Follow Teachers TV

Was Tomlinson Right?

Part of the series The Big Debate

Jonathan Dimbleby hosts a panel-led studio debate on the raising of the school leaving age and asks whether Mike Tomlinson's 2004 suggestions for school reform have turned out to be right after all.

The government has pledged to raise the school leaving age to 18, is introducing a new set of vocation-friendly diplomas at GCSE, and is encouraging schools to rely more heavily on formative assessment.

To many, these plans sound remarkably similar to the vision for 14-19 education proposed by the landmark Tomlinson Report which, at the time provoked a storm of controversy among employers, parents and universities, who feared for standards.Now, however, many seem to approve. So, was Tomlinson right?

Joining Jonathan on the panel are key figures at the heart of this important debate: schools minister Jim Knight MP; Mick Brookes, general secretary of the NAHT; John Hayes MP, shadow minister for vocational education; and professor Alison Wolf, from King's College London.

Download (free)

Buy on DVD

Send to Friend

Share via: (What are these?)

Comments (2)

ascal on 10 June 2007

The Tomlinson report proposed a solution to make education attractive and relevant to learners at the 14-19 stage and wo ... >

My viewing log (What's this)

Create a record of the videos you have watched and how they have helped your professional development, to demonstrate CPD.

Add this video

Duration: 60:00 minutes
Published: 03 November 2006
Licence information

Featured in

The Big Debate

Series

Stages:

KS4 Secondary

Subjects:

Vocational 14-19

Roles:

Headteacher

Support Materials

Downloads

Evidence: The Big Debate - Was Tomlinson Right?Download (51 Kb) >

Supporting evidence provided by the educational consultant for The Big Debate

Useful websites

DfES: Raising Expectations This Green Paper sets out proposals to require all young people to remain in education or training until their 18th birthday, from 2013

Education Guardian: Raise the learning leaving age? An article reflecting on public attitudes to the proposed increase in school leaving age

BBC News: School leaving age set to be 18 Initial BBC report on the DfES' proposal to raise the school leaving age

BBC News: Tomlinson's A-levels Inquiry Initial BBC report on the DfES' proposal to raise the school leaving age

Comments

- ascal
  
  Diploma for academic failures?
  
  10 June 2007 - 15:04
  The Tomlinson report proposed a solution to make education attractive and relevant to learners at the 14-19 stage and would make bold in roads to removing the stigma given to vocational education. Having an overarching diploma would send a clear message that students could make an informed choice about their education based upon their strengths and interests without the worry that one route is perceived better than another. This bold opportunity was missed by the government, possibly in fear of losing support in the elections? The white paper suggests we have an academic route containing GSCEs and A-Levels, a vocational route and then a muddled diploma somewhere in between. It is clear that parity of esteem is not on offer and the academic route will still be perceived as a successful route and vocational to be something which mops up the failures.
  - Report
  - Reply
- proengineer
  
  Academic v non Academic
  
  8 June 2007 - 12:19
  It was suggested on the programme that doctors and lawyers careers were for academics and professions like architect were not. I think someone needs to look again at what skills and education that is needed to become an architect. When I became a draughtsman many years ago we had to gain a degree and serve a seven year apprenticeship similar to the requirements needed to be a doctor. An architect needs to be both an academic and be able to put the theory into practise.
  - Report
  - Reply