The Impact of Curriculum Reforms

This assignment examines the impact of the 14-19 curriculum reforms on higher education. It requires students to delve into relevant research, government reports (Wolf Report, Success for All), and academic literature to understand the effects of these reforms on student pathways and the preparation for university. Students are expected to critically analyze key findings, consider the implications for both educators and policy makers, and synthesize their insights into a well-structured argument.

EDUCATION
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
National policies and initiatives for the education of 14-19 age range........................................3
Legal framework and key legislation to teachers working with the 14–19 age range.................5
Writing reflective on own role and responsibilities in relation to working with the age range of
14-19............................................................................................................................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................9
Analyzing relationship between schools and other providers of learning range of 14-19 ..........9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
Analyzing teaching, learning and assessment approaches.........................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
Education is an imperative field of learning and development. It assists the society to get
in-depth knowledge about certain aspect and determine career growth of the individual. Present
report is based on national policies and initiatives taken for education of the 14-19 age range.
Further, emphasis has been laid on working with selected age group in education and training. In
addition to this, relationship between schools and other providers of learning for the 14-19 age
range. Furthermore, analysis has been done on teaching, learning and assessment approaches.
For this purpose, learning styles are also explained in order to ensure right kind of learning
strategy for students.
TASK 1
National policies and initiatives for the education of 14-19 age range
For the education of age range 14-19, government of UK takes several initiatives and
imposed different national policies. For example 14-19 curriculum reforms on high education lay
emphasis on preparation of students who are in higher education to graduates. Similarly,
necessary skills, training and development are also ensured so that economic development of UK
can be determined (McMillan and Schumacher, 2014). This policy helps in bringing changes in
planned manner so that new updated curriculum for 14-19 can be implemented. The main aim of
this initiative is to provide range of learning routes for young people and prepare everything
regarding their study. For example, how and where students of age group 14-19 study and at
what time they take their qualifications etc.
Ofsted schools standards- Ofsted schools standards are also set by government of UK
which depicts that progress of every student since joining of school must be considered. For
instance: development of skills in students like reading, communication and writing and the
extent to which they are applying the same (Schunk, Meece and Pintrich, 2012). Similarly, it is
analyzed that how well disable students' need are met since joining. These distinctive factors are
taken into account by authority so that effective strategy could implement for resolving the same
issues. It helps in letting students make progress relative to their starting points. This is what
contribute towards measuring success of government initiatives (Frenk and et.al., 2010).
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Every learner matters-Every learner matters is based on 5 different elements such as be
healthy, safe and enjoy & achieve. Along with that, making positive contribution and achieving
economic well-being are some of the criteria through which students in the age group of 14-19.
In this regard, government of UK published Every Child Matters (Green Paper). It shows that
students under age of 14-19 are provided safe environment and proper learning facilities so as to
ensure growth and development of the same (Bruner, 2009).
The government of UK also took initiatives for social and workforce development
wherein individual need of people is addressed. Accordingly actions plans are implemented by
government in order to bring stability (Seidman, 2013). This facilitates to support economic
growth of UK as workforce is developed by different kind of training and development program.
On the other hand, PLTS is framework which consists of six groups. It includes independent
inquiries, team workers, effective participants and self managers. In addition to this, creative
thinkers and reflective learners are also included in PLTS framework. This aids to constitute
integral part of teaching and learning so that age group of 14-19 can be provided proper
assistance. Here, it is ensured that learners apply all six groups in very unique manner as all these
groups are interconnected (Knowles, Holton and Swanson, 2014). Furthermore, students form
single basis of learning by taking assistance from all of cited aspects. It facilitates to develop
their overall skills and ensure their rapid development. On the other hand, leaflet is prepared for
planning and implementation of PLTS. This leaflet consists of the set of curriculum questions
such as what is to be achieved and how as well as at what time for achievement is also specified
in leaflet. It proves to be effective in achieving aim PLTS on right time. In addition to this, detail
explanation of PLTS framework has been given as follows- Independent enquirers-This is the first element associated with PLTS wherein young
people under age of 14-19 identify the different questions to answer along with problem
which is to be resolved. Further, planning is done for carrying out research so that
consequences of decision are appreciated. Similarly, issues, events from different
perspectives are explored thereby individual can complete their task in an effective
manner (Siemens and Long, 2011). Team worker-This is the second element of PLTS framework under which focus is laid
on collaboration among people for achieving specific goals. Further, they take
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responsibilities and perform their duties with confidence. In addition to this, constructive
support and feedback is provided by all members of team so as to accomplish given task
on right time (Boud, Cohen and Sampson, 2014). Effective participation-This is another element of PLTS where focus is laid on discussion
of issues of concern and solution seeking attitude among all members of team or learners.
