23.01.08
Government's 14-19 Reforms "significant step" - 1994 Group
The 1994 Group of research-intensive universities welcomes the significant steps taken by the government to reform the 14-19 curriculum, its chair, Steve Smith, will say later today (Wednesday).
Responding to media reports suggesting a negative attitude among the 19 member universities to the reforms, Professor Smith will say: "The 14-19 diplomas offer the potential to become a radical alternative to the existing curriculum."
Speaking at the launch at the House of Commons of a report on research on the Advanced Diplomas, Extended Project and changes to the structure and grading of A-level courses, Professor Smith will say: "We recognise the strong potential the diplomas offer, coupled with A-level reform and the Extended Project, to provide the stretch that is needed to demonstrate the quality of school leavers at the highest level of achievement, but also, through a more holistic approach to the secondary educational experience, their ability to broaden the horizons of even the most disaffected pupils."
Professor Smith, who is vice-chancellor of the University of Exeter, will say: "The development of a successful partnership between schools, colleges, higher education, government and employers is central to the success of the 14-19 curriculum reforms. "As part of this, real progress in widening participation among the undergraduate population should be our joint goal. We look forward to developing the relationships we have established between the DCSF and the Group as we seek to take forward the challenges identified in the report over the next year."
The research found that 62% of admissions tutors in relevant undergraduate areas felt it was very likely, quite likely or possible that they would be admitting Advanced Diploma students to undergraduate courses from 2010. Among 1994 Group universities working closely with 14- 19 projects in their own localities are Lancaster, Loughborough and York.
> View the Research Report here [pdf 442k]
Notes for Editors
- The 1994 Group brings together 19 internationally renowned, research-intensive universities. The Group's members are small-to medium-sized institutions, and are generally campus-based.
- Member universities are: University of Bath, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Birkbeck University of London, Goldsmiths University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of Warwick and University of York.
Contact:
David Jobbins
Head of Education
Candlestar Ltd
020 8600 7552
07770 452 047
david.jobbins@candlestar.co.uk