One of the elements of the Queen's speech that interests me is the proposal by Ed Balls to make it compulsory for young people to access education and training until they are 18 years of age. I do recognise why this proposal has been introduced -to up skill young people, to increase their employability, and to offer a range of practical and academic courses.
Nevertheless, I am a little concerned by the fact that it will be 'compulsory'. A survey conducted by the Guardian reveals that 71% of teenagers wanted to maintain their right to leave education at the age of 16, and I would be inclined to agree with their sentiment. Until we totally reform the GCSE structure and the A-level qualification I do not see how we can make it compulsory for young people to remain in education, especially when many have already fallen out of the loop, and are failing to attend classes on a regular basis. We have to address the culture surrounding the importance of education to the lives of young people. In my opinion, if we force it upon young people, it will inevitably mean that we will push more young people away from the education system, and alienate another generation of young people.
It is also vital to add that these new diplomas as advocated by the London Education Minister will have to be properly funded if they are to be successful. If FE Colleges and schools are insufficiently supported, then the scheme could fall well short of its goal. We need to consider how this will affect the current educational structure, and in particular sixth forms in schools which are already falling in number due to the rise in FE Colleges across the country.
The most worrying aspect of this proposal in my opinion is that a student who does not attend a class or session will be given an 'attendance order'. In short, if they choose not to study from the age of 16 to 18 this will be deemed a criminal offence. They will be given an on the spot fine of 50 pounds, and a court fine of 200 pounds! Hardly a progressive way of encouraging young people to remain in education. This sounds to me as if this is just another ASBO in disguise.
At the end of the day, the young people that would be implicated in this plan have no voice. They cannot vote, and therefore many such proposals are rushed through Government without due consultation with the very people that will be forced to adhere to them.
There should be much more rigorous consultation with young people on all issues that affect them, and this is something which I wish to help spearhead in Wales. We do have organisations like Funky Dragon that encourage youth involvement in politics, but there is a long way to go in making sure that young people's input is not merely a token gesture.
9 comments:
"..education and training will be compulsory for all to age eighteen..."
(extract from Plaid Assembly election manifesto, 2007).
Oh dear...another slip up Bethan!
Almost as bad as saying in the Neath Guardian a few weeks ago "...we're living in the 20th century..."
Ignore the cheap shot comments. I'm glad we've got AMs who are not prepared to simply parrot the party line and tell us what they really think.
The real problem with your article is that exactly the same case was made (and could still be made) against compulsory schooling to age 16 (and before that to 14).
There are problems with compulsory education to 18, and I am not entirely convinced that it is the way forward, but your argument is an essentially conservative one which is surprising from someone so young and so avowedly radical.
P.S.
I'm glad you're now allowing anonymous comments. In an ideal world we would all be allowed to speak openly and freely. Unfortunately because of constraints on our employment, some of us, with I hope perfectly valid and reasonable comments to make, are unable to comment as openly as we might wish.
I would simply like to agree with your point regarding consultation of the proposal. It is of the upmost importance that there is rigorous consultation with young people before any consideration to implement this law. With such a large percentage of young people wanting to maintain the right to leave education, the Government must take this statistic into account.
I am sure that the National Union of Students (which represents more students in the FE sector) will be consulting with its members on this proposal and will ensure that the voice of these students are heard.
I don't have to agree with every party policy, and I am not sure about this either. This is not a slip up. There is no point in me having a blog if all you want to do is try and 'catch me out'. Take part in the discussion, and I weclome all contributors.
I have to say that I don't think that this is a conservative opinion on my behalf at all.
the last anon- yes I hope that the NUS will consult and that if any changes are made, they are done so in the best interest of young people.
by the way, i didn't say the 20th century in the Neath Guardian. This is an error on their behalf.
Another thing, but I really could be looking into this way too much... this could be another way of the Government getting money - if they are going to be fining for non attendance.
Week one they give the student £30 for the Education Maintenance Allowance and Week two fine them £50 if they don't attend. But like I said, possibly looking into too much!
Bethan,
It's not about catching you out or expecting that you will always agree with your party's policies on everything. BUT:
1. One of the reasons that people are cynical about politics is that they see politicians saying one thing at election time, and something else afterwards.
2. When people vote for the regional list, they are voting first and foremost for a party rather than for an individual - I think they could reasonably assume that the candidates will support the policies of their chosen party unless the individuals concerned specifically opt out of particular proposals BEFORE the election.
3. Some people might say that there's something a little disingenuous about expressing reservations about a policy being put forward by the Labour Party without even mentioning that you stood for election six months ago on a platform which included the same policy.
Bethan,
i have already written to Jane Hutt to seek clarification on this matter. Personally i think its vital we look at the option of extending education until 18, although i accept your point regarding compulsion, the bigger issue is how we offer the widest possible remit for 16-18 education as possible. Which means a huge overhaul of vocational education, one which puts it value on a par with academia.
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