VQ DAY VQ DAY
More Choice. More Opportunity
A summer of celebration
Here in Hertfordshire, we are home to an Wednesday, June 24, sees the annual VQ (vocational
exceptional range of schools - from small
qualifications) Day celebrations taking place once again.
village primaries to large secondaries.
This two-page special looks at the increasing emphasis
We also offer superb induction and CPD.
being put on vocational pathways, including a focus on
Apprenticeships and a student case study. We begin with
Within this very supportive environment,
an introduction from Andy Powell, chief executive of
you will have every opportunity to
vocational education foundation Edge
establish and develop your career.
HE BUILD up to the summer Plans for VQ Day are supported widely by the
For more information about opportunities in
Hertfordshire Schools, log on and apply at
T
holidays is traditionally focused on the education community, including the National Union of
thousands of young people nervously Teachers, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers,
awaiting their exam results. But examination boards, and the Association of Colleges.
across the nation on Wednesday (June In addition, many employer organisations are backing
24), attention will be turned to the the event.
millions who have gained vocational National events in England, Wales, Scotland and
www.teachinherts.com
qualifications this year, as education and business Northern Ireland will mark VQ Day. England’s main
communities celebrate the second annual VQ Day. celebration will be taking place at Hackney Community
This summer’s celebrations will be set against the College in London.
knowledge that we are in one of the most turbulent A Centre of Vocational Excellence for both business
Tel: 01438 844871
economic and political periods of recent times. and construction, Hackney is a great example of
Young people are conscious of the talk of recession, vocational training in action. It boasts purpose-built
Email: teachinherts.hdc@hertscc.gov.uk
unemployment and tough prospects for graduates and workshops for brickwork, motor vehicles, carpentry
school leavers. Yet in the midst of this gloom, it is and joinery; a centre for the visual arts, media and
Hertfordshire is committed to the protection and safety of children and young people.
important not to over look the strengths we have as multimedia; and a fantastic new restaurant, called Open
a nation and the positives that exist – such as the Kitchen, with the food prepared and served by the
thousands of people who are gaining knowledge, college’s hospitality and catering students. The range of
work-ready experience, and skills for adult life through options really encapsulates the sort of diversity that VQ
vocational qualifications. Day is celebrating.
The truth is that there is a lot to be proud of and At the same time, schools, colleges, learning
12399_UNIS SYC 136.5X188_NW_B 16/10/07 09:58 Page 1
we need to inspire, champion and encourage the next providers and employers around the UK will be
generation to achieve their potential. There are many hosting their own events to recognise their learners’
paths to success and Edge is calling for a revolution achievements. Teachers and pupils who will be
in education, enabling young people to discover what attending the new Milton Keynes Academy are hosting
they are good at and enjoy – and who they want to be a business breakfast for VQ Day. Held on a canal boat,
in life. the event aims to give employers a new perspective on
While we still think there is some way to go in the sights of the city – and vocational qualifications.
achieving this, I believe there are already “signs of In Wrexham, The Maelor School will be holding a
spring”, with greater choice and broader opportunities celebratory assembly attended by the mayor, which will
than ever before for young people. We see this in the culminate with release of 200 specially printed balloons
increasing numbers of practical learning opportunities for a balloon race involving vocational learners.
available across the country. Schools are providing It is my hope that these UK-wide celebrations
broader learning experiences for young people, with will help build on the fantastic profile-raising
increasing numbers of students gaining a vocational achievements of last year’s VQ Day. We know that
qualification under the age of 16, while many others a good vocational education prepares people for the
are choosing to take a Diploma to give them access to world of work, nurtures cognitive thinking, and helps
practical, hands-on learning. develop enterprise, determination, originality and self-
Vocational and practical learning is no longer knowledge to succeed – qualities the UK needs now
a marginal topic, no longer just for other people’s more than ever.
families and children. A recent survey conducted by Last year, 3.25 million people gained a vocational
Edge among parents of 11 to 16-year-olds revealed that qualification and there will be millions more this year.
nearly half wanted to see more vocational and practical Among them will be hundreds of thousands under 16.
Size and strength are often useful.
learning in schools. The vocational qualification they gain this year will
As an independent education foundation dedicated be a stepping stone to a brighter future, be that further
to raising the status of practical and vocational learning, study, university or employment. This is most definitely
Edge is proud to be leading the celebration of VQ Day. something to celebrate.
Uniting the education and business communities, it is I hope schools and teachers across the country will
the UK’s largest recognition of vocational achievement. join us in making this VQ Day the biggest and most
Now in its second successful year, we hope it will successful yet.
become a regular fixture in the education calendar – and
go some way to challenging the prejudice that exists • Andy Powell is chief executive of Edge, an independent
about vocational learning. education foundation dedicated to raising the status of
By joining us in marking VQ Day, schools have practical and vocational learning.
the perfect opportunity to both celebrate the vocational
success of their students and showcase the benefits
Further information
of providing practical and vocational learning in the • www.vqday.org
curriculum to students, parents and local businesses. • www.edge.co.uk
So is friendly and approachable.
UNISON has over 1.3 million members and is the largest union for school
and early years staff. And when we talk we need people to listen. But
when we’re helping or advising individual members,we prefer the more Hands-on: Singer
friendly one-to-one how-can-I-help-you approach.
Alisha Dixon takes
Tobecome a member and get the backing of many or the support of one,
part in last year’s
call 0845 355 0845 or visit www.unison.org.uk. UNISON – All for one.
VQ Day celebrations
18 SecEd • June 18 2009
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