Support networks play a vital role in the development of vocational specialism. Apart from the support provided by the DCSF, SSAT and YST, there are many other national and local government sponsored organisations as well as national professional associations. The following list is intended to assist in providing some useful contacts / websites when considering the vocational specialism.
Specialist Schools and Academies Trust
Trust publications available from the e-shop.
Including Best Practice in Vocational learning, Learn to Work DVD, GCSEs in Vocational Subjects CD Roms, VGCSE Toolkits (Leisure and Tourism at present – other subjects to follow). (Can download as a pdf or buy on e-shop)
Youth Sports Trust
Main site
www.youthsporttrust.org
School sport partnership microsite
www.yst.org.uk/ssco
Government departments, publications and supporting organisations
14-19 gateway
www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/dsp_stakeholders.cfm?page_id=3
Specialised Diploma Gateway Process
www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm....
Department for Children, Schools and Families (formerly DfES)
www.dfes.gov.uk
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly DTI)
www.dti.gov.uk
Department for Work and Pensions
www.dwp.gov.uk
HM Treasury
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk
White papers
- Skills: Getting on in business, getting on at work
www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/skillsgettingon
- 14-19 Education and Skills
www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/14-19educationandskills
Other government publications
- 14-19 Implementation Plan
- Work-related learning and the law publication
- Education Improvement Partnerships
- Every Child Matters
- The Schools White Paper: Higher Standards, Better Schools for All. More choice for parents and pupils
Other supporting organisations
The Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) has evolved into two separate organisations:
Quality Improvement Agency
www.qia.org.uk
Learning and Skills Network
www.lsneducation.org.uk
Vocational section of LSDA
www.vocationallearning.org.uk
QCA website
www.qca.org.uk/14-19
The information and guidance in this section of the website will help providers in planning, running and evaluating successful work-related learning programmes. Updates and information about 14-19 curriculum including diplomas.
QCA Extended Project (Level 3) Consultation
www.qca.org.uk/12086_16611.html
QCA's database of accredited qualifications
www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk
Regional Development Agencies
www.englandrdas.com
National professional associations
Subject associations with a particular interest in vocational work are:
ASE - The Association for Science Education
www.ase.org.uk
DATA - The Design and Technology Association
www.data.org.uk
EBEA - The Economics and Business Education Association
www.ebea.org.uk
ITTE - The Association for Information Technology in Teacher Education
www.ITTE.org.uk
Sector skills councils
Sector Skills Development Agency
www.ssda.org.uk
This website provides a list of all the Sector Skills Councils who have been charged to lead the skills and productivity drive in industry or business sectors recognised by employers. They bring together employers, trade unions and professional bodies working with government to develop the skills that UK business needs. They will be playing a key role in the development of 14 Diplomas and in establishing Skills Academies.
Other sector organisations
Springboard
www.springboarduk.org.uk supports careers in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.
STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network)
www.stemnet.org.uk
Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) and National Skill Academies
www.lsc.gov.uk/National/Partners/CoVEsandNSA
Other useful websites
UCAS
www.ucas.ac.uk
All HE information, showing availability locally of Foundation degrees.
Training and Development Agency for schools
www.tda.gov.uk
Awarding Bodies
14-19 Gateway
www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19
Aim Higher
www.aimhigher.ac.uk
Information and activities aimed at 14-19 year olds to inform and
encourage participation in higher education
Connexions
www.connexions.gov.uk
Trident Trust
www.thetridenttrust.org.uk
Helps young people aged 14-25 improve their employability and
enterprise skills.
Information on post-16 Education Maintenance Allowance www.ema.dfes.gov.uk
Information and materials for Progress File
www.dfes.gov.uk/progfile
Apprenticeships
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Channel 4
www.channel4.com/brilliantcareers
A self-help web site on career choice for 16-19 year olds.
Teachers' TV
www.teachers.tv
Teachernet
www.teachernet.gov.uk
Entry to Employment (E2E)
www.lsc.gov.uk ...
Work-related learning
www.wrl.org.uk
Ofsted
www.ofsted.gov.uk
Centre for Industry (CEI)
www.warwick.ac.uk/cei
Leading research centre for education and business collaboration,
work-related learning, vocational education - resources and research.
21st Century Science
www.21stcenturyscience.org
A suite of new GCSE science courses for 14 to 16-year-olds. The
courses will offer genuine choice for the diversity of students' interests
and aspirations.
National Education Business Partnerships Network
www.nebpn.org
This site is link to all the regional EBPs.
VESA
www.vesa.org.uk
VESA specialise in curriculum support for vocational provision and work experience in the Leicestershire area.
Links for exam officers
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