Case Study...
GNVQ
Aims and Objectives
The CLC had responsibility for introducing Intermediate GNVQ ICT into ten of the boroughs secondary schools. The aims of this initiative were:
- To expand the offer of KS4 ICT across Lewisham Schools.
- To raise attainment in ICT as a subject at Key Stage 4
- To increase 5 A-C pass rate for the Borough
Who was involved?
Ten Secondary Schools, Addey & Stanhope, Bonus Pastor, Catford Girls, Crofton, Deptford Green, Forest Hill, Northbrook, Sedgehill and Sydenham. 253 students across ten schools, Lewisham CLC and Brooke Weston CTC
How was the project undertaken?
The GNVQ Initiative was led by Zali Collymore-Hussein, Lewisham CLC Manager. Brooke Weston’s online Intermediate GNVQ ICT course was purchased as the preferred delivery model.
Over the two years Zali delivered unit specific ICT skills workshops, and ran regular meetings to support course planning, coursework moderation and portfolio management.The teachers included two non-subject specialists who needed to acquire the full range of ICT skills, a number of newly qualified ICT teachers and experienced teachers new to GNVQ specification.
Where appropriate, teachers were encouraged to use industry standard software. One-day portfolio workshops were held at the CLC for GNVQ classes. The students enjoyed the non school environment and were more productive.
Outcomes
- 72.5% pas rate
- The GNVQ ICT results made an impact on the borough's 2004-05, ‘A-C’ GCSE results by +4.5%.
- Substantial increase in ICT attainment at KS4.
- Pool of experienced ICT teachers
- Contribution to improved attainment at KS3 ICT
- Expansion of ICT offer at KS4.
Lessons learnt
- Skills building workshops in industry packages a key factor in success of initiative
- Need to adapt courseware to suit local needs of students and teachers
- Importance of regular group meetings to foster peer support, motivation, sharing of problems, solutions and good practice.