Why collaborate?
.One of the Government’s key aims for the 14–19 phase is for students to have greater freedom to choose programmes of study that meet their needs, capabilities and aspirations. Already many schools and colleges are working collaboratively to provide a wider curriculum choice at Key stage 4.
Most schools and post-16 organisations are partners in consortia developing and planning the delivery of diplomas. There is a wealth of information and excellent case studies on the 14–19 curriculum and 14–19 partnerships on www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19
To meet the national entitlement for students who have achieved level 6 at Key stage 3, schools will need to build their capacity to deliver the Triple Science GCSEs in physics, chemistry and biology. For many schools this will involve working collaboratively with other schools, further education (FE) colleges and HE institutions - particularly where schools face shortages of specialist teachers, facilities or equipment. Collaborative ways of working, particularly to deliver Triple Science GCSEs, may be a new departure and for many schools a radical one, requiring a great deal of flexibility from students, teaching staff and institutions.
Related links
For details of programmes and initiatives involving collaboration along with case studies, evaluations and helpful checklists of good practice, try:
www.dcsf.gov.uk
www.innovation-unit.co.uk/
collaboration/
www.ofsted.gov.uk
www.qca.org.uk
Information on the Independent State Schools Partnership projects can be found on
www.teachernet.gov.uk/
wholeschool/buildingbridges/