Developing Skills in Schools: the role of vocational education and training

MacKay Hannah 3^rd Annual Skills Conference

Wednesday 14^th January 2009, Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh

Featuring International Speaker: Professor Per Thullberg, Director General, Swedish National Agency for Education

“Vocational studies……..are more an incentive to engagement than an end in themselves, and a way of changing the learner rather than conforming them to the requirements of a job.” Professor Richard Teese, University of Melbourne and Member, OECD Review Team ‘Quality and Equity of Schooling in Scotland’

Purpose of the Conference

The recent OECD Report ‘Quality and Equity of Schooling in Scotland’ recommended a radical agenda for change if Scotland’s education system is to meet the economic challenges of the 21^st century. Central to the OECD argument was the need for a much broader policy vision of the role of vocational studies in schools.

In comparator economies, VET plays a central role in the school system and mainstream curriculum. Vocational studies are not a means of accommodating under-achievers but vehicles for broader cognitive and personal growth.

As the Curriculum for Excellence is implemented and a review of secondary qualifications is under way, the 3^rd Annual MacKay Hannah Skills Conference will ask if it is time - as the OECD proposes - to radically re-consider whether a mainstream school curriculum, modelled implicitly on the needs of university-oriented students can ever deliver the twin goals of economic prosperity and social justice. Could a more vocational approach to learning achieve higher standards, greater employment opportunities and succeed in making the academic curriculum more accessible and inclusive?

This timely conference will feature a keynote address from Professor Per Thullberg, Director General, Swedish National Agency for Education. To receive full details or to reserve a place, please enter your email address in the "register your interest" box to the right of this column or call us on 0131 556 1500.

Reduced Rate - £210.00 + VAT
registered charities with income less than £1M, third sector organisations, academics and community organisations
Supported Rate - £115.00 + VAT
registered charities with income less than £1M, third sector organisations, academics and community organisations
Conference Papers Only - £75.00 + VAT