IfL hails the achievements of A-level learners in FE and their teachers

Thursday 20 August 2009

Following the publication of A-level results today, the Institute for Learning (IfL) is celebrating the achievement of A-level learners and their teachers in further education. As the professional body for more than 195,000 teachers and trainers in further education in skills, IfL pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of teachers throughout the sector.

IfL's chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, " One-third of A-level students study at a college, yet further education does not often get the high profile it deserves for its learners' success. The average A-level or equivalent point score for sixth-form colleges is consistently higher than in schools and deserves our positive attention.

"Each year, some ask whether standards are the same as they used to be. I wonder whether running is easier than it used to be? Hearing Roger Bannister this week compare his world-record-smashing four-minute mile with the awesome speed of today’s Usain Bolt, there was no reference to the mile being shorter nowadays or the standards expected declining. However, there was much talk about improvements in the standard of sports coaching and preparation by athletes.

"This is comparable to the powerful story behind the regular improvement in A-level results. Teachers continuously hone their dual professionalism – their expertise in their subject and in their teaching methods. They learn from research about what works in teaching and learning, identifying their learners’ different needs and responding, as well as keeping up to date with latest developments in using new technologies to aid learning.

"IfL expects all teachers to carry out at least 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) a year. A hallmark of any professional – a doctor or engineer, for example – is their ongoing commitment to CPD. FE professional teachers stand proud alongside other professions. And like all good coaches and teachers, teachers in FE relentlessly motivate their learners to ‘go that extra mile’ and do their personal best.

"We should be proud as a nation that the aspirations of our young people and adults taking A levels, and their teachers, continue to rise. A modern and competitive knowledge-based economy depends on this. Teachers and learners deserve our recognition, not our scepticism.

"This morning on the Radio 4 Today programme, the higher education minister, David Lammy, referred to the tough competition for places at university and the likely scenario that in the clearing process, instead of two applicants for each place, there could be five this year. FE colleges provide 39 per cent of entrants to higher education and so our learners will be significantly affected. We encourage A-level learners to consider the rich range of vocational programmes offered in FE, tailored to lead to employment, as well as studying at university.

"This is a proud day in the sun for the thousands of A-level learners and their teachers. Let’s not get distracted."