Further, with the active participation of all young people task is broken into manageable
steps so as to carry out learning activities in an effectual manner (Calhoun and et.al.,
2008). Self managers-Under this young people seeks opportunities by participating into
challenging situations. It explores their abilities to respond positively to new priorities.
Also, younger people under age of 14-19 put efforts to manage their emotions and build
good relationship with their partners. Reflective learner-This element of PLTS focuses on identification of opportunities and
threats by learners for work done at their own (Frenk and et.al., 2010). They set goals and
criteria for success so as to ensure their own development in most suitable manner.
 Creative thinkers-This section lays emphasis on generation of ideas and exploration of
possibilities among young people. It facilitates to adapt idea as per the changing scenario
so that learned knowledge can be implemented by taking into account practical aspect.
Legal framework and key legislation to teachers working with the 14–19 age range
The framework and key legislation are set by government of UK for teacher working
with the 14-19 age range. These are explained as follows- National Vocational Qualifications-It is work based awards prevail in Wales, England
and Northern Ireland. It is achieved with structured assessment and training programs.
However, they are also known as Scottish Vocational Qualification in Scotland
(Zimmerman, Murillo-Sánchez and Thomas, 2011). Further, achievement of this award
proves to be effective in determining quality of teachers working age group of 14-19. It
shows that person having this award possess necessary qualities so they can effectively
provide learning to students. For example, NVQ depicts the role of a person for present
position so that his payment can determined accordingly.
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 Structured work experience-It is the most prominent aspect to enhance learning of age
group of 14-19. It is because greater the work experience then there will be greater
chances of employability. However, teachers must be experienced enough in field where
they are providing services, at present. It leads to provide motivation among the students
and enhance their knowledge. Owing to this, government or authority ensures that there
must be specific criteria for selecting teacher to provide learning among young people
(Seely Brown, 2008). In addition to this, structured work experience help society to move
ahead in the direction of growth and society.
The following key legislation need to be kept into mind while providing education to
young age group of 14-19 years. It helps to protect the right of all individuals in the society and
provide them equal opportunity to learn. These key legislations have been stated as follows- Equality and diversity-All people have freedom to get education and take admission in
their school of interest. Furthermore, the equality act ensures that in school and training
center, there must be equality among students. Under this, government or legislative
framework depicts that schools and corporations must respect the cultural diversity that
exist among teachers or students. Equality Act 2010-The Equality Act, 2010 is proposed by Parliament of United
Kingdom. Main aim of this legislation is to provide equal treatment with all residents of
country. According to this act, no one can be discriminated on the ground of age, region,
race and ethnicity. It facilitates to ensure growth and prospective of nation (McManus
and Dhar, 2008). Similarly, for acquiring public, private and employment services, one
must follow this act. In addition to this, special protection is there for pregnant women.
Thus, equality act proves to be effective in providing education for age group of 14-19.
 Equipping our teachers for the future-This is legal framework created by government of
nation in order to provide new offer for trainee teacher. It facilitates to introduce new
Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Award so that better quality of teachers can be
provided in learning centers. Under this, other measures are also included through which
high standard are set to provide support for teacher at workplace (Kim and Free, C 2008).
For example, lifelong learning UK is promoted by investing in providers and
partnerships. Here, current regulations are also amended on time to time by which
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teachers' qualification can be improved with inclusion of further education for the same.
It has direct impact on literacy, numeracy skills and language as well as further teaching
tactics for young people who lie in 14-19 age range. In addition to this, this section
consists of offer to trainee teachers, institute of learning and funding as well as record
along with partners.
Writing reflective on own role and responsibilities in relation to working with the age range of
14-19
Organizational policies and procedures-At the completion of report I will explain my
own role in relation to working with the 14-19 age range. I will provide immense support for in
the same field by working in organization which sets policies and procedures. Here, I will ensure
that regulatory framework is made by taking into account needs and expectations of students
through which they learn in better manner. Furthermore, I will set strict standard for selection of
teachers so that student’s career growth can be ensured in an effectual manner. For example, I
will decide success criteria for teachers thereby lot of students in the range of 14-19 get good
education.
Promotion of inclusive practice and student inclusion-I will also take into account
promotion of inclusive practice and student inclusion. Owing to this, I will ask students for
different learning criteria as per their interest area. It enables me to adopt effective kind of
learning styles through which teacher also feel comfortable as students will ensure their active
participation. At this juncture, I will conduct presentation for teachers and students both so that
continuous improvement of both parties can be ensured in an effectual manner.
