RADICAL education changes proposed by the Government grabbed national headlines this week -- but some ideas are old news around Leigh.
A new Green Paper examines what youngsters aged 14 to 16 will be expected to study and the number of compulsory subjects which could be reduced. The plans are set to revolutionise curricula throughout the country but some schools within the Leigh Education Action Zone have been putting these proposals into practice for two years.
Since September, 1999, pupils at Westleigh High have been allowed to study a mixture of academic (GCSE) and vocational (NVQ-GNVQ) qualifications. Bedford High has also taken up the challenge.
Phil Arnold, Leigh EAZ's alternative curriculum co-ordinator, said: "Leigh EAZ schools are in a great position to take the maximum advantage from the Green Paper.
"The teachers have worked hard to create these vocational pathways and we are now able to prove the positive impact on the students. I am sure that the increased flexibility will bring great benefits to the local area."
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