Text 3. Education and Training After 16

16 is a crucial age for a school-leaver because he or she has to make key decisions as to his or her future life and career Young people have two routes that they can follow — one based on school and college education (with about 70 % of pupils choosing to continue in full-time education after 16), and the other on work-based learning.

Those wishing to go on to higher education stay on for two years more into the sixth form (17-year-olds in the “lower sixth” and 18-year-olds in the “upper sixth”). If their schools do not have the sixth form or do not teach the desired subjects, pupils may choose to go to a sixth form college. The pupils then prepare to take the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (“A” Level, for short). “A” Level is taken in single subjects, usually not more than three. These three separate subjects, usually required for going on to university, are studied in great depth.

“A” Levels are generally seen to be the guarantee of high standards and constitute a preparation for university where traditionally students have concentrated in just one or two subjects to get the single or double subject honours degree. Good “A” Level passes are now essential because the competition for places in the universities and other colleges has become much stiffer.

Since 1988 there has been introduced a new level of examination: the Advanced Supplementary (AS) exam, which is worth half an “A’ Level and usually involves one year's study. This means that brighter pupils who wish to study more than two or three subjects in the sixth form, can take a combination of “A” and “AS” Levels. They can broaden their educational experience with a "contrasting" subject: an “A” Level arts student, for example, can still study science subjects at AS level or a science specialist might study a foreign language.

The concentration upon a few subjects reflects a high degree of early specialisation in the British system.

The next path of education is available for those young people who want to stay on in schools for the period between 16 and 18, but not just do academic work. Along a general education they want also to study for examinations that lead to professional training or vocational qualifications (by way of “preparation for adult life”). These pupils may choose vocational subjects such as catering, tourism, secretarial or building skills. Subsidized courses in these subjects are run at colleges of further education, but more and more schools are also offering vocational courses.

To this end in September 1992 there were introduced the General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ). The GNVQ courses are based on the needs of both the young people themselves and of the society they are entering. The courses are mainly undertaken by young people in full-time education between the ages of 16 and 18 and focus on vocational skills such as business and finance, information and technology. In a way, the GNVQ are intended as an alternative to “A” Level for those who want a more relevant and practical extension of their learning.

The curriculum in colleges of further education has been closely determined by vocational bodies that include representatives from industry and commerce, trade unions and professional bodies. They decide what the student should be able to do in order to qualify as, say, a plumber or a hairdresser.

With Britain’s new enthusiasm for continuing education, far fewer 16-year-olds now go straight out and look for a job. About a third of them still take this option, however. Experience outside classroom is also valued since it demonstrates maturity and a willingness to be independent.

School-leavers with jobs sometimes take part-time vocational courses, on day-release from work.

The first step for young people entering the job market is their local job centre or careers office. Some school careers advisors teach such skills as filling out a curriculum vitae (CV) or writing letters applying for jobs which is a problem for many young people. Youth workers of Youth Service organisations also can give advice and counselling. A large number of 16- and 17-year-olds enter Youth Training Programmes established by the government as a means of helping young people to gain vocational experience. The government guarantees a place on the scheme to everybody under 18 who is not in full-time education or employment. Such programmes cover a wide range of vocational skills from hairdressing to engineering.

Group Discussion.

What are the options for further education and training for those after 16 in your country? Share your personal views and experiences on the topic.

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