At this year’s Labour Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with AQA to hold a public panel discussion: ‘Bridging the knowledge and skills divide: project qualifications?’
The assessment system continues to be a subject of much debate. Some in the sector advocate for high-stakes written examinations as the fairest method to avoid ‘gaming the system’ and disadvantaging certain pupil groups, while others support a multi-modal approach which offers opportunities to develop and demonstrate a broad range of skills. This dichotomy sheds light on the key question of what do we want our children and young people to be learning and how can the assessment system support this?
It is worth considering project qualifications (PQs) as a way to blend approaches. While offering the opportunity to develop a rich knowledge base in a chosen field, project qualifications also encourage the development of skills valuable for both the world of work and life in general, including autonomy, time management, communication and research skills. This is particularly important as employers continue to report significant skills shortages; in August 2022, the Federation of Small Businesses reported that 80% of small firms found recruiting applicants with suitable skills challenging and a recent EPI report on digital skills highlights that one in twenty employers report a vacancy due to a shortage of skills.
This panel will bring together policy makers, school and college leaders and other education stakeholders to examine what assessment reform might offer to tackle skills shortages, with a focus on the 16-18 phase. In particular, speakers will consider the opportunities that project qualifications present to increase breadth, creativity and autonomy within the post-16 system and to create an education and assessment experience akin to the situations young people will face in the workplace.
We are delighted to welcome Margaret Greenwood MP; Colin Hughes, AQA; Corrienne Peasgood, Association of Colleges; Tom Richmond, EDSK and Jo Trump, Hills Road Sixth Form to the panel. James Zuccollo, EPI’s Director for School Workforce will chair the session.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Labour Party.**
