Possible Solutions to maths & English GCSE challenges

1. Ensure English and maths specialists have access to good quality training and can support one another, for example, by being in the same base room for planning. (OfSTED case studies)

2. Ensure that vocational specialists promote the value of GCSE English and maths at every opportunity. This needs to form part of a ‘whole college approach’ to maths and English development. (OfSTED Case Studies)

3. ‘Grow your own’ staff teams, drawing on volunteers from Functional Skills and vocational areas (OfSTED case studies)

4. Find ways to integrate GCSE maths and English teaching within vocational departments, through timetabling and developing vocational practitioners’ abilities to support learners. (OfSTED case studies)

5. Brand English and maths (e.g. GEM – Good at English and maths – at West Herts College) to help develop a whole college approach (OfSTED Case Studies)

6. Access training opportunities for staff, including those available from the Education and Training Foundation in 2015-16. (OfSTED Case Studies)

7. Plan ahead: Weston College have been working towards a three-year strategy for maths and English and have appointed college leads for each area, who report to the Senior Vice Principal. (OfSTED Case Studies)

8. Recruit students studying on degree programmes with good maths/ English skills as paid Student GCSE Mentors. (Writtle College Case Study)

9. Make all staff responsible for learners’ maths and English attendance. (Hugh Baird College case study)

10. Make sure the strategic approach to GCSE English and maths filters through the corporation. Everyone needs to be mindful of the needs to prioritise English and maths. There is no sense that this can be an add-on. (Hugh Baird College Case Study)

11. Make it clear to learners, from the outset, that GCSEs are vital to their future career goals. This needs to be part of the interview process and backed up by employers. (Walsall College Case Study)

12. Ensure (you as) governors are absolutely switched on to all the challenges and to measuring quality. Have a maths and English link governor, who partners with the senior manager responsible for this area. (Walsall College case study)