We need to learn skills for life, not just passing exams, say teenagers

A groundbreaking report warns that teachers have no incentive to train pupils in the communication and team-working skills that employers value.

The investigation, produced by a panel of young people and passed to the Prime Minister, states: "Many of us do not feel fully prepared for life in the adult world."

It comes amid growing concern from business leaders that young recruits are turning up unprepared for work. Academics have warned that many schools focus on teaching children what they need to know to pass tests and meet government exam targets, rather than providing a rounded education.

The final year of primary education is now dominated by preparation for Sats, while new modular GCSE and A-level courses involve exams every year. The 24-page Young Citizens' Action Agenda was drawn up after a conference in London in the summer supported by the Evening Standard. It has been delivered to Downing Street.

More than 1,000 teenagers countrywide took part in a survey which formed the basis of the study, organised by the Institute for Citizenship.

The report said teenagers knew they needed "team-work, inquiry and communication skills" to find good jobs after they leave school or college.

But it concluded: "We currently fear that our schools are not seeking to teach us information or skills that will not be tested for, despite their critical importance to our future.

"In our opinion, there is no incentive for teachers or students to build information and knowledge that is relevant for successful living if it is not in the curriculum. The teaching of skills for life and employment is not seen as a serious target in our schools."

The study recommended Ofsted inspectors should take a more active interest in whether schools impart these life skills, and businesses should send more speakers into classes to talk to pupils and provide careers advice.

Employers have complained that even university graduates are starting work unable to communicate clearly and with little concept of punctuality or appropriate dress.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters said the crucial qualities that new recruits needed were "project management, team working and communication skills".

The survey also found that many young people were concerned about their safety. Nearly half - 44 per cent - said they did not feel safe from people of their own age group some of the time. They also understood that many adults had a negative perception of young people, and barriers between the generations needed to be overcome.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families said the new secondary curriculum would give pupils crucial skills for life and work.

A DCSF spokeswoman said: "The new curriculum will enable schools to prepare pupils for the demands of today's world.

"In a rapidly changing world, we need a curriculum which evolves to provide teenagers with the up-to-date knowledge they will need to succeed. Every child should have a good grasp of grammar, spelling and arithmetic.

"They should also have wider skills that, increasingly, employers and universities demand, such as the ability to express themselves and think clearly, and have a dynamic can-do attitude."