3.5.6
Original Document
Transforming Education is a programme that, in line with the Council’s priorities, aims to ensure that every child gets a job, either paid or voluntary, once they finish school. To do this, they must leave school with the appropriate skills and qualifications necessary for further education. The Transforming Education programme includes: Building Schools for the Future (Transforming Secondary Education); Birmingham Academies; Special Provision; Primary Capital Programme; Information and Communications Technology and the 14-19 Curriculum.
Plain English Translation
Transforming Education is a programme that aims to meet the councils target of ensuring that every child gets a job, either paid or voluntary, once they finish school. To do this, they must leave school with the appropriate skills and qualifications necessary for further education. The Transforming Education programme includes: Building Schools for the Future (Transforming Secondary Education); Birmingham Academies; Special Provision; Primary Capital Programme; Information and Communications Technology and the 14-19 Curriculum.
Perhaps additional incentive for low achievers could recognise that the skills we want our young people to acquire are essential for the kind of community we want to develop here in Birmingham. Could young people be rewarded for the time and effort they invest in developing the necessary knowledge and skills by offering Council Tax discounts to anyone under, say 25, who achieves an agreed level of qualification (possibly the basic five A* to C at GCSE including Maths and English.) It might focus one or two young minds and encourage them to make the most of the educational opportunities offered to them, and might provide a little help for young families trying to establish themselves when money is tight. I know it's not ideal from every angle, but if it signals that the city values young people and their learning achievements. Maybe some of those talented young people with more time than me could run some Fermi questions on the idea and work out what it might cost, offset against the savings that it might generate in other aspects of city life?