UCU responds to 14-19 qualifications strategy
31 March 2008
UCU welcomed today's proposed new rationalised qualifications strategy for 14-19 year-olds but urged that there needs to be some flexibility within the system and that it should be inclusive.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has set out proposals to streamline the wide array of existing qualifications into just four national qualification structures: Diplomas; GCSEs and A-levels; Apprenticeships; and a Foundation Learning Tier. The proposals will now be consulted on.
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'We see today's announcement as a step in the right direction towards a single over-arching diploma. We realise that the current array of qualifications can be confusing for young people as they make choices about their futures although we do regret the loss of the BTEC and City and Guilds qualifications.
'We urge that the new system shouldn't put learners in straightjackets: it is important that learners on Diplomas and GCSE and A-level courses can mix and match units to an extent.
'It's also vital that the new system is inclusive in that it recognises and values the needs of all young people from those with learning difficulties through to the most able.'
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