Understanding Framework Skills

BackgroundWhy has the framework been developed?The Education Reform Act of 1988 set out the requirements for a balancedand broadly based curriculum which:‘prepares… pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities andexperiences of adult life.’There is, however, strong consensus in schools that the current subject Orderscannot alone adequately fulfil this requirement since many place an emphasison detailed subject knowledge rather than skills development. Whilst it isimportant to retain a common entitlement, there is also a need to offerdifferent pathways through learning in order to suit the aptitudes andinterests of learners and to meet the requirements of employers and others.These requirements are outlined in the summary report of the Future SkillsWales 2003 Generic Skills Survey that states:‘Of the employers reporting skills gaps, lack of IT skills is the mostcommon problem, followed by communication skills… showinginitiative, problem solving and ability to learn.’(Future Skills Wales 2003 Generic Skills Survey Summary Report –see www.futureskillswales.com)In the publication, Excellent Schools, Estyn had already recognised thissituation and stated that:‘Schools will need to devote attention to developing attitudes tolearning – affecting the disposition of learners and developing theirlearning skills – as well as to delivering formal instruction.’(Excellent Schools: A vision for schools in Wales in 21st century, Estyn,2002).