for a new diploma framework designed to strengthen existing qualifications and raise achievement were published today in the Final Report of the Working Group on 14-19 Reform.

The report sets out detailed recommendations for a framework of learning that aims to ensure that all young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and progress in education, employment and adult life. Key proposals in the report include:

• a new diploma qualification awarded at four levels: entry, foundation, intermediate and advanced
• a two part framework consisting of mandatory core learning which would focus on developing basic skills and main learning which would comprise a young person's subject study (including the KS4 requirements)
• the replacement of the large quantity of externally set coursework with an extended project. This piece of work would develop research, analysis and presentation skills and allow a young person to study a chosen subject or subjects in depth
• all learners offered access to programmes that would ensure they had every component necessary to achieve their full potential

The Group, chaired by former chief inspector Mike Tomlinson, was established to tackle a number of longstanding weaknesses in the education system including low post-16 participation, low levels of basic skills, an over-burdensome assessment system and a poor vocational offer.

The recommendations for reform are designed to ensure that all young people have a mastery of functional maths, functional literacy and communication and ICT. In order to gain the diploma, all students would have to pass tests in all three subjects.

The Group have set out proposals for a new diploma framework to establish a structure for reform that they believe would:

• be more rigorous than the current system
• place literacy and numeracy at its centre
• stretch and challenge all young people
• reduce the burden of assessment
• offer high quality vocational education
• encourage more people to stay in education and achieve highly

Launching the report yesterday, Mike Tomlinson said: "The status quo is simply not an option. Nor do we believe further piecemeal changes are desirable. The way ahead is through evolution rather than revolution. Our recommendations build upon the best of the current system to strengthen and deepen existing qualifications.

"The framework we propose meets the present challenges head on and provides a blueprint that places core skills at its heart. The recommendations seek to engage all young people, to stretch and challenge learners, particularly the most able, and to raise the achievement of all."

The reports launch has attracted comment from a wide range of organisations.

TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said: "This is a milestone report and offers a real chance for us to bridge the gap between academic and vocational learning. The greater choice will engage more young people in learning and afford them the opportunity to unlock their full potential."

Michael Geoghegan, the Director and Chief Executive of HSBC Bank, said: "HSBC supports the principles in the thinking of the Tomlinson Working Group on 14-19 reform. HSBC endorses the need to develop not only the intellectual capacities of young people but also their competencies and skills and acknowledges the fact that learning takes place through classroom teaching and also through practical projects, activities, work experience and community involvement."

The CBI said the Tomlinson report is strong on vision but added that there is not enough detail on how the new qualifications would improve literacy and numeracy.

"Tomlinson sets out a clear vision of where he wants to get, but business will be wanting to see how the government plans to get there," said John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General. "The CBI cannot yet give a green light to these proposals. Business must be convinced that more will be gained than lost by reorganising 14-to-19 qualifications.

"The Tomlinson report is chiefly about qualification reform. Business is primarily concerned with raising literacy and numeracy standards. It is encouraging that Tomlinson proposes a new qualification in basic skills, as well as fit-for-purpose vocational qualifications. There is a lot to consider and we will be consulting companies in detail to determine our final position on this vital issue."

Dr Sandy Hewitt, Director of Early Career Development and Professional Frame at Rolls-Royce plc said: "Rolls-Royce plc welcomes the findings on 14-19 Reform and endorses the key themes contained in the final report. We are encouraged that there will be plenty of 'stretch' built into the proposals for youngsters at all levels, and we support the strong focus placed on key literacy and numeracy skills."

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) welcomed the report. Victoria Gill, Learning, Training and Development Adviser at the CIPD, said: "The proposal to strengthen the vocational qualification system and include more ‘employability' related learning is an important step forward. Placing a greater focus on both basic skills and efforts to stretch more able students will be welcomed by our members, who report increasing skills shortages.

"The emphasis on the needs of the individual learner that lies at the heart of these proposed reforms is an extremely positive step. Only by allowing learning to continue, with progression available at different stages in an individual's career and life development, will we be able to continue to close the skills gap. If these proposals are accepted, the focus must remain making the new system clear, credible and relevant for those using qualifications as criteria and those entering the system."

Dr John Dunford, General Secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, also supported the proposals. "Secondary school leaders will strongly support the Tomlinson recommendations. We see A level and GCSE courses as the building blocks of the new Diploma system, which will create a stronger, more coherent qualifications structure, raise the esteem of vocational awards and reduce the burden of external examinations.

"The proposals for chartered assessors are particularly welcome in placing more trust in the professional judgement of teachers to carry out internal assessment to external standards.

"This is a long-term reform programme that will benefit from the consensus that Mike Tomlinson has built around his proposals and I look for support from all political parties, as well as universities and employers."

External link

For more information and to view the full report visit:
www.14-19reform.gov.uk

Please note: Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

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