′AT LAST, A BOOK ABOUT THIS MOST VEXED PART OF THE CURRICULUM WHICH IS OBJECTIVE, HONEST AND RESEARCH-BASED. These two well-established authors have done what even supposedly neutral writers of official reports have been unable to do and this is because they emerge as having only one ′axe to grind′, namely what is best for the students and the country. Showing only too clearly the confusions and competitions which have bedevilled provision for this age group, THE AUTHORS′ VIEWS ARE CONVINCING AND CREDIBLE PARTLY BECAUSE-UNUSUALLY- THEY COME FROM NEITHER A ′PRO-SCHOOL′ OR A ′PRO-COLLEGE′ LOBBY.( Read , for example, the chapter on leadership to see how leaders in the two sectors-but providing for the same young people ! - can be seen being encouraged to move in different directions.) They rightly argue that this not the point. Although, like others, they argue that partnerships are the way ahead, they show that these so far have a poor record. Their arguments, all firmly based on clear analysis of the politics and resourcing of 14-19 education, and constantly referenced by the experiences of young people of fourteen to nineteen years, are set in a totally realistic perspective and, as they conclude, the price of future failure in this provision will be calamitous. LEADERS IN BOTH THE SCHOOLS AND THE POST-16 SECTORS SHOULD READ THIS BOOK AND REFLECT ON THE WHOLE PICTURE IT OFFERS OF WHAT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. Policy makers should do the same but whether they have the will and courage to act accordingly is a matter for future debate′ - David Middlewood ′The reform of the 14-19 stage of education and training in England is likely to be on the policy agenda for the next two decades, but until now our understanding of 14-19 education, like the stage itself, has been incoherent and fragmented. Lumby and Foskett provide a comprehensive, authoritative and readable account of the recent history and current state of 14-19 education. They challenge some of the myths and misconceptions that have grown up around it. I recommend this book to all people with an interest in 14-19 education in England and in the current attempts to reform it′ - Professor David Raffe, Centre for Educational Sociology, University of Edinburgh Schools and colleges are being asked to deal with fundamental changes in 14-19 education. Designed to support policy makers, practitioners and students of education in improving their understanding of this phase of education, the authors present a discussion of the evolution of policy and practice across schools and colleges, and their possible future development. A range of educational institutions are discussed with specific reference to changes in government policy, the curriculum, support services, and the advent of Learning and Skills Councils.

This White Paper details the Government's 10-year reform programme for secondary and post-secondary education for 14-19 year olds, and sets out its response to the recommendations of the Tomlinson report (Working Group on 14-19 Reform final report available at www.14-19reform.gov.uk) published in October 2004. Proposals include: i) retention of GCSEs and A levels as the cornerstones of the education system (rather than adopting a universal baccalaureate-style qualification), but making improvements such as ensuring it is impossible to get a GCSE grade C or above without functional numeracy and literacy skills, promoting science GCSEs, allowing the most able A level students to take HE modules in the sixth form, and reducing the assessment burden at A level; ii) introducing new specialised Diplomas, covering both academic and vocational subjects as well as work experience, at three levels equivalent to foundation, GCSE and advanced level. The first four Diplomas will be available by 2008 for information and communication technology (ICT), engineering, health and social care, creative and media subjects; iii) developing a pilot programme for 14-16 year olds by 2007-08, based on the post-16 Entry to Employment programme, which will give pupils intensive personal guidance and support, involve significant work-based learning, lead to a level 1 Diploma with a range of further options including apprenticeships; iv) other proposals including introducing models of moderated teacher assessment in compulsory subjects to help raise standards across the curriculum; and introducing a 'pupil profile' for all 14 year old to record their cross-curricula achievements.

The 14-19 education reform programme aims to increase young people's participation in education and training beyond age 16 and raise their educational attainment. Central to the programme are new Diploma qualifications, being introduced between September 2008 and 2013, in 14 different occupational areas that offer a blend of academic and vocational learning. This report examines: giving all young people access to Diplomas; reducing complexity and communicating simply; and having the capability to deliver the reforms. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (the Department) has involved universities and employers in designing the Diplomas and developing their content. As new qualifications, there is still much work to be done to convince parents, employers and universities that Diplomas are a credible alternative to existing qualifications. To help make the qualifications more understandable, the Department and its partners need to demonstrate clearly how Diplomas will help young people progress into further learning and employment. By 2013, the Department is aiming for all young people in England to have access to all 14 Diplomas at three different skill levels. The Department has spent £590 million on the programme. It has not yet established cost estimates built up from the local level for delivering Diplomas, and has only just begun surveying local authorities to assess their capital requirements.

14-19 education and training is a complex, fast changing and contested terrain which has been the focus of enormous controversy. This book will help those involved in the education of young people understand the wider context for 14-19 reform, the main dimensions of government policy and how it is likely to affect practice. It also offers alternative views about the way forward. The authors provide a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the emerging 14-19 phase in England, with a focus on A Levels and GCSEs, the 14-19 Diplomas, vocational learning, apprenticeships and institutional collaboration. Drawing on international and historical analysis, recent research and practice, as well as interviews with key policy actors, they set out the case for a more unified and strongly collaborative approach. The book is intended for education practitioners, policy-makers and researchers. It will also be of particular relevance to post-graduate students on PGCE, Masters and Doctoral programmes. The authors are both Readers of Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, and are co-directors of the Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training in England and Wales.

More and more, teachers in the lifelong learning sector are required to teach the 14-19 age group. This book is a practical guide to delivering learning to 14-19s. It begins by looking at the background to teaching 14-19 in FE and covers current pathways for achievement. Coverage of effective delivery of the new Diploma qualification is included, giving guidance on planning and assessment. It goes on to explore the challenges of behaviour, participation and re-engaging disaffected learners. Finally, it considers the wider context of building partnerships with schools and the needs of industry and employers.

This is a review of the chaotic provision that exists in the UK regarding education and training for courses for the 14-19 age-group. The authors set current provision in an historical context and then examine inconsistencies and paradoxes in recent policy directions.

The Developing Professional Practice series provides a thoroughly comprehensive and cutting edge guide to developing the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding for teaching within the 0-7, 7-14 or 14-19 age ranges. Each of the three titles offers a genuinely accessible and engaging introduction to a wide range of professional practice supporting the education of babies to young adults. Discussion of current developments in theory, policy and research is combined with guidance on the practicalities of working with each age group. Numerous examples of real practice are included throughout, along with a range of additional features to help promote understanding.