Over the last few weeks there has been a number of news stories linked to vocational qualifications. Whether it’s been the growing recognition that vocational qualifications offer a valid alternative to GCSEs, or the increasing acceptance of a number of higher level vocational qualifications as valid entry into university.
The debate goes on about the merit of both of these elements and within this is the long running discussion about careers advice and guidance within schools
At the nub of all these discussions is educationalists’ and wider society’s perception of vocational qualifications. So last month I read with great interest the latest release from Ofqual. Titled “Perceptions of A Levels, GCSEs and Other Qualifications in England – Wave 12”, the report offers an interesting insight into perceptions of qualifications across head teachers, teachers and members of the public.
The report pulls out some interesting statistics. Firstly, 76% of head teachers and 66% of teachers who responded underlined that they know and understand vocational qualifications. This is really positive given the amount and complexity of changes that vocational qualifications have faced within schools over the last few years. As headteachers and principals of schools that we work with, you obviously fall into this enlightened group, but there is the need to grow this figure to 100% of all schools in the country. This will mean all pupils from all schools are presented with all the potential study options open to them.
30% of headteachers also felt that vocational qualifications are just as difficult to achieve when compared to traditional qualifications. This is an interesting statistic. On the one hand, it’s less than one third of the sample but on the other, it raises the question of how we define 'difficultly'. Some people work better with vocational learning than academic, but does that really mean that the qualification is easier? Would all academically strong pupils perform just as well on all vocational subjects? A point worth thinking about.
It’s encouraging to see that the new Progress 8 measure coming in gives a nod towards the value of having a rounded and more balanced curriculum. By allowing up to 3 ‘other’ qualifications, such as NCFE V Certs, pupils have the chance to shine in areas outside of traditional subjects.
I hope that in time this will help us see an increased awareness of vocational qualifications and their value to pupils within future Ofqual surveys. This in turn will (I hope) help move the earlier mentioned debates along.
If you’d like to find out more about our vocational qualifications and the resources we have to help pupils and parents understand where V Certs could lead to then please visit ncfe.org.uk or email us at [email protected].
