Weekly Newsletter 19.12.2024

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Ofsted To Review The Use of AI in Schools and Colleges

Ofsted is set to embark on a significant review of artificial intelligence (AI) usage in schools and colleges, commissioned by the Department for Education. This initiative aims to explore how AI is currently employed to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative tasks, while also assessing its potential future applications. The review will gather data from educational institutions, academic literature, and expert interviews, providing a comprehensive understanding of AI role in education.

The investigation will focus on both the intended and unintended impacts of AI, scrutinising how schools and colleges govern its use and manage associated risks. With AI growing presence among young people, concerns about its misuse for cheating have emerged, prompting the need for this review. Ofsted findings will aim to inform policymakers and educators about AI benefits and challenges, and identify necessary training for inspectors to better understand AI educational applications.

Sir Ian Bauckham, interim chief regulator for Ofqual, emphasises the importance of human oversight in marking student work, despite AI potential in generating exam questions. While AI can assist in quality assurance and question generation, human involvement remains crucial to maintain transparency and public confidence. The review outcomes, expected next summer, will provide valuable insights into AI transformative potential in education, ensuring its responsible and effective integration.

2024 RECAP 🔙

APPRENTICESHIP POLICY

Start Date for Apprenticeship UCAS Points Revealed

The introduction of UCAS tariff points for apprenticeships is a major milestone in aligning vocational qualifications with traditional academic routes. Starting May 2025, Level 3 apprentices in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as those at SCQF Level 6 in Scotland, will be eligible for up to 112 UCAS points, comparable to A-levels and T Levels. This initiative aims to broaden higher education opportunities for apprentices.

While widely supported by over 200 educational institutions, the removal of grade bands above a pass has sparked concerns about student motivation. The current model, which allocates points based on apprenticeship duration, faced some criticism from university groups preferring a credit-based approach but was deemed the most practical option.

EDUCATION REFORM

T Levels Require Reform for Success, Says New Ofqual Chief

The incoming Ofqual chief, Sir Ian Bauckham, has highlighted the need for reform in T Levels to ensure their growth and success. These qualifications, intended as the technical equivalent to A-levels, have faced challenges since their 2020 launch, including low uptake and high dropout rates. Bauckham attributes these issues to the demanding nature of T Levels, which require students to commit to a specific occupational route at 16, a decision not all are ready to make.

Bauckham suggests that T Levels complexity and assessment burden make them unsuitable for many students, contributing to the high dropout rate. He emphasises the importance of providing adequate support to colleges and teachers, which was lacking during the initial rollout. A well-structured curriculum, trained educators, and tailored teaching materials are crucial for the programme success.

The interim chief also advocates for the inclusion of alternative vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) alongside T Levels. This would offer students more flexibility and cater to those uncertain about their career paths. The upcoming review of level 3 qualifications will determine the future of these alternatives, such as BTECs. Bauckham remains optimistic about T Levels potential, believing that with the right reforms, they can thrive and meet industry standards, ultimately benefiting young learners and the vocational education landscape.

CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

CITB Shaves £5M from Apprenticeship Clawback Bill

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has successfully negotiated a reduction of nearly £5 million in its apprenticeship funding clawback, a significant step forward in addressing past compliance issues. Initially facing a liability of £17 million due to non-compliance with Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules, CITB’s diligent investigation and improved processes have reduced this to £12.3 million. This development highlights CITB’s commitment to rectifying past errors and enhancing its operational efficiency.

CITB, funded by a levy on 11,000 employers, has faced challenges due to inadequate record-keeping and high levels of subcontracted training. However, the organisation has taken decisive steps to transform its apprenticeship delivery, particularly through the National Construction College. These changes are already yielding positive results, with increased retention rates among learners, indicating a promising future for CITB training programmes.

Despite a drop in the number of apprentices from 9,000 to about 400 since 2017, CITB remains focused on improving its training model. The cessation of the Training Model Improvement project, which failed to meet expectations, underscores CITB’s commitment to investing in effective solutions. The organisation is actively pursuing cost recovery through formal dispute proceedings, demonstrating its proactive approach to financial management.

EDUCATION POLICY

Phillipson Muddies Water on 50% Growth and Skills Levy Pledge

The recent developments surrounding the 50% skills levy pledge have sparked a need for clarity and direction. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has reiterated Labour’s commitment to reforming the apprenticeship levy, aiming to transform it into a growth and skills levy. This reform promises up to 50% flexibility for employers, potentially unlocking new opportunities in growth sectors. However, the absence of this pledge in the Labour general election manifesto and the Department for Education (DfE) ambiguous responses have led to confusion.

The pledge, initially introduced by Labour leader Keir Starmer in 2022, was intended to broaden the scope of the apprenticeship levy. Yet, its omission from recent policy discussions has raised questions about its viability. The DfE’s reluctance to confirm Phillipson’s statements has only added to the uncertainty, with critics like Shadow Education Minister Neil O’Brien highlighting the inconsistency in Labour education policy.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of the proposed levy reform are significant. By allowing employers greater flexibility in using their contributions, the initiative could enhance skills development and productivity. The DfE forthcoming details, expected in the new year, will be crucial in providing the necessary clarity and direction. As Skills England prepares to implement these changes, the focus remains on ensuring that the levy effectively supports both learners and employers in navigating the evolving skills landscape.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️