Developing Skills in Schools: the role of vocational education and training
MacKay Hannah 3rd Annual Skills Conference
Wednesday 14th 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 21st 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 3rd 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.
Standard Rate - £250.00 + VAT
local authorities, public and private sector organisations
Reduced Rate - £210.00 + VAT
trade unions, professional associations & registered charities with income more than one million pounds
Supported Rate - £115.00 + VAT
academics, parliamentary researchers, voluntary sector and registered charities with income less than one million pounds and community organisations
Conference Papers Only - £75.00 + VAT
Teachers and Schools Rate - £170.00 + VAT
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