The National Record of Achievement-the student experience: a critical view and school based study

Abstract

Abstract : This study considers the attitudes of students at Kindsor School, an 11 - 18 comprehensive school, to the National record of Achievement. It considers the nature of student aspirations in relation to the NRA and examines the reality of their experience in producing the final document of record. A historical perspective and an examination of some pertinent issues regarding recording of achievement, places in context the principal findings of the school-based research - that the benefits of the NRA which are most palpably felt by students and most valued by them are those which lead to a sense of personal growth and development. The parallel, but much less certain, student belief in the potential of the NRA to assist them in the transition between school and work / training is also considered. The study concludes that the experience of future students in this institution could be improved if the true benefits of the NRA to students are recognised and exploited.