March 2009
The launch of the Six Steps to Change Manifesto on the 21st of January 2009 was a great success. 200 education and business leaders gathered at the Institute of Directors in London with a single aim: to transform the education system by raising the status of practical and vocational learning. But we still need your opinions, ideas and continued support to truly change things for the better.
As many of you already know VQ Day launched in 2008 to celebrate the millions of people who gain vocational qualifications.
With the second annual VQ Day taking place on Wednesday 24th June, 2009, we are pleased to announce the re-launch of vqday.org.
Sometimes it can be difficult for young people to know what options are out there for them. That's why we've included this new feature on Edge.co.uk. It highlights practical and vocational content for young people with relevant links.
The content is broken down into 3 sections – Careers, Courses and Other stuff, which includes everything from work placements to volunteering.
Get real for young people
Posted by: joy etheridge | 11.02.2009 04:39pm
Working as a youth worker now qualified I am aware of issues that affect young people. Yes they too often think that the National Curriculum and teaching is 'boring' by teachers who feel no real passion for their subject or are not allowed to express it...
Brilliant - but why stop at 14 years
Posted by: Doctor Doityourself | 11.02.2009
It's about time the country woke up the we're still following 19th century education practices that are out of date, outmoded and increasingly have less to do with the real world...
Edge Instead is an innovative school inspection scheme. And it's run by the most qualified people - the students themselves. It allows young people to review their own school and give suggestions on how they can get more out of their education.
Six Steps to Change Manifesto
We would value your opinion of our manifesto.
What do you think of Edge's Six Steps to Change Manifesto?
Apprenticeships help tackle the recession.
Do you agree?
Adam has the World Skills to succeed
Adam Peirson is senior Chef de partie at Claridge's Hotel in central London. But his love of cooking was recognised and encouraged long before he put on his chef's hat.
How Lee built a successful career brick by brick
Lee's interest in the building trade started when he was about 13. He had time off school with a broken leg while his parents were having an extension built, which gave him a great opportunity to see the trade in action.
Which one of Edge's Six Steps to Change do you most support?
» Give young students experience of life skills and careers.
» Replace all SATs with individual student profiles.
» At 14 let students choose a patheway which matches their aspirations.
» Ensure all vocational courses are taught in excellent facilities by teachers with relevant real world experience.
» At 16 students can specialise further or change pathways.
» Vocational degrees endorsed by employers.