Steps to Success
An Introduction to “Raising the Participation
Age” and signposting for the Key Stage 4 and
Career Pathways Zones Presentation
John Thompson - Principal Adviser 14-19
City of York Council
24th October 2012
14–19 Team
Agenda
 Why are we here ?
 What is “Raising the Participation Age” ?
 What do I need to know about Key Stage 4 ?
 What else is available at today’s event ?
 Where can I find out more ?
14–19 Team
Why are we here ?
 During Year 9 most schools work with pupils on
their choice of subjects to follow in Key Stage 4
 Some schools begin this a year earlier
 Today is the start of a process
 This event and the “Planning your future” booklet
provide general information, advice and guidance
 Your school will provide details of their own
courses, choices and systems
14–19 Team
Raising the Participation Age (RPA)
 By 2015, young people will be required to
participate in education or training until at least
their 18th birthday
 Those currently in Year 10 or below will
participate into their Year 13, at least until their
18th birthday but, more likely, until their
programme ends
14–19 Team
What is participation ?
 RPA is not “Raising the school leaving age”
 There are three main options:
1. Full time education at a school or college
2. An Apprenticeship – the most common way of
combining a job with training for further
qualifications
3. A package combining voluntary or paid work
(for 20 or more hours a week) with training
14–19 Team
Key Stage 4
 Lessons lead to entry for qualifications at the
age of 16 (end of Year 11)
 The number of subjects taken reduces and there
is an element of choice, but all schools will have
a “core curriculum”
 Schools provide a range of courses which meet
the needs of their pupils
 Your school will support you in the process of
deciding which options are best
14–19 Team
What is available ?
GCSEs
 The most common type of qualification
 Available in a wide range of subjects and
assessed largely through exams
 Awarded at Grades A*-G, with D-G grades
known as Level 1, and A*-C known as Level 2
14–19 Team
What is available ?
GCSEs
 The core for strong level 2 pupils will probably
include English Language, English Literature,
maths and two science GCSEs, which would be
supplemented by a number of options
 A GCSE programme which includes English,
maths, two sciences, a humanity and a language
is known as the “English Baccalaureate”
14–19 Team
What is available ?
Vocational qualifications :
 Vocational qualifications develop skills and
knowledge related to particular sectors or
industries
 More practical learning opportunities
 Available at Levels 1 and 2
 May involve moving to other schools, colleges or
centres for some sessions
14–19 Team
What is available ?
Foundation Learning:
 A guided choice for young people who will be at
Entry Level (below GCSE) or Level 1 at the end of
KS4
 A programme will include core subjects,
vocational courses and personal development
 It may involve off site learning
14–19 Team
Key points to remember
 Each school has its own offer for its own pupils
 School offers will be set out and explained
through meetings and information packs later in
the school year
 The options process for Key Stage 4 is the first
step on an education and training pathway
running through to Year 13
14–19 Team
Today’s event
 Presentations on making choices and HE fees
 Generic advice about qualifications, with
supporting factsheets
 Specialist advice, guidance and support from the
transitions team for young people with learning
difficulties and disabilities
 York Youth Support Service – Careers advice and
guidance
14–19 Team
Today’s event
 Career Pathways Zone with information about
key economic sectors in York
 Other exhibits on volunteering, health issues,
the Area Web prospectus etc
 Post 16 Zone (you go to this when you reach
Year 11!)
14–19 Team
Further information
 Events at your own school
 The York area web based prospectus:
Futures4meyork.com
 “Planning your future through Key Stage 4 and
beyond”
14–19 Team
Steps to Success
An Introduction to “Raising the Participation
Age” and signposting for the Key Stage 4 and
Career Pathways Zones Presentation
John Thompson - Principal Adviser 14-19
City of York Council
24th October 2012
14–19 Team