Association of Colleges
14 - 19
What is the 14-19 area?
The 14-19 area is concerned with all 14-19 issues including the curriculum and qualifications, student and student-related issues.
The Current Landscape
Raising the Participation Age (RPA)
Diplomas
GCSEs and A levels
Extended Project
Apprenticeships (16-18)
Functional Skills (FS)
Foundation Learning (FL)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
Machinery Of Government (MOG) Changes
Vocational Qualifications, and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
Exams, Qualifications and Awarding Organisations
Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LLDD)
Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs)
Progression to HE
The Student Experience
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) / Careers Education
Changing Delivery Structures
Raising the Participation Age (RPA)
Raising the minimum age at which young people leave education or training to 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015. AoC is represented on the DfE RPA Steering Group and also the Steering Group monitoring the RPA trials.
A suite of qualifications in 17 subject areas, at 3 levels by 2013. AoC worked closely with DCSF on their development and implementation. We have been part of a project with QCDA to recruit and manage panels of expert practitioners to review the emerging principal learning qualifications as part of the QCDA/Ofqual approval process.
AoC has conducted two surveys of Diploma implementation in Colleges in conjunction with DCSF.
AoC established a group of College practitioners involved in Diploma Delivery who fed back to DCSF regularly regarding implementation.
GCSEs have been reviewed and updated, and A levels have been reformed with a reduction in assessment whilst ensuring stretch and challenge.
AoC has been part of the SSAT General Qualifications Support Programme (GQSP), set up to help Colleges and schools understand the changes to A levels and the introduction of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
A new Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has been introduced as a compulsory part of the Advanced Diploma and as a stand-alone qualification for A level students.
The ASCL Act placed Apprenticeships on statutory basis and a new Specification for Apprenticeship Standards in England (SASE) comes into force in April 2011. An expansion of Apprenticeships is planned.
AoC submitted a detailed response to the Draft Apprenticeships Bill and is working with BIS, NAS and DfE on the planned expansion.
New qualifications in English, Maths and ICT at Entry Level 1 and Level 2. Compulsory in Diplomas and Apprenticeships at pre-determined levels, and in FL at a level to suit the learner.
For all learners below Level 2 with no bottom level. FL programmes include three elements:
- Vocational / subject (based on QCF)
- Personal and Social Development (PSD)
- Functional Skills
AoC is represented on the DCSF FL and LLDD Advisory Boards.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
There is increased emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. AoC is represented on the LSIS STEM Advisory Group and other interest groups promoting STEM in Colleges. AoC ran a STEM conference earlier this year.
Machinery Of Government (MOG) Changes
Place responsibility for education and training of all young people up to the age of 18, or 25 for those with a Learning Difficulty assessment, with the Local Authority.
AoC is involved in groups managing this transition and has worked to ensure Colleges are represented as statutory, relevant partners in Children's Trusts and are in 14-19 Partnerships.
Vocational Qualifications, and Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
The QCF has been introduced as part of the Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (VQRP). All vocational qualifications must be moved from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) for delivery from September 2010. The QCF is a credit-based framework from Entry Level to Level 8.
This work is shared in AoC between 14-19 and Skills. AoC is represented on JACQA (Joint Advisory Council for Qualification Approval) which is the organisation responsible for reviewing existing vocational qualifications and making recommendations to the Secretary of State regarding their future funding.
Exams, Qualifications and Awarding Organisations
This area of work encompasses the work of the Exams Offices in Colleges and all qualification and Awarding Organisation issues.
AoC is represented on JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) and FAB as well as on all major Awarding Organisations qualifications committees. In addition, AoC attend DfE meetings regarding exam dates.
Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LLDD)
AoC is on the DfE LLDD Advisory Group and the DfE FL Advisory Group.
Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
AoC is represented on DfE RPA Groups as well as working with DfE on guidance regarding Flexible Provision.
AoC is on the UCAS Board and NCEE, as well as Advice on Access. AoC has worked with UUK and Sutton Trust in this area.
The Student Experience
AoC is represented on the Department of Health (DoH) Healthy FE Steering Group and has contributed to the Government's Sexual Health and Teenage Pregnancy Campaign, the Safe from Bullying Campaign, and the provision of Sexual Health Services in College initiative.
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) / Careers Education
AoC is represented on the DfE IAG Advisory Group for Young People and contributed to the production of the IAG Strategy - Quality, Choice and Aspiration - A Strategy for Young People's Information, Advice and Guidance (DCSF 2009).
AoC, jointly with ASCL and LGA, ran an IAG Conference, sponsored by DCSF in October of last year.
- University Technical Colleges (UTCs)
- Academies
- Studio Schools
- Trust Partnerships
- Full-time 14-16s in Colleges