Challenging behavior- Similarly, challenging behavior of students will not be tolerated
by me because I will set strict punishment for the same. For example, I will set dress code for
students so they behave in right manner in order complete their education without any kind of
barriers. In order to improve inappropriate behavior of students I will give strict order to teachers
so they do not tolerate such kind of students. In fact students will have good environment of
learning where they will share their experience with each other. In addition to this, I will make it
sure that assignments are given to students on time to time and they get detail guidance for the
same. It enables me to manage the education system of particular areas in right manner.
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Self and peer assessment-It aids to maintain decorum of schools and put interest of
students in learning habits. On the other hand, I will encourage self and peer assessment wherein
teacher can get feedback on their performance from their colleagues. On the other hand, students
will also get feedback from their peers. It is one of the effective methods to bring improvement
in overall personality. Apart from this, reflective practices will also be encouraged by me so that
every individual can come to know about their own growth and development. For example,
students will ask to give reflect on the basis of certain pre-defined criteria. It facilitates to work
upon weak areas so that teacher follow the right kind of strategy to overcome the same. On the
other hand, students who are performing good will be rewarded in order to motivate them. In the
same way, I will recommend that teachers should also be reward for their better performance. It
proves to be effective to increase their level of motivation.
Legal requirement affecting practices
According to above statements and learning, it has been identified by me that the
consideration of various legislations has facilitated me to accomplish task in appropriate manner.
In the support of this, I can say that the legal requirement has various impacts on the work
practice so it is essential for me to understand the concept of legal aspects in most suitable
manner.
Ofsted schools standards-In the investigation, I have also gathered an information
regarding Ofsted schools standards. In the support of this, I can assert that in order to have
effective learning system, it is essential for school authorities to focus on Ofsted schools
standards. With an improved focus on Ofsted schools standards I have accomplished various task
in appropriate manner which can boosted the learning of students. Meeting Ofsted schools
standards is also beneficial for school as it provides various frameworks which can amend the
learning process effectiveness. In the support of this, I have also determined that the Ofsted
schools standards are set up by the non ministerial government department to amend the
standards of learning process within schools of UK. It has also provided me information
regarding Education and Inspections Act 2006 which has helped in effective learning styles.
Establishment of relevant guidelines and codes of practices-Other than this, I have also
focused on sector specific CRB in order amend my learning regarding my interest field. In other
words, I can also stated that the improved focus on sector specific CRB has provided me
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learning regarding work culture of industry which is beneficial for me to attain better future. In
addition to this, I have also attained the information regarding effective establishment of relevant
guidelines and codes of practices. With an assistance of codes of practices the learning process
effectiveness has also been improved. It has facilitated me to complete learning process task in
desired manner and improve my knowledge.
Appropriate learning and teaching strategies-Furthermore, the effective development of
appropriate learning and teaching strategies has also facilitate me to accomplish learning goals in
most appropriate manner (Ozel and et.al., 2009). It has provided to me a great assistance in
regard to develop better ways that can improve overall learning process.
TASK 2
Analyzing relationship between schools and other providers of learning range of 14-19
Link up with the industry- it can be said that, it is necessary for schools to have strong
relationship with other providers of learning. In this support, it can be said that the schools must
ensure that students are attaining better learning so that they can have better future. In other
words, it can be said that the age group of 14- 19 is section in which students focuses on few
initial steps that can boost the lead them to better future. In this respect, school must focus on
building better relationship with diverse experts from different sector so that students can
acknowledge about various live experiences. Training and guest sessions can be conducted with
association of corporate sector so that students can have better learning (Wharf Higgins, Begoray
and MacDonald, 2009). For example, improved relationship with corporate and business
organisations the school can arrange training sessions and learning classes so that students can
have direct and easy link up with the industry.
Alternatives to academic learning- it is also essential for school to have collaboration
with various other educational institutes that can provide additional learning to students. In other
words, it can be said that the school authorities must focus on alternatives to academic learning
so that students can formal vocational education. Other than this, various provisions can also be
set out to build better relationship with alternative academic institutes. In the support of this, it
can be said that the various specialized programs can also be introduced with an assistance of
international trade authorities and other educational institutes. It will allow students to attain
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better learning in context to diverse aspects. Furthermore, communication skills, presentation
skills, etc. can be improved in most suitable manner to meet the key objectives of learning.
High level qualifications-School can also start building relationship with colleges so that
students can easy access to high level qualifications. In this support, it can be said that the
various talent hunts and competitive exams can be conducted with an associated action.
Moreover, the internship programs can also be used to amend the learning of students. For
example, in association with various corporate the school authorities can introduce internship
programs in which students will get opportunity to work with top professionals and amend their
experience level (Jonsson and et.al., 2010). Various seminars and conferences can be conducted
with an assistance of international trade authorities and government authorities so that students
can have better learning regarding various factors.
