Talking to the British Chambers of Commerce Conference in April this year, Education Secretary Michael Gove said that the UK should regard the battle against illiteracy in the UK in the same way as a developing country may treat malaria.
Mr Gove stated that “we need to ensure we eliminate illiteracy and innumeracy in Britain in the same way as developing nations know they need to secure clean drinking water and eliminate malaria if their children are to flourish.”
This comes as findings show that more than a third of pupils in England do not achieve A*- C grades in maths and English.
In an attempt to eradicate illiteracy in the UK Gove suggested that new and rigorous testing would help ensure that at least 85% of primary school pupils were on course to get good grades in English and maths GCSE’s. Teachers would be expected to assess pupils at the end of Key Stage 1 (aged 6-7) to check they are making the appropriate progress.
Although it may seem extreme to compare illiteracy in Britain to the fight against malaria in third world countries it is clear to see that steps need to be taken so that more pupils are achieving A*- C grades in maths and English.
At NCFE, a number of qualifications are already in place to help adult learners who have not yet reached A*-C in maths and English or Level 2 Functional Skills.
With a comprehensive flexible package of over 100 qualifications, there is something available at every level to support learners with an identified skills gap.
NCFE provides over 130 bite-size qualifications for those learners who aren’t necessarily academically focused. These can be tailored to meet the individual’s needs because we recognise that that not everyone learns at the same pace.
With these NCFE qualifications, the focus is much more on the pupil. Tutors are able to choose the exam dates and give immediate feedback so that time and guidance can be given on weaker areas.
What’s more, the qualifications are now eligible for funding on section 96 and the Skills Funding Agency's 2013-2014 simplified funding catalogue. NCFE also provide a number of free sample assessment papers to help.
Tackling poor literacy and numeracy skills – what do you think is the solution?
