The teenage years are a critical phase for young people, when they build on earlier learning and prepare for adult life. Now, 17 years after GCSEs were established, a new report suggests major school exams should be overhauled altogether.

Dan Kendrick examines how the Government's proposed changes to the curriculum will affect youngsters across Worcestershire.

A MERE three years after Curriculum 2000 was launched, a new report has set out plans to transform schools and learning for everyone between the ages of 14 and 19.

Chaired by former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson, the Working Group on 14-19 Reform last week concluded a far more balanced curriculum was needed in secondary schools and colleges.

While schools should still provide the academic skills for students to move to higher education, training or employment, new plans emphasise the role of vocational study.

The study also identified that general skills needed in adult life - such as learning about work and enterprise - were critical in providing students with a practical education.

And the majority of teachers appear to have backed the suggestions for fewer exams and an "over-arching" diploma for 14 -19 year olds.

Clive Corbett, headteacher at Pershore High School, in Station Road, said that providing a broader range of skills was something they have been trying for some time.

"We are far from unique in currently offering vocational subjects at GCSE level," he said. "These include a double award qualification in IT and also business studies. It's about showing that there are possibilities beyond traditional routes.

"We have also been keen to improve our links with Pershore College to promote a wide range of options for our students.

"The challenge with the 14 -19 curriculum is to ensure it successfully meets the needs of youngsters, and I certainly wouldn't be critical of any plans to better prepare and broaden the knowledge of school-leavers."

Peter Buchanan, headteacher at Dyson Perrins CE High School, in Yates Hay Road, Malvern, said a broader, vocational system was a step in the right direction.

"The majority of 14, 15 and 16-year-olds don't know what they want to do, so if a range of vocational skills are taught then I think it could be a success," he said.

"The 14 to 19 curriculum may also help more pupils realise that, although compulsory schooling finishes at 16, education and learning continues well afterwards."

Under the new plans for 14 to 16-year-olds

n English, maths and science would remain compulsory. All students would also be taught citizenship, religious education, sex education and physical education.

n IT will also remain compulsory, although it is increasingly taught through other subjects.

n All pupils will learn about work and enterprise.

n Students will be offered another language, a humanities subject - such as history or geography - an arts subject and design and technology.

n Schools and colleges will be encouraged to enter pupils for exams when they are ready - not on a set date.

Provision will also be made for all post-16 students to study literacy, numeracy and IT to level 2 - the approximate equivalent of current GCSE standard.

And David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, was thrilled with the findings of the report.

"This is a long overdue dose of common sense," he said. "At last we have the prospect of an over-arching diploma that properly recognises all qualifications and all levels of achievement.

"The commitment to cut the overwhelming burden of testing and examinations will be widely applauded. The emphasis on both basic and core skills is absolutely crucial."

However, Tim Taylor, headteacher at Bromsgrove School, in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, voiced concerns about the report.

Mr Taylor warned that the plans could lower standards and reasoned thinking among pupils, rather than opening new horizons for 14 to 19-year-olds.

"We should not water down the academic pathway to our universities, which are world class," he said. "In my opinion, it is crucial that students with a wide range of ability are trained in academic rigour."

He was also concerned that any scheme was properly tested to avoid a repeat of last year's A-level fiasco.

The school standards Minister, David Miliband, assured him the Government's first priority was to rebuild faith in A-levels.

He also gave a "cast-iron" guarantee that any curriculum changes would be rigorously tested before implementation - 2004/05 at the very earliest.

"I look forward to the working group developing their thinking further over the coming months and to the publication of more detailed proposals in their interim report in January 2004," said Mr Miliband.

"This is the first stage in a long process. It will not be rushed. Our cast-iron guarantee is any reform will be thoroughly tested, but our first priority is to restore confidence in A-levels."

The message seems to be clear - the theory is sound, but the spectre of previous mistakes has left schools, education chiefs and even the Government rightfully cautious.

n What do you think? Do you welcome the plans or do you think the Government should stop meddling with our children's education? Tell us your views by writing to: You Say, Evening News, Hylton Road, WR2 5JX or email: jp@thisisworcester.co.uk