Year 4: Education (homework)

The other day we talked about education in Spain. Read about what's happening in England an leave a comment. Use the expressions on page 29. You can even comment on your classmates' comments!

Some pupils 'should leave at 14'

Ministers want school or training to continue to the age of 18
Ministers should consider allowing some pupils to leave school at 14, former welfare minister Frank Field has said.
The suggestion is made in a report by Mr Field, based on ideas from a group of young unemployed people on benefits.
He said money which would have been spent on their education could be kept in a fund for them, in case they want to resume education or training later.
The government has announced plans to make it compulsory for children to be in education or training until 18.
But Mr Field said some young unemployed people in his Birkenhead constituency laughed at that idea.

Radical reform

In his report for the independent think-tank Reform, Mr Field supports the idea of allowing some children to leave school earlier, if they have achieved a certain minimum standard, with the option to return later.
And he says the government needs to listen to the views of people who are being failed by the current system, if it is to achieve radical welfare reform.
He also said young people would support measures like imposing sanctions on people who abuse employment programmes.
Mr Field said: "There is full support for radical welfare reform on the ground among young people themselves.
"The government understands the need to link welfare with behaviour in principle. Greater boldness in practice will enable it to deliver its outstanding goal of full employment."

Reducing claimants

But BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said Mr Field was unlikely to get much support from ministers - as the government's plans to keep children in education or training were outlined in the Queen's speech.
The government says it is necessary because too many people were leaving school at 16 without qualifications.
Asked about Mr Field's report, Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain said he welcomed the fact that young people were "setting out their own priorities for welfare reform".
He added: "I am determined to reduce the numbers of working age people who are dependent on benefit, including those young people who have finished their education and are ready to start work."
He said the government was working with major employers to give young people opportunities to get the skills and support needed to get jobs.
"In exchange for this we expect people who can work to get work."