IfL congratulates A-level students and their teachers
The Institute for Learning (IfL) congratulates the thousands of learners celebrating their A-level and AS-level results today, and the teachers in further education and sixth-form colleges, schools and other settings who helped them achieve their success.
IfL’s chief executive, Toni Fazaeli, said, “Today’s results bear testament to learners’ incredibly hard work and to the dedication and commitment of their teachers and trainers, who provide a first-rate public service, in spite of the significant challenges they continue to face in the form of endless reform and tightening budgets.
“Great teaching is at the heart of learning success, and IfL believes that all teachers and trainers should have teaching qualifications, as well as being expert and qualified in their specialist subject or vocational area. There is sound evidence that shows qualified teachers are good teachers, and everyone agrees that learners deserve to have good teachers.
“Teachers’ commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) ensures that, as dual professionals, they stay up to date in their chosen field and in teaching methods. IfL as the professional body supports individual members’ CPD by offering them a wide range of resources, and the space to reflect, learn collaboratively and carry out action research.
“IfL supports a model of professionalism in which teachers and trainers are empowered and trusted to exercise their professional autonomy about tailoring their teaching to meet the needs of individual learners and the highest possible levels of achievement, so that their learners have the best chance of making progress and succeeding in life.
“Newspapers and other media are awash today with stories about universities and clearing, and many young people may not be aware of the alternative paths available into a whole host of career opportunities, including in the professions. Good career information, advice and guidance is crucial to helping young people make sound choices about their future, and it is important for them to know about the multitude of alternative routes available in further education and skills, including apprenticeships, fast-track diplomas, higher-level apprenticeships and foundation degrees. Further education offers a gateway to a plethora of careers, from accountancy and business management, to plumbing, journalism and engineering – underpinned by the expertise and experience of qualified teachers and trainers who have worked in those fields.”
