Higher still: opportunity for all

Abstract

In this article, Banks looks back at the aims of the original Higher Still policy and enquires whether or not it has fulfilled them. The aims were: higher standards of achievement, recognised qualifications for all, an even gradient of progression, expansion and rationalisation of existing provision - to include access to general vocational courses as well as academic courses, breadth of attainments and competence in core skills, consolidation of earlier reforms - building on the strengths of different systems, making the system simpler and more efficient, and unification of curriculum and assessment arrangements - having a single system of certification and assessment to enhance parity and encourage a blend of the academic and the vocational. The author examines Scottish Group Awards and external assessment and asserts that both have their place in a system which gives opportunities for all. He believes that Higher Still has enabled colleges to address learners' needs and provides a framework of opportunities.