Педагогические науки/5. Современные методы преподавания

Voronina G.R.

National Technical University of Ukraine ‘Kyiv Polytechnic Institute’, Ukraine

MODERN APPROACH TO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

IN ENGLAND

Due to the reason that modern society values an individual at highest rates many scientists study different approaches to the development of human potential. They admit that the development of a country is also associated not only with its political and economic factors but also with its human resources. The appropriate conditions for professional fulfillment should be one of the predominant issues in our society today. Historical aspects and successful reforms in England have made its system of education take the leading position in the world.

The concept of specialized education in England is being modernized year by year rising up the level of requirements to the future skilled workers. There are some philosophic schools that influenced the gradual transformation of educational processes and led to the foundation of new vocational educational establishments. The City Technology College programme was launched in the late 1980s under the terms of the Education Reform Act 1988 and in 1988 the first City Technology College was opened in Kingshurst introducing the innovative integrated system which equals academic and vocational qualifications [3]. They were originally targeted to improve to level of education in cities in England. This became the next historical stage of vocational education development and introduced the new concept of practical learning [1].

City Technology Colleges teach subjects of the National Curriculum with a specific focus on science and technology. They offer a wide range of vocational qualifications and develop close links with local employers. It is the successful try to combine academic learning and working experience which brings numerous opportunities for students aged between 11 and 18. City Technology Colleges in England solve the problem of providing proper working conditions for future specialists offering excellent chance to get a personal and professional development in modern technological environment. New technologies are taken to the class to prepare students for the rapidly changing world. They ensure all the students to achieve their potential and have equal access to a wide and balanced curriculum.

Vocational qualifications introduced in City Technology Colleges in England cover different subjects ranging from catering, theatre and dance to IT, multimedia and construction. At the same time they take into account different abilities providing a positive mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. These vocationally focused schools offer strong skills-based learning as well as academic courses where the educational approach joins the best points of government and independent systems [5].

City Technology Colleges operate outside of local authority control and are sponsored by nearby universities or business. The financial support from local enterprises encourages both students and teachers to progress. Parents play an important role in the majority of City Technology College decisions. All the student results and achievements are regularly monitored by parents and state representatives as they are alarmed by the fact that it is still difficult to choose future profession at the age of 14. Teachers and parents claim that students are too young to make such crucial decisions about their future. This explains the reason why City Technology Colleges offer the graduates excellent opportunities to follow higher education or start working.

During 5 years there were created 15 City Technology Colleges and since 2003 12 of them have converted into City Academies which are known to equip students both with skills for employment and the foundations for higher education. These schools have more freedom and control over curriculum design, school hours and term dates, staff pay and conditions [2]. They teach core elements of the National Curriculum such as Maths, English and Science and have a particular focus on one or more areas, such as arts, modern foreign languages, computing, business and enterprise, engineering, mathematics, sport or technology [5].

The beneficial transformation of vocational education in England will definitely help future specialists meet the modern employment requirements and build a successful career.

References:

1. City Technology Colleges [Electronic Resource] – Available: https://www.gov.uk/.../city-technology-colleges.

2. Comparison of different types of school: a guide to schools in England 2015 [Electronic Resource] – Available: http://www.newschoolsnetwork.org.

3. Education Reform Act. A decade of reforms act compulsory education level (1984-1994). – L., 1988. – 316 p.

4. National Curriculum [Electronic Resource] – Available: https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum.

5. Types of schools [Electronic Resource] – Available: https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school/city-technology-colleges.

6. Harrison, A. Teachers fear ‘selection at 14’ [Electronic Resource] – Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8602723.stm.