Press releases
Barnardo's promotes GCSE alternative
Release Date: 26/08/2009
Not all young people will be jumping for joy this Thursday. Barnardo’s is challenging the predictable debate around the GCSE A *- C pass rate this year, by calling for more alternative and vocational courses, to put more young people on the path to success.
The children’s charity, which offers vocational training and support for 14 - 19 year olds, is promoting the need for a wider access to hands-on vocational learning in work-based settings, rather than just in the classroom. Barnardo’s training centres across the UK offer a range of courses in construction skills, mechanics, hair and beauty, childcare and much more, giving a wider range of young people a route into apprenticeships and employment.
Martin Narey, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said:
We urgently need many more apprenticeships and other work-based training opportunities for young school leavers, so that those who’ve had enough of school by age 16 can find courses which are relevant to their ambitions and play to their strengths, putting them on the path to future success.
The new 14-19 Diplomas are an important step in the right direction, but there is a need to involve a strong element of hands-on learning, in real work environments.
In the past 20 years, the proportion of 16-18 year-olds learning the skills of a trade in the workplace has plummeted, while numbers staying on in school or college have soared. Many young people are better suited to learning in a hands-on way and motivated by spending time in a real work environment. Given the right opportunities, they can go on to achieve far more than they thought they were capable of at school.
Notes to editors
Barnardo’s works with more than 100,000 children, young people and their families in 383 specialised projects in local communities across the UK.
We believe in the potential in every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. We will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.
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