In a debate about the future of the National Curriculum hosted by independent education foundation Edge, Bill Rammell MP, Minister for Higher Education, threw his weight behind the further roll-out of diplomas but cautioned that politics is the art of the possible and there would be no support to scrap A-levels at the moment.

Rammell warned that too many young people have been turned off learning because of a traditionally academic-focused curriculum and called on even more employers to get involved in the development of diplomas to ensure the National Curriculum contains a sufficient amount of practical learning.

Also speaking at the debate, Miles Templeton, Director General at the Institute of Directors, supported the need for more practical learning in the curriculum and advised that employers require young people with a wide range of skills, not just theoretical ones. Templeton also agreed that employers support the new diplomas, but warned too many businesses still do not know enough about them.

Andy Powell, Chief Executive of Edge, commented:
"The principles of our National Curriculum are correct but we believe it is not currently fit for purpose and many young people find education boring and irrelevant.

"As a result young people who are good at exams tend to be pushed down the traditional academic route of GCSEs, A-levels and into higher education and are denied the opportunities to learn by doing things for real and therefore make a fully-informed choice about their education.

"On the other hand, for young people who arena it so good at exams and don't see the relevance of traditional academic study, the Curriculum is demoralising and irrelevant. They may see themselves as 'thick' or as a 'failure', simply because they have not been given the chance to learn in a way which meets their needs.

"We need an education system that enables all young people to discover what they are good at, what interests them and who they want to be in life.

"There are many paths to success and while 'academic' learning will remain an appropriate choice for some young people, our research shows that more young people want to combine theory with practice and experience more hands on learning that will enable them to leave the education system with confidence, ambition and the skills to succeed in the modern economy."


ENDS

For more information about Edge, please contact: Simon Francis or James Everest at Band & Brown Communications: 020 7419 6950 /edgeteam@bbpr.com

Notes to editors
Edge and the New Statesman are hosting a full programme of events at this year's party conferences.

Tuesday 30th September, 5.45pm, Copthorn Hotel, Birmingham:
Conservative Conference Fringe Debate: "Restoring the gold standard: Ensuring a world class education for all." Featuring Nick Gibb MP, Shadow Minister for Schools.

To register your attendance or for invitations to the event, please email edgeteam@bbpr.com or call 020 7419 6950