New vocationalism

Question 1

New vocationalism

Answer 1

• 1976, Callaghan said comprehensives weren’t teaching pupils the right skills that were needed for the modern economy.
• Many jobs require technical and practical skills rather than knowledge of Shakespeare or history.
• Vocational education prepares pupils for work in a specific industry.

Question 2

Growth of vocational qualifications

Answer 2

• In the 1980s
• Increase in qualifications such as BETECs in subject areas like bricklaying, hairdressing and childcare.
• The biggest recent change in vocational education has been the growth of modern apprenticeships (mixed school with work).

Question 3

Criticisms of new vocationalism

Answer 3

• Brought back a two tier system that comprehensivisation of schools eradicated. Many working class went onto get vocational qualifications.
• Vocational qualifications were not valued as highly as academic qualifications by employers.
• Sometimes vocational qualifications are valued too highly. Eg. level 2 BTECs were said to be equivalent to several GCSEs leading to misleading school performance data.