Last month, the Lords Education Committee for Children aged 11 to 16 published its long-awaited report on the education system for children of secondary school age. And the overall message is clear – change is needed.
need improvement
The report, entitled 'The need for improvement', laments the excessive emphasis on academic learning and written examinations in English secondary schools. It argues that this limits students' opportunities to study a broad and balanced curriculum and develop core skills. EngineeringUK focuses on the need to increase the number and diversity of young people pursuing careers in engineering and technology to ensure the UK has the skilled workforce it needs to meet future challenges. , agree with much of what has been said. .
A recently published report into apprenticeships in the UK, led by Lord Willets and Lord Knight and developed in partnership, outlines similar concerns and, indeed, reaches similar conclusions. The practical learning offered in subjects such as design and technology has been on the decline for some time.
This leaves many young people with little or no opportunity to connect their theoretical knowledge, and some say it deprives them of all the fun that should be part of learning. This has an impact on how different post-16 pathways are perceived and stands in the way of true equal respect between academic and more vocational routes. our report claims.
The recommendations are clear. Young people need to be able to make connections between their learning and the world around them. To achieve this, the Rhodes report, in line with ours, calls for, for example, a rethink of the EBACC system to ensure a range of subjects that young people can study, and a review of the Progress 8 scoring system. is recommended. They also need access to career information, advice and guidance that truly evaluates their professional and technical path alongside their studies. With this in mind, we welcome the report's reference to the importance of meaningful engagement between schools and employers.
Transform your education for your future career
At EngineeringUK, we work with employers and education providers across the country to help young people connect classroom learning with the latest engineering and technology careers. Through our stewardship of Tomorrow's Engineers and The Tomorrow's Engineers Code, we are leading a joint effort to improve the impact of all engineering and technology inspiration and career activities for young people. Through engagement programs such as The Big Bang, Energy Quest, and our new climate schools program, we aim to ignite a passion for STEM in young people from all backgrounds. We also share career resources and help teachers bring their STEM curriculum to life through real-world engineering and technology through Neon.
But there is much work to be done to reach young people across the country and give them opportunities to learn about a variety of jobs, as well as different career paths into important industries such as engineering and technology.
The Government is due to respond to this report in mid-February, and many of us will urge them to listen carefully to the united voice on these issues. Our education system needs to change with the times to ensure that all young people are successful and have access to the many future employment opportunities this country has to offer.
Young people mainly want to learn and know about the world. The government's task is to ensure that the systems in place enable this. Now is the time to take an honest look at what needs to change and have the courage to change.
Beatrice Barleon, Head of Policy and Communications engineering uk
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