The National Commission on Education, an independent inquiry set up in 1991 to review education and training in the UK, published its final report with a ten point plan for action, Learning to Succeed: The Way Ahead, on June 15. Calling for action to raise achievements in disadvantaged schools, it includes a programme to improve the job prospects of low-achieving school-leavers and the introduction of an Individual Learning Account funded by employees and employers. It also recommends a radical overhaul of the financial support system for students aged sixteen and over, commitment to a financial investment in the new targets for education and training, and early action on nursery education. This final report follows sixteen recommendations made in November 1993 – only two of which have yet been taken up by ministers. The Commission included John Raisman, formerly Chairman of Shell UK, and Peter Wickens, Director of Personnel at Nissan UK. Contact Ann Rowe, Commission on Education, on 0171 973 3500
16-19 QUALIFICATIONS
Sir Ron Dearing, who is reviewing the framework of 16-19 year old qualifications, has suggested a new national certificate recording both academic and vocational achievement. His interim report received backing on July 19 from the Education and Employment Secretary, Gillian Shephard MP. His task is to establish stronger links with the world of work and bridge the divide between academic and vocational routes to qualifications, without devaluing A Levels which the government is keen to maintain. Currently around 90% of 16 year olds are in some form of full-time education or training, 290,000 young people are in employment-based training initiatives such as modern apprenticeships and 250,000 pupils have registered for the General National Vocational Qualification since 1992. By contrast, there were 700,000 A-level entries last year. Contact Department for Education and Employment on 0171 925 5555
BARCLAYS AWARDS SCHOOLS
Barclays Bank announced on June 20 the 83 secondary and special school winners of its New Futures Award scheme, run with Community Service Volunteers. The total award money is around £1 million in cash. Among the projects in schools selected by the panel of judges, chaired by Sir Ron Dearing, were £8,000 for an information technology role reversal project in which children teach adults, £8,000 to address language difficulties among a refugee community, and £4,000 for an anti-bullying initiative. Contact Gill Harrison, Kallaway, on 0171 221 7883
NATIONAL GRID ON INTERNET
National Grid and Groundwork are working in partnership to introduce meteorological and environmental education centres to children throughout the country. Launched at the Royal Show on July 4, children will compare meteorological and environmental data, spotting seasonal differences between the North and the South, using the Internet to access National Grid databases. Contact Dave Bettis, Groundwork Foundation, on 0121 236 8565 or Clive Hawkins, National Grid, 01203 423612
GLAXO WELLCOME EDUCATION
Glaxo Wellcome has donated £300,000 to the University of Aberdeen for a new £25 million Diabetes Research Laboratory at the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences. The University, which is celebrating its 500th anniversary, hopes to have completed the first phase of the project by the Spring 1996. The aim is to employ more than 150 specialist researchers, to advance patient treatment and to give the most up-to-date training to doctors. Contact Claire Jowett, Glaxo Wellcome, on 0171 493 4060
YOUNG ENGINEERS
The National Finals of the Young Engineers of Britain awards, sponsored by Lloyd’s Register and GEC, were held in June and July. The 1995 prizes total £20,000 with the overall winner receiving a prize of £1,000, a trophy and £1,500 presented to their school or organisation. Other awards include the National Electronics Council’s Mountbatten Award, the WISE award and prizes presented by Thames Water, Boots, IBM, BAA, BP, BT and the Department for Education. Other sponsors include Shell UK, Rolls Royce, British Aerospace, Unilever and Vickers. The awards, which are organised by the Engineering Council in association with the Standing Conference on Schools’ Science and Technology Young Engineers’ clubs, aim to strengthen links between education and industry. Contact Tony Miller Young Engineers of Britain, The Engineering Council, on 0171 240 7891
BANKERS/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
Bankers Trust has committed £45,000 over the next three years to fund a Study Centre at Morpeth School in London’s East End. The partnership was launched on July 24 at the Bank’s Broadgate offices and aims to raise the level of achievement among pupils. A Give As You Earn scheme will allow staff to contribute to the school, matched by the Bank. Contact Christine Chinnery, Bankers Trust, on 0171 982 2003
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