Collaborative Approaches to 14-19 Provision - Communities and ...

14-19 PATHFINDERS: THE SECOND YEAR16. The 14-19 Pathfinder prospectuses elaborated on these objectives, emphasising choiceand flexibility, clear progression routes from 14 to 19, increases in the amount and quality ofwork-related learning and opportunities to experience enterprise activity. Institutionalcollaboration was seen as the key to the achievement of many of these objectives, especiallyin the crucial area of increasing choice and flexibility in curriculum pathways from 14.17. The prospectuses indicated the types of locations in which it was hoped to runpathfinders. These included:‣ areas already developing a coherent 14-19 phase using vocational qualifications andwork-related learning‣ areas (or institutions) suffering from multiple disadvantage and low levels of studentattainment and progression‣ areas with high levels of attainment‣ rural areas.18. It was stated that areas chosen would include those which are ethnically diverse andthat some pathfinders should include a special school or schools. The prospectus outlined theways in which the pathfinders should be managed with further emphasis upon the importanceof collaboration.19. In their guidance the prospectuses stressed the need for pathfinders to cover the wholeof the 14-19 phase, address the needs of students throughout the ability range, include theenhancement of advice, guidance and support and the development of individual learningplans. A number of indicative areas of development were further outlined including:‣ the development of substantial programmes of vocational learning, including new GCSEsin vocational subjects‣ combinations of AS, A2, AVCE and NVQ qualifications at advanced level‣ opportunities for work-related learning at 14-16‣ extension of work-based learning including enterprise activity‣ the use of Student Apprenticeships as a basis for progression to Modern Apprenticeships6