THE FUTURE OF DIPLOMAS: NUT SURVEY RESULTS

17 April 2008

In response to the findings of this survey, Christine Blower, Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teachers’ organisation, said:

“Jerry Jarvis, managing director of Edexcel, is right in that he has highlighted the risks involved in introducing the new diplomas. The NUT’s own survey shows that even in the schools introducing the diplomas the majority of staff are unfamiliar with them. Neither have the majority received clear, unambiguous information about the diplomas. (See Note)

“Although teachers directly involved in teaching the diplomas consider that training for them has been appropriate, 43% believe that they have not received sufficient training.

“The NUT has warned consistently that the introduction of the diplomas would be a massive task with high risks. I urge the Government to evaluate the introduction of the first five diplomas and not introduce anymore until it can be absolutely sure that schools can cope. Local authorities have a major responsibility. Too many are falling down in their responsibilities to help schools with the diplomas.

“For the sake of young people the new diplomas have to work. How much better it would have been had the Government adopted the Tomlinson Report, which established a consensus and partnership with teachers, parents and industry. The 2013 review of qualifications has to return to the Tomlinson principles.”