Introduction
The 1996 Dearing Review of Qualifications for 16-19 year olds recommended a review, restructuring and relaunch of the National Record of Achievement. New materials were produced under the name of ‘Progress File: Achievement Planner’ and early trials in 1997 showed its potential.
Ten demonstration projects have tested the Progress File materials for 3 years, finishing in July 2002. A range of secondary schools, colleges, training providers and employers identified how Progress File can benefit individuals and organisations. In the light of evaluation findings and experiences of the projects, Ministers decided that Progress File materials should replace the NRA and is currently being phased in.
What is Progress File?
- A set of materials designed to support the processes of learning, personal development and career planning
- It builds on best practices developed through record of achievement and promotes ongoing reviewing, planning and development as part of lifelong learning
- It enables people of all ages to manage their learning and development by acquiring thinking and planning skills
- Its themes are:
- Reflecting on strengths and weaknesses and recognising potential
- Checking progress
- Setting realistic goals and targets
- Planning how to move on
- Recording and presenting achievements
- It's designed to be integrated flexibly in to school curriculum to add value to teaching and learning, personal and career development
The Progress File objectives are:-
- To equip people to plan, and manage their learning and make effective transitions
- To increase motivation and confidence to achieve
- To stimulate learning to gain knowledge and skills, including where not recognised in national qualifications
Progress File Materials
For detailed information on costs and ordering materials visit
(www.dfes.gov.uk/progfile)
User guides
These are magazine style support materials designed to help individuals engage in the progress file processes and develop the necessary skills. They are:
- Getting started KS3
- Moving On KS4
- Widening Horizons p16
- Broadening horizons adults
These materials are designed to support the progress file processes rather than workbooks to be worked through from beginning to end.
Progress file ring binder and presenter
The ring binder is designed to keep all working documents, progress file booklets and evidence of learning and achievements. It is owned by the user.
The presenter is a slim folder that may be used to hold selected documents for presentation to a third party (eg job interviews).
Training and support package
An INSET package designed for use by schools and colleges wishing to introduce progress file.
Introducing progress file
A helpful introductory guide to progress file and using it with young people.
Posters and leaflets
There are publicity leaflets and A3 posters available free of charge.
CD Rom
This is primarily a tutor resource containing all the user guides in formats that can be printed and adapted. There are additional resources to complement the guides along with case studies and INSET materials. The CD Rom also has information and support materials designed for work with special needs students.
Links to Careers Education & Guidance
Progress file helps individuals develop and use the skills of self-assessment, reviewing learning and action planning. Its use can significantly support and contribute to careers education and guidance.
Relation to the aims of Careers Education:
- Self development (help individuals to understand and develop their capabilities). Progress file encourages students to recognise their personal qualities, skills and achievements through activities relating to self awareness as well as the process of collecting evidence of achievement. It addresses the key skills and introduces the concept of skills needed for work and employment. The process of setting and reviewing targets enables students to learn how to manage their own learning. This process also supports students in making choices at key decision points.
- Career Exploration (help individuals to investigate careers and opportunities). The KS4 materials (Moving On) look at managing work related learning activities including work experience placements. Part of this process involves learning about career opportunities.
- Career Management (help individuals to develop and implement their career plans). The action planning and target setting process runs throughout all the progress file materials and can be used to support career action planning at appropriate transition points. The KS4 and post 16 materials also cover making applications both for employment and higher education. At each key stage, students are taken through the process of writing a personal statement and look at presenting their achievements to others.
Relation to Careers Guidance:
The process in progress file of ongoing target setting, action planning and review can make it easier to identify students' careers guidance needs. It can also increase the benefit of guidance by helping students to:
- Develop their self confidence and self esteem.
- Recognise their strengths and weaknesses and how these relate to different opportunities.
- Be able to present information about themselves
- Take an active part in the guidance and action planning process
