§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the role of further education colleges in supporting new curriculum developments in vocational education for 14 to 16-year-olds; and if he will make a statement. [107971]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 9 February 2000]: The Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 allowed Further Education colleges to provide secondary education at key stage 4. In addition, regulations made under section 363 of the Education Act 1996 allow schools to disapply parts of the key stage 4 National Curriculum for certain pupils to enable them to spend more time on work-related learning.
Many schools are now working in partnership with colleges and taking advantage of this flexibility to deliver work-related learning and vocational courses. For example, we have launched a programme to support local work-related learning projects. There are over 180 projects, and around two-thirds of these include school-college links. Such links can: help pupils acquire the skills and knowledge needed in employment; enable schools to enhance their curriculum with vocational options (G/NVQs and Key Skills); and make Further Education facilities and teaching expertise available to schools. Further measures are being introduced to promote work-related learning through college links with Fresh Start schools.
The Department has commissioned the National Foundation for Education Research to carry out an evaluation of how the regulations are being used in practice. The evaluators will interview schools, FE colleges and others involved in delivering extended work-related learning and vocational courses. The final evaluation report is due at the end of 2000.