Programme seeks to boost participation in learning

Citation

(2006), "Programme seeks to boost participation in learning", Education + Training, Vol. 48 No. 8/9. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2006.00448hab.003

Programme seeks to boost participation in learning

Young people at risk of dropping out of education are set to benefit from a £10 million programme to get them back in learning and back on track. Last year, 56.3 per cent of 15 year olds achieved the five good GCSEs they needed to get on in education, in training and in work. Year on year, this figure is rising. But a significant number still do not achieve these levels. The Government has announced that 21 partnership areas across the country will pilot work-focused programmes designed to motivate those young people most at risk of dropping out. The funding will support approximately 5,000 14-16 year olds throughout England to stay on in education and gain the key skills they need.

Each authority will create programmes best suited to the needs of the participants, but it is intended that the programmes will have a significant work focus of up to two days each week, with young people offered intensive advice and support. Participants would continue with the Key Stage 4 (KS4) statutory curriculum with an emphasis on key skills, and the programme would include support in developing the general skills, attitudes and behaviours important to employment and progression in learning.

The Government believes that various factors can contribute to low attainment. Some young people feel unmotivated by what is on offer in the classroom; for others, personal problems can create a barrier to education; and a third group has learning difficulties which make it harder to engage. More often than not, these barriers show themselves in poor behaviour, lack of qualifications or dropping out altogether. The Engagement Programme will establish regional models of best practice in engaging young people and will support a national roll-out in 2007-2008 for up to 10,000 participants.