TASK 3
Analyzing teaching, learning and assessment approaches
As per the above study, it can be said that there are number of learning and assessment
approaches that can be used by teachers to provide better education among the age group of 14-
19 years. In the support of this, it can be said that the Kolb learning and assistance of information
technological equipments are most commonly used techniques (Taliaferro and Borowsky, 2011).
With an improved focus on Kolb learning and information technological tools the learner can
easily develop cognitive and psychomotor skills among students. Moreover, it has also been
spotted that the other supportive approaches can also be used by the teaching authorities in order
to have effective development among students.
In addition to this, it can be said that the Kolb learning is also considered as a
experimental learning theory and most of teachers use it to acknowledge students. It helps in
better understanding regarding fundamentals concepts which can amend the learning among
students. In this support, it can be said that the learning regarding human behaviour is also
beneficial for students (Taliaferro and Borowsky, 2011). In this learning process the teachers can
focuses on various steps which can be classified as concrete experience, reflective observation,
abstract conceptualization and active experimentation.
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Moreover, in the support of this, it can be said that with an assistance of Kolb learning
the students can attain information about various situations so that issues can be overcome in
effective manner. With an assistance of this learning the new experience can be attained about
the encountered and reinterpretation situation which is beneficial for advancement in experience.
It also reflects that the cognitive skills of students can easily be improved with an assistance of
Kolb learning (McManus and Dhar, 2008). Cognitive skills are combination of diverse abilities
that impacts positively on the brain, reading, learning aspects of individual. It also improves the
skills regarding concentration so that better knowledge can be attained and uses at every day
school, work and life activities. In the support of this, it can be said that the cognitive functioning
is beneficial for students as it will provide better learning about human behaviour (Wise, 2009).
In respect to Kolb learning it can be asserted that the teacher can use this learning to amend
information regarding feeling, doing, watching and thinking. The integrated learning objectives
can be accomplished in appropriate manner by focusing on various aspects that relates with the
Kolb learning. Through gaining new information by thinking, analyzing or planning the students
can easily attain better learning.
Information and learning technology
Other than this, it can be said that in order to have improvement in cognitive skills the
teachers can also focus on effective use of various technological tools. With audio and video
learning tools, students can easily improve their communication and presentation skills which are
beneficial for their better future (Equipping our teachers for the future, 2010). Various online
testing methods can also be used to amend the learning as it helps in effective advancement of
skills. In the support of this, it can be stated that there are various alternative approaches that can
also be used by teachers to amend the learning of students. In this respect, it can be said that the
project work can be allotted to students in order to have effective development of research skills
and lead learning process to impressive level of success.
Encourage learning
Moreover, the analytical and observation skills can also be developed by improved level
of success of project work. Class presentations conduction is also one of most efficient technique
that can be used by teachers in order to meet the development needs (McManus and Dhar, 2008).
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In respect to different approaches it can be stated that the seminars and conferences are also one
of most commonly used technique (Success for All, 2016).
Using peer-assessment
Seminars and conferences give people the opportunity to exhibit their knowledge about
something to other people who may end up learning something new. In other words, it can be
stated that the learning approach also facilitates in advancement of self confidence and prompt to
develop presentation skills so that he or she can easily speak in public presence (McManus and
Dhar, 2008 ). Similarly, feedback from peers can be provided for work done by students. Under
this students can discuss regard their work and their peer can review the same in order to ensure
more learning.
Self-assessment to build confidence & online testing
Use of social media tools is the most powerful and effective tool of self managed
learning. With an improved focus on social networking tools the students can easily access to
various sources that can provide learning regarding various subjects. Students can acquire a lot
of knowledge from social media sites and also can learn different skills from other people
connected with them on these sites. However, learning comes through confidence, motivation,
training and development that encourage the personal skills (Jonsson and et. al., 2010).
Furthermore, the self assessment learning and self managed learning techniques are also
beneficial as it amends the learning of students in the most suitable manner. The learner will be
able to improve his skills by analyzing his abilities and through watching videos and by taking
assistance of senior people.
Skills development and holistic approach
Under this, teacher must focus on developing students from all perspectives like
emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. It can be done with the help of extra activities at
academic level which ensures learning of children. In addition to this, small project related to
course work can be allocated for skill development.
CONCLUSION
The aforementioned report concludes that education is the imperative aspect for growth
and development of any country. It assists students or society to contribute towards economic
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development through learning and development. It can also be said that, legal framework and
initiatives taken by government of UK are supportive for education system. It assists
management to carry activities in right manner. Furthermore, learning and teaching styles are
contributing towards providing right kind of education facilities to end users or students. In
addition to this, inclusion of students in managing education is also effective aspect.
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