157 Group advocates college options at 14
6th April 2010
The 157 Group has published a compilation of eight case studies about young learners who started part-time or full-time college courses between the ages of 14 and 16. Entitled "Expanding choice: college pathways for 14 to 16-year-olds", the publication highlights how a diverse group of young learners have benefited from learning in a further education college environment.
Abdul Alhari is working towards the higher diploma in engineering at Birmingham Metropolitan College and would like to do a degree in software engineering.
Megan Clavery completed a BTec first diploma in health and social care at Newcastle College and wants a career in nursing.
Tristan McTaggart, who has Asperger's syndrome and was at a special school for several years, studied GCSEs and A-levels at Chichester College, and has been offered a place to read biochemistry at Oxford University.
Adam Wright is studying for a national vocational qualification (NVQ) level 2 in food processing at New College Nottingham and aims to run his own restaurant.
Ellie Quirke is working towards a level 2 diploma in hairdressing at City of Bristol College, as part of a young apprenticeship.
Jamie Crowder studied for an NVQ level 1 in hospitality and catering at Lewisham College before progressing to a level 2 first diploma and level 3 national diploma in business finance; his dream is to be an entrepreneur.
Janki Soni did a BTec first certificate in media at Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, and she would like to study psychology at university.
Sarah-Jane Butt completed a City & Guilds diploma in construction and is now doing a national diploma in construction at Highbury College Portsmouth.
Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "Many 14 to 16-year-olds feel motivated by learning in a college environment, and we strongly believe that all young learners should be given the choice to engage in part-time or full-time learning at college in years 10 and 11. It can be ideal for those who are already achieving, but want to get practical skills in their chosen vocational area, and transformative for those who feel disengaged from school; are underachieving; or have other difficulties.
"We want to ensure that all young people are encouraged to progress to post-16 learning. Offering them a wider choice of flexible learning routes - including college pathways - will help them find the environment that suits them best and motivates them to continue with their learning and training."
Note
"Expanding choice: college pathways for 14 to 16-year-olds" is available to download in PDF format
here.
