Press Release
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2003 (NR/10/03)
CCEA EXTENDS PORTFOLIO OF WORK - RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
Northern Ireland's awarding body, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) today highlighted its links with the further education sector and in particular, the growing range of work - related qualifications it has on offer for local schools and colleges.
Speaking at a conference held by the Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC) Head of Education Services at CCEA, Dr Alastair Walker commented:
In the past CCEA was perceived primarily as a schools-focused organisation, offering mainly GCSE and GCE examinations. However in recent years we have moved to develop our relationships with Northern Ireland's colleges of Further and Higher education and to introduce a range of vocational qualifications.
A key factor in this move is a recognition by CCEA of the changing needs of society and the economy. We believe it is essential to create opportunities for greater coherence and diversity of opportunity for students in all of our schools and colleges.
For some time CCEA has been the advisory body on the curriculum for all students in full-time education, whether in schools or colleges, and is the regulatory body for vocationally - related qualifications in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the range of work-related qualifications already on offer from CCEA, DR Walker said:
CCEA has now developed a suite of courses for 14 - 16 year-olds who want to learn about occupations they might be interested in through links with further education. There are also new GCSEs available in construction, hospitality, journalism and financial services. CCEA continues to work with the Department of Employment and Learning in the area of adult literacy and numeracy through the 'Essential Skills' qualification.
In the near future CCEA will introduce a new range of qualifications aimed squarely at further education, covering areas as diverse as photography, the fitness industry and the training of classroom assistants.
CCEA believes that only by becoming a fully rounded and comprehensive provider of qualifications can we achieve our aim of being the awarding body of choice in both schools and colleges.
Media enquiries to Ruth Maguire on (028) 9026 1216, Mobile 07796947993. E mail rhmaguire@ccea.org.uk
ENDS
Note to Editors
CCEA is the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
CCEA places learners and those who have a concern for their educational and personal development at the forefront of its thinking. CCEA's mission is:
"To enable the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised"
What we do
CCEA is a unique educational body in the UK , bringing together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment.
Advising Government – on what should be taught in Northern Ireland ’s schools and colleges.
Monitoring Standards – ensuring that the qualifications and examinations offered by awarding bodies in Northern Ireland are of an appropriate quality and standard.
Awarding Qualifications
– as Northern Ireland’s leading awarding body we offer a diverse range of qualifications, such as GCSEs, including the new GCSE Double Award specifications in vocational subjects, GCE A and AS levels, Entry Level Qualifications, and Graded Objectives in Modern Languages.
- CCEA also offers a range of Awards and Certificates in Education, Training and Skills (ACETS) targeted at learners who want to get
the knowledge, understanding and skills needed
to hit the ground running in the world of work.
