What is the Increased Flexibility Programme?
The Increased Flexibility for 14 – 16 Year Olds Programme (IFP) was introduced nationally in 2002. It is designed to give vocational and work-related options to students while they are still in secondary school. It aims to raise students’ attainment in national qualifications, increase their skills and knowledge and encourage them to stay in education and training post-16.
How does it work in Basingstoke?
The Increased Flexibility Programme has been running in Basingstoke since 2002. It is coordinated by a Project Manager who is based at the Consortium offices and works with the schools and both colleges to provide work-related activities and visits for students to enhance their vocational courses. Collaborative working and links with employers ensure that students get a real insight into options post-16.
What courses are included in the IF Programme?
- GCSE in Applied Business
- GCSE in Applied ICT
- GCSE in Applied Science
- GCSE Engineering
- GCSE Health & Social Care
- GCSE Leisure & Tourism
- DiDA suite
- BTEC First in Business
- BTEC First in Sport
What are the benefits ……. for students?
Students who successfully follow the courses gain either two GCSE grades or a nationally recognised vocational qualification. These subjects give a more practical approach to learning and broaden the opportunities for students. They increase students’ understanding of the world of work and enable them to start acquiring skills for working life. Students are introduced to an industry or business sector and helped to develop some of the skills used in that sector.
What are the benefits …….. for teachers?
There is a subject group for each course. These groups meet regularly and provide an ideal forum for discussion of curriculum issues and sharing of ideas and resources. Both school and college staff attend, and this cross-phase collaboration enables joint activities to be planned and progression routes considered. Teachers delivering a course for the first time are supported by more experienced colleagues, and much informal staff development takes place. Formal professional development sessions are also held.