Press Release

Forimmediate release

Thursday29 May 2003

Half marks for the Governments Education White Paper,says IoD

The Institute of Directors todayadvised the Government to abolish AS Levels, drop its target for Level 2attainment stage, and avoid introducing an English Baccalaureate. Theproposals, made in a research paper, TheGovernments plans for the 14-19 phase of education: an assessment, alsocalled for the Government to abandon the idea of hybrid GCSEs and to allowschools to teach British History as an alternative to Citizenship.

Richard Wilson, Business PolicyExecutive and author of the paper, said:

The proposals set out in theEducation White Paper are a mixture of the desirable, the acceptable and theunwelcome. The intention to slim down the National Curriculum is desirablebecause it should give schools greater freedom to tailor teaching to suit theirparticular pupils needs. Similarly, in principle the general intention toimprove the quality and coherence of vocational education and training is apositive development, although much will depend on the details. For example, itis vital that vocational GCSEs are rigorous, that work placements are suitablefor young people and that the quality of training for Modern Apprenticeships(MAs) improves.

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Richard Wilson added:

The use of Education MaintenanceAllowances is acceptable, if the effect is to significantly boost participationrates in education and training beyond the age of 16.

However, he warned that:

The proposed use of targets todrive up results at Level 2 (five or more GCSEs at A* - C, an intermediateGNVQ, NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification) and the target to expand thenumber of MAs by 2006 is unwelcome. Targets can distort behaviour, haveunintended consequences and produce perverse incentives. Further changes to thequalifications system are also unwelcome. The introduction of hybrid GCSEswith a common core element and optional vocational or general units could seestudents opting out of difficult but important subject areas and studyingeasier units. Additionally, the introduction of an English Baccalaureate isunnecessary, not least because of the further disruption that itsimplementation would cause.

Ends 29.5.03 No.170

Notesto Editors

1.                 For a copy of theIoDs policy, The Governments plans forthe 14-19 phase of education: an assessment, contactthe Press Office on

0207451 3264 or email press@iod.com. Alternatively download from the IoD web sitewww.iod.com/policy/papers

2.                 The IoD (Institute ofDirectors) is a non-party political independent business organisation with over55, 000 members. In addition to itswide range of business services, the IoD provides an effective voice torepresent the interests of its members to government and key-opinionformers. It also brings the experienceof business leaders to bear on the conduct of public affairs.

Contact Points:

Richard Taylor, PressOfficer, tel: 020 7451 3264

(Mobile and out of hours: 07721 734886)

David Marshall,Director of Public Affairs, tel: 020 7451 3263

(Mobile and out of hours: 07764 883420)