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Appendix 1 Discussion Guide DTS Only

DtS 119154: DtS only: Final Discussion Guide

1. Research background and introductions (5 mins)

• Introduce self and TNS System Three
• Independent research agency. Confidentiality - tape recording. MRS standards.
• Interview to last c.1 hour
• Purpose of interview: would like to ask them about their experiences with schools and how they view the role of Enterprise in Education in schools. We wish to get detailed feedback on the Determined to Succeed strategy. This will offer the opportunity for businesses to contribute potential improvements to the processes involved.
• Introduction
• Nature of business/organisation, size, how long established
• Role within business
• Role relating specifically to DtS

2. Relationship with school (20 mins)

• What types of projects/involvement has your business/organisation had with schools. Explore.
• Why involved with schools?
• SPONT: how did these relationships begin?
• THEN PROBE: How were these set up/organised? How did this work? Explore. Did they match up to your expectations? - better or worse?
• Who involved: From business? From school?
• How is the relationship managed?
• Type of pupil involved with? Age / interests / personality type?
• Why not engage before? PROBE: time pressure? Lack of knowledge? Lack of approach by school / Local Authority etc. Discuss.
• Would you encourage other businesses to get involved? What ways might we use to encourage more businesses?
• Why do you think pupils should be involved in 'enterprising activities' with businesses?
  • Benefits to school / pupil / business? Explore.
• How successful do you think the experience(s) have been with the school? For both school and your business? SPONT. THEN:
• Highs / lows from engaging in DtS with:
  • Pupils / Schools
• What good does it do? For who? Regarding contacts with pupils? Benefit who? How? Explore.
• Rationale for above? How know successful or otherwise? How does this feel? Explore.
• How do they evaluate the benefits of DtS?
• Since involved with the school, has this met with expectations? Which areas / features? Explore.
• Does it deliver what they were 'sold'? Explore.
• Any improvements? Features / areas / procedures that would make the process easier?

3. Determined to succeed - (20 mins)

MODERATOR NOTE: THE INTERVIEWEE HAS BEEN SENT A LEAFLET (engage) BY THE EXECUTIVE AND POINTED TOWARD THE DtS WEBSITE PRIOR TO INTERVIEW.

• Thoughts on DtS. SPONT.
• High / low points of strategy
• Specifics:
• Probe fully.
• How do they understand the terms "enterprise" and "entrepreneurial activity", themselves, and when working together with schools?
• Where do they see EinE fitting with other more traditional subjects? PROBE: what about in terms of the work-based vocational element of DtS?
• How change / modify / develop / improve strategy? Explore.

NOTE: MODERATOR TO HAND OUT SHEET OF DIFFERENT WAYS THAT THE BUSINESS CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL (TAKEN FROM PARTNERSHIP TEMPLATE DOCUMENT)

• Thoughts on this? Likely to engage? Which ways? Explore.
• Which category do they 'fit' into
• DtS - how does this work for them? How do they engage with the strategy? Explore.
• What does the DtS strategy mean for them in practice? Explore.
• Thinking about the ways in which one can engage, thoughts?
• Now?
• In future?
• Any contact from other people about EinE / DtS? SPONT:
• Scottish Executive / Local Authority?
• Explore contact.
• How would they rate the Scottish Executive / Local Authority role in providing leadership & support?
• Awareness of partnership agreement between schools and businesses? ( NOTE: THIS COULD BE LOCAL / REGIONAL / NATIONAL / Or not at all)?
• Discuss plan / contract if applicable.
• What think about approach from authorities? How does this work? How does this feel?

4. Communication and marketing (5 mins)

• What information received so far? SPONT. THEN:
• PROBE ON 'engage' newsletter. NOTE: MODERATOR TO SHOW INTERVIEWEE COPY IF REQUIRED.
  • Seen before?
  • Thoughts?
  • Thoughts on type of information included. Explore.
• Repeat above process for website (AND ANY OTHER MATERIAL AS APPROPRIATE)
• What type of information required? SPONT. THEN:
• Updates on policy
• New ideas for engaging with schools
• Case studies
• Anything else?
• How wish to be kept in touch?
• Best channel?

5. The future (10 mins)

• To what extent have they developed a greater understanding of education through DtS/ EinE activities? How.
• In order to develop more enterprise opportunities with the school, how could your business/organisation do this?
• What would be the best ways in which to do this?
• Could the school do anything more to achieve this?
• Can the Local Authority / Scottish Executive do more?
• Would you require any additional support in order to achieve this?
• Positive and negative?

How can more businesses become involved?

• How committed do you feel the school / Local Authority / Scottish Executive is to forging closer links between schools and business. (relationships) To the wider local community? Explore.
• Anything to add?

THANK AND CLOSE

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