The relationship between character and work

Yesterday, UK Column had a look at Osiris Educational who claim to be the UK`s leading independent training provider for teachers.
http://osiriseducational.co.uk/about-osiris-educational

They have a Building Character Conference  in March 2016.

"At a time when exam results are so important, the DfE and Ofsted’s new focus on character education may seem odd.."

"However, research shows character education leads to higher attainment."

Conference speakers include:

Professor Guy Claxton

"Guy is the UK’s leading authority on developing pupils’ learning and creative capacities. His Building Learning Power programme helps students become better learners, in school and out."
 

 

Professor Mick Waters

"Mick is a highly influential figure in national policy and has pushed through key agendas, including the 14–19 strategy and the employment and skills dimension."

Richard Forte from McDonald’s

"Richard is the Chief Operating Officer at McDonald’s who has commissioned a report calling for soft skills to be embedded into the school curriculum."

What I found interesting was the juxtaposition of `soft skills` for learning, and employment and skills development. It appears that schools are to prepare children for the future workforce. (McDonalds ?)

In Scotland, workforce learning is part of Curriculum for Excellence. There are also foundation apprenticeships which can be taken while at school. They are made to appear a useful preparation for work, but are they ?

"Starting on S4 or S5, the Foundation Apprenticeships takes two years to complete and is one of your subject choices."

"As you work towards an industry recognised qualification you will spend time out of school at college and with a local employer."

https://www.apprenticeships.scot/foundation-apprenticeships/?gclid=CM3Xkv-DzsoCFUI8Gwod8-wNTg

Mel Kelly has made the link between the drive for free schools and the introduction of foundation apprenticeships. The way I see it is that unemployment is rising, particularly for the young, and education is being stripped of education. It looks more like some children are being prepared for workfare.

https://www.facebook.com/mel.kelly.7165?fref=nf