Backing a Bacc
More than three-quarters of parents back the idea of a “baccalaureate-style” certificate that could be given to students at age 18 summing up achievements in both academic and practical subjects. Also, 70 per cent back the concept of technical degrees combining academic study and hands-on work.
The findings come from a survey of more than 1,000 parents of students aged 13 to 18 commissioned by vocational education foundation Edge to mark its 10th anniversary.
Elsewhere in the survey, two-thirds of parents believe that there is too much pressure on young people to go to university and more than half would like to see more practical learning in schools. More than 80 per cent said that team-working and problem-solving skills were just as important as academic work.
Edge CEO Jan Hodges said: “We are encouraged that views are slowly changing around technical, practical and vocational education. We hope our research provides interesting food for thought for policy-makers as they start to shape their manifestos.”
Visit: www.edge.co.uk
Gender equality
A national conference focusing on how we can advance gender equality through education is taking place in London. Organised by NASUWT, the event will include workshops and presentations from a range of international and expert speakers and aims to offer practical information and resources for use in schools. It will also include a focus on research and best practice. Education and Gender Equality: Learning Lessons, Moving Forward, takes place from 10am to 3:45pm on November 17. Visit: www.nasuwt.org.uk/events
Language awards
The hunt is on for the language teachers of the year and nominations are now open. The awards are run by Association for Language Learning and also include a category for the Student Language Ambassador of the Year. The teacher awards cover both primary and secondary language teachers and aim to recognise “exciting, motivating practice” and “imaginative teaching which inspires language learning in pupils”. Teachers who promote CPD among colleagues are also being sought. The student award aims to recognise young people who have “encouraged, enthused and inspired” language learners, as part of a Routes into Languages Programme. Visit: www.all-languages.org.uk