Discussion paper: Education systems urged to restructure: Why? What questions are really asked? by Roger-François Gauthier Click to download: English version French version
In Years 10 and 11 there are compulsory and optional subjects. Students can choose from a wide variety of courses at age 14 as long as they are available at their school – however, not all schools offer the same options. But when should children specialise and make choices, how can their diverse needs be met, and how flexible does the system need to be to meet these needs?
So, is 14 the new 16 for testing learners’ knowledge, skills and ability, should they test for academic/vocational pathway direction or should testing be scrapped altogether until the age of 18?
Programme
10:00
Welcome address and introduction
Bene’t Steinberg, Group Director – Public Affairs, Cambridge Assessment
Professor Geoff Hayward, University of Leeds
Professor Ken Spours, Head of Continuing and Professional Education, Institute of Education, University of London
Panel debate with opening statements by each panellist
Dr Hilary Steedman, Centre for Economic Performance (CEP), London School of Economics and Political Science;
Dr Matt Grist, Senior Researcher, Demos;
Christopher Morecroft, President, Association of Colleges.