Blog Archives: September 2015

As some centres report that the number of learners taking their A Levels online has increased, are we finally accepting distance learning as a viable learning option? Interhigh Sixth Form College’s Director of Development, Jacqueline Daniell, has said that they offer A Level courses online because of funding cuts to sixth forms. The centre has actually increased its subject offering; “the supply has become less but the demand is just the same. We are looking to help those students out really,” stated Daniell.

The Sixth Form Colleges Association recently released its 2015 funding impact survey report, with 72 of the 93 sixth form colleges in England taking part. With some Sixth Form Colleges losing up to a third of their funding between 2011 and 2016, the results of the survey highlight just how much sixth form college management and staff are feeling the financial pressure of continued funding cuts.

On October 1, we celebrate Older People’s Day, dedicated to recognising our older generation and the contributions they make to our society. The awareness day aims to address the stigma and negative stereotypes around our senior citizens. The UK has an ageing population; over-65s now outnumber children under 16 for the first time ever. This is thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and science, and increasing awareness of diet, health and lifestyle.

At NCFE, we know how valuable vocational education is to learners and that the benefits of further education should not be underestimated. So, we’re delighted that this has now been backed up with evidence that shows the financial benefits that Level 2 or below qualifications can bring. A recent study, led by Peter Urwin – professor of applied economics at the University of Westminster – commissioned by the 157 Group of colleges, and reported by the TES, suggested that low-level courses significantly boost income for learners who complete them.

PSHE was a hot topic throughout the election build-up, and the subject is back in the news as an Association of Teachers and Lecturers study shows the number of schoolchildren with mental health issues has risen. The main concerns for young people are stress – particularly over their futures – anxiety, low self-esteem and body image, relationships with friends and bullying. It’s estimated that over 80,000 children and young people suffer from depression.

It was recently announced that most graduates are in non-graduate jobs, a statistic that has raised further awareness of the skills gap crisis the UK is facing. Many recent reports have backed this up; a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) study showed the UK has the worst-equipped school leavers when it comes to essential employment skills, particularly in regards to careers in business.

It’s a new academic year which marks a new start for many. But what about those learners who aren’t quite ready to take on an Apprenticeship or start work but need a little extra support to prepare them for their future? And what about the learners who are still a little lost as to which road to take? Traineeships are short periods of training and work experience designed for these learners. The flexibility of Traineeships offers employers the opportunity to help build a pool of high quality future recruits for their sector and they’re an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16-24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.

As the new academic year begins, you’ll have a new influx of fresh-faced school leavers embarking on the next stage not only of their education, but also of their life. College is going to be completely new to these learners, so how can you support them in making the successful transition from school to Further Education? Whether your new learners are taking A Levels, a Traineeship, an Apprenticeship, or another vocational option, it’s important to understand what their aims and ambitions are. However, many young people are still confused about what they want to do after leaving education, and it’s vital they’re supported with making that choice throughout their education.

Welcome back! I wanted to start this first newsletter of the year by recapping on the last academic year. Despite the mounting pressures on your Key Stage 4 curriculum and timetables, it is great to see so many of you continuing to offer a broad range of vocational qualifications in schools. Last year alone we saw over 10,000 pupils registered on our V Cert qualifications with thousands more registered on our broader range. This demonstrates the continued value in having subjects that appeal to different learning styles whilst providing hands on practical insight into subjects and topics.