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

14-19 PATHFINDERS: THE SECOND YEARcurriculum and pedagogy rather than developing structures and systems through whichbroader curricula were provided.132. Coordinator assessments of progress on this theme were as follows:More than expected As expected Less than expected Not applicable18 12 2 0Half of the Phase Two Pathfinders reported more than expected progress on this theme,compared with a somewhat lower proportion for Phase One Pathfinders.133. The innovative developments fell into five broad categories. These were: (i) linkswith employers; (ii) implementation of vocational learning; (iii) the development of learningmaterials for GCSEs in vocational subjects; (iv) e-learning; (v) personalised learning.134. The development of the vocational curriculum through links with employers has, ofcourse, been undertaken for many years by schools, colleges and training providers.However, several pathfinders pioneered new ways of working with employers. The Islingtonpathfinder was notable for its work in forging close links with the health and social servicesectors (see case study for details). This was partly based upon an analysis of skills gaps,particularly in the NHS. One interesting outcome of this collaboration was the developmentof a series of Progression-Readiness-Skills and Qualities which identified a range of genericskills and qualities which were needed for progression both within education and the healthand social care workplaces. The Nottingham and Plymouth pathfinders were otherpathfinders which were focusing on developing links with the NHS. Nottingham wasdeveloping the use of occupational ambassadors from the NHS Workforce DevelopmentCorporation.135. In Sheffield, a number of sector intermediaries had been appointed to develop linksbetween identified sectors of employment and schools and colleges. Part of the work of theseintermediaries was to help to translate complex local labour market information, whichhighlighted skills gaps, into curriculum development activities and curriculum provision in44