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GCSE reform: Teenagers must master English and maths | GCSE reform: Teenagers must master English and maths |
(35 minutes later) | |
Teenagers who fail to score at least a Grade C in English and maths GCSEs will have to continue studying the subjects, the government has announced. | Teenagers who fail to score at least a Grade C in English and maths GCSEs will have to continue studying the subjects, the government has announced. |
It is thought the change could affect more than 250,000 young people in education or training in England. | It is thought the change could affect more than 250,000 young people in education or training in England. |
The education secretary said the subjects were the ones "employers demand before all others". | The education secretary said the subjects were the ones "employers demand before all others". |
The reform coincides with another change which sees the education participation age raised to 17. | The reform coincides with another change which sees the education participation age raised to 17. |
It means 17-year-olds are legally required to be in college or school or some form of job-based training. The age will rise again to 18 in 2015. | |
'Severely disadvantaged' | 'Severely disadvantaged' |
Teenagers who fail to get a decent score in English and maths will now have to carry on studying until they achieve at least a Grade C. | |
Up until now, pupils have been able to drop the subjects at the age of 16 without having gained a qualification in them. | Up until now, pupils have been able to drop the subjects at the age of 16 without having gained a qualification in them. |
Many would never study these subjects again, prompting concerns from employers that too many young people lack skills necessary for work. | Many would never study these subjects again, prompting concerns from employers that too many young people lack skills necessary for work. |
Last year, there were more than a quarter of a million 19-year-olds without a C grade in English and maths. | Last year, there were more than a quarter of a million 19-year-olds without a C grade in English and maths. |
The intention is for teenagers who missed C grades to re-take GCSEs in maths and English, but there will also be an option to take other types of maths and English lessons. | The intention is for teenagers who missed C grades to re-take GCSEs in maths and English, but there will also be an option to take other types of maths and English lessons. |
The importance of developing basic skills beyond the age of 16 was emphasised by Professor Alison Wolf in her report on improving vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds. | The importance of developing basic skills beyond the age of 16 was emphasised by Professor Alison Wolf in her report on improving vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds. |
She found that too many vocational qualifications lacked value for employers and too many youngsters were entering adult life without adequate skills in literacy and numeracy. | She found that too many vocational qualifications lacked value for employers and too many youngsters were entering adult life without adequate skills in literacy and numeracy. |
"Good English and maths grades are fundamental to young people's employment and education prospects," she said. | "Good English and maths grades are fundamental to young people's employment and education prospects," she said. |
"Individuals with very low literacy and numeracy are severely disadvantaged in the labour market." | "Individuals with very low literacy and numeracy are severely disadvantaged in the labour market." |
Speaking after the announcement, Prof Wolf welcomed the implementation of her proposals. | Speaking after the announcement, Prof Wolf welcomed the implementation of her proposals. |
“Every other country in the developed world concentrates on improving the language and maths skills of its post-16 students, and so should England. Recognising the central place of English and maths skills in society is long overdue.” | “Every other country in the developed world concentrates on improving the language and maths skills of its post-16 students, and so should England. Recognising the central place of English and maths skills in society is long overdue.” |
But Labour’s shadow education secretary, Stephen Twigg, said more urgent action was needed. | But Labour’s shadow education secretary, Stephen Twigg, said more urgent action was needed. |
"In 2012 Labour set out ambitious plans for all children to study English and maths to 18. | "In 2012 Labour set out ambitious plans for all children to study English and maths to 18. |
“A whole wasted year later and the government have only got half way there. This isn't good enough. [Prime Minister] David Cameron needs to listen to employers - they want all young people to continue building these key skills to 18." | “A whole wasted year later and the government have only got half way there. This isn't good enough. [Prime Minister] David Cameron needs to listen to employers - they want all young people to continue building these key skills to 18." |
Alison Sherratt, president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, is not convinced about the change. | Alison Sherratt, president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, is not convinced about the change. |
"It's going to be hard because they're going to obviously have to find a lot more English and maths teachers to put this into place," she told BBC Breakfast. | "It's going to be hard because they're going to obviously have to find a lot more English and maths teachers to put this into place," she told BBC Breakfast. |
Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “Good qualifications in English and maths are what employers demand before all others. | Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “Good qualifications in English and maths are what employers demand before all others. |
"They are, quite simply, the most important vocational skills a young person can have. Young people must be able to demonstrate their understanding of these subjects.” | "They are, quite simply, the most important vocational skills a young person can have. Young people must be able to demonstrate their understanding of these subjects.” |