21st Century Skills: Realising our Potential:
Individuals, Employers,
Nation (Department for Education and
Skills (DfES), July 2003)
The White Paper sets out the
government’s strategy for improving the skills of the nation to
achieve improved international competitiveness and
productivity. Languages in Primary and Secondary are
explicitly mentioned (p. 126).
Key elements of the White
Paper:
- Reinforced emphasis on basic numeracy, literacy and ICT
- Fresh impetus for technician and craft skills and “Level
2”
- Reform of the Qualifications Framework, including unitisation
of qualifications
- Boost for Apprenticeships
- Support for the newly-established network of Sector Skills
Councils
- Tri-partite relationship stressed: employer,
employee/individual, government support
- Creation of the Skills Alliance
Explicit mention for
languages appears under “Education Reforms Supporting the Skills
Strategy” (p. 126), Primary and Secondary Schools:
- A new entitlement to learn languages throughout Key Stage 2,
recognition of the importance of language skills for business and
increased employability for individuals.
Read CILT’s draft
response to this White Paper (CILT, October 2003).
For recent
developments, visit the Skills Strategy pages on
the DCSF website.