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

14-19 PATHFINDERS: THE SECOND YEARCUMBRIA PATHFINDERThe local context238. This Pathfinder is led by the LEA and covers the entire authority area. Thusthe Cumbria Pathfinder reflects the diversity of the area itself. It encompasses, forexample, the urban areas of Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness, West Cumbria with itsseveral large employers, the rural Eden Valley and the South Lakes area with its focus ontourism and service industries.239. Attainment at 16 in Cumbria schools as measured by the secondary schoolGCSE/GNVQ performance tables is very close to the England average. Participation infull-time education and training at both 16 and 17 is also very close to the Englandaverage. These averages however, conceal considerable variations between schools inattainment and size. Some school sixth forms, for example, have close to 400 studentswhile others have fewer than 70. In contrast to most other areas, the majority of those 16and 17 year olds participating in full-time education and training attend school sixthforms rather than sixth form or further education colleges.240. The geographical size and diversity of the Cumbria Pathfinder raises importantissues in relation to the 14-19 agenda, including the size of the optimal local unit for thedevelopment of 14-19 provision and its provision in rural areas where schools and sixthforms are small, the further education presence may be distant, public transport is sparseand training providers are scarce.Focus of the Pathfinder241. The overall aim of the pathfinder is: To develop a universal learning andachievement entitlement for Cumbrian 14-19 year olds. This statement translates intomore specific aims concerned with outcomes including choice, participation, achievementand meeting a diversity of needs and aspirations. These aims are to be met throughcollaboration, innovation and the effective use of expertise and best practice.78