Edge in 2010

A year ago we agreed internally that the recession provided a significant opportunity for our agenda to be given greater attention. As such, in 2009 we have been bolder in our communication and modified our messages to emphasise that improved practical and vocational learning is central to a successful education system for the 21st century, especially to gaining the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for fulfilment in work and life.

The aim has been to lay down the rails now for a transformation in the UK’s education system in the future – so that practical and vocational learning no longer follows a ‘deficit model’. The culmination of this campaign was the launch in November of the ground-breaking feature-length documentary film inspired by Lord Puttnam and Sir Michael Barber, ‘We Are The People We’ve Been Waiting For’.

I hope very much that 2010 will mark a major shift in approach for Edge as the importance of practical and vocational learning is increasingly accepted. So, from provoking and communicating why education needs to be transformed, to recognising good practice (“the transformation has started and here are the signs of spring”) and explaining how more practical and vocational learning can successfully be introduced – and what actions need to be taken. There will be a much greater emphasis on teachers and forming networks and models of future practice. It’s all really positive, progressive stuff.