Head gives her backing to vocational courses
THE head teacher of Derbyshire’s biggest school has spoken out in staunch defence of vocational qualifications — after a Government-backed shake-up.
Wendy Sharp, of John Port School, in Etwall, extolled the virtues of qualifications such as diplomas and BTECs after a large number of controversial courses such as fish husbandry — were axed from counting towards league table positions.
She said: “In my experience, these qualifications that are under the microscope and GCESs offer different styles of learning and courses are often chosen as to how they suit a pupil’s best style of learning.
“One size does not fit all and some students respond better to a more vocational style of teaching compared to a completely academic one — this is why at John Port we will continue to offer these kind of course for the foreseeable future.
“Some decry the vocational qualification but from what I see it offers a great approach to learning, one that fosters independence, enhances and develop skills.
“In some cases, the courses are more demanding than a linear academic route as vocational courses offer continual assessment, meaning there is a greater cause and effect for its entire length.
“Here we offer a range of courses alongside GCSEs — which as we are a big school, we are fortunate enough to be able to do. It is a luxury that we are proud to have.
“Another reason I support this type of education is because while we need academics to do well, go to university and become doctors and teachers, we also need to make sure that we have skilled tradesmen. In the end, some people are more suited to a vocational education and if they didn’t have that path would be forced down a route they don’t want and we risk losing harnessing what potential they may have elsewhere.
“I also refute any claims that pupils are steered towards them to improve our position in school league tables.”
Just 70 vocational qualifications will count towards a school’s GCSE performance in league tables in future — a cut from more than 3,000 under the current system.
The move is part of an attempt by the Government to stop schools encouraging youngsters to take qualifications which boost their league table position but do not help a pupil’s prospects.
