Over a third of teachers not confident about teaching new diploma

A survey has found that over a third (39%) of teachers feel ill equipped to deliver the new 14-19 diplomas.

The poll, conducted by Select Education, asked teachers if they feel confident that they have the right skill base to deliver vocational qualifications as part of the 14-19 reforms. It revealed that there was a need for coaching in both delivery and expertise.

The first diploma courses will begin in 2008 in five areas including ICT, engineering and creative and media industries, with another 10 being offered over the following two years. By 2013 all schools in England will deliver the qualifications.

However, in order to ensure that the qualifications are a success, training and support needs to be in place. One respondent commented: “Teaching the 14-19 diplomas will be a challenge. Teachers and FE practitioners will need to be equipped with a broader set of subject skills to meet the need of learners more effectively.”

As well as the skills and knowledge needed, teachers are also required to give advice and guidance on all aspects of the working environment, so a full understanding of the careers the diplomas can lead to will also be needed. This increases the debate about introducing business professionals to teaching staff.

Peter Flannery, Managing Director, Select Education said: “The introduction of the 14-19 diplomas is arguably one of the most revolutionary pieces of education policy to be introduced in the UK in the last decade. It certainly will be a challenge for those involved, and will require teachers and FE practitioners to adapt teaching style and increase subject knowledge and expertise in order to deliver the new qualification effectively.”

Over a third of teachers not confident about teaching new diploma

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