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2019.03.12
17 Deputy M. Tadier of the Minister for Education regarding a review of the provision
of sixth-form education in the Island: [OQ.74/2019]
Does the Minister have any plans to review the provision of sixth-form education during this term of office; and if not, why not?
Senator T.A. Vallois (The Minister for Education):
I am committed, during my term of office, to reviewing the structure of our secondary education system, to ensure it is fit for purpose for the next 20 years and beyond. This review will include the 14-plus, the curriculum, including our approach to vocational training and sixth-form education. Once I have further details on when and how this review will take place, I will make Members aware, as I am sure they will wish to contribute to the debate. We, of course, await, in anticipation, the work of the Scrutiny Panel, who are currently reviewing the 16-plus offering.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
What does the Minister understand is the pressing concerns for the 14-plus transfer system in particular?
Senator T.A. Vallois:
Of course, the Deputy has asked me a written question with regards to 14-plus in which I have stated that I am aware of the challenges, the transfer of the Hautlieu School at 14 has, particularly on the 11 to 16 schools. There is also an issue of what we would call double funding with regards to year 10 and 11 children going into a separate schooling system, so then having to provide the extra teachers and classrooms required for those 2 years at Hautlieu School.
[11:30]
So, recognising also the impact that that transfer has on the cohort of students that are within that year group, that have worked together in the previous 3 years and the effect that it has, as a whole, on the school in terms of results and ensuring the dynamics between children learning within their environment.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
Notwithstanding the result of any future consultation, or review, does the Minister have any particular vision for the future of the sixth-form model in Jersey, that she could share with the Assembly?
Senator T.A. Vallois:
I thank the Deputy for his question, because my plan this term is to look at the foundations with regards to education, but particularly in terms of the needs of the children that we serve as representatives. For me, one of the big issues that we have to tackle, and I say "we" because Deputy Maçon, of course, is delegated further higher education and skills under the education remit, but one of the biggest issues is recognising the importance of both vocational and academic and how they are both equally important, looking at areas that are shown to prove some great outcomes for children, such as the vocational offering in Germany, and other areas, Singapore, but also recognising that a result on a piece of paper does not give you the value as an individual. So, we have to recognise what kind of system we need to put in place for the next 20 years and recognise our economy could look very different to what we see it now and it may not just be particularly careers, but a lot of different types of jobs and flexible working. We need to prepare our children with the necessary skills to support that future.