REVIEW OF SCOTLAND'S COLLEGES [SEETLLD DCMWG-P07]
WORKING GROUP: THE DIFFERENCE COLLEGES MAKE
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NOTES FROM VISITS TO COLLEGES
Purpose
1. To provide members with the notes from the visits to the following six colleges:
Ø Adam Smith College (12 October) - Annex A
Ø Lews Castle College (13 October) - Annex B
Ø John Wheatley College (26 October) - Annex C
Ø Lauder College (31 October) - Annex D
Ø Central College of Commerce (2 November) - Annex E
Ø Stevenson College (11 November) - Annex F
Background
2. The working group agreed on 17 August 2005 that the Review Team should undertake research visits to a number of colleges. The purpose of these visits was to help the Review Team, through discussions with students and staff, identify the difference colleges make. We feel that through these discussions we have gained a much better understanding of the work colleges do in both urban and rural settings and the difference they make to learners and their communities.
3. The format of each of the visits was different in order to give a more rounded understanding of colleges' work.
Recommendation
4. Members are invited to note these minutes in the attached annexes.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
November 2005
ANNEX A
REVIEW OF SCOTLAND'S COLLEGES
The Difference that Colleges Make
Adam Smith College
Wednesday 12 October 2005
Discussion with Principal & Members from Senior Management
Ø Need to remember that the student sample for the interview does not contain part time or evening students.
Ø Note that students are not the only stakeholders.
Ø Benefits of undertaking similar events in the community ie at an outreach centre.
Discussion with Students (Group 1)
Q Why did you decide to study at college?
Ø Been out of the study environment for so long that did not feel prepared to go straight into University. Thought would need to improve their communication and writing skills before going to university.
Ø Thought that college would be better than staying on at school as the college offered better course options which would allow them to gain entry into university to do teacher training.
Ø Not sure what they wanted to do when they left school. Eventually want to go on to university but wanted to undertake a college course ie HNC/HND because this would be something to fall back on if they failed the university course.
Q. Why is college more appropriate for you than school or university?
Ø Group all agreed that the college ethos of adult learning was good. They enjoyed mixed classes as felt that they could share knowledge and life experiences. However noted that sometimes the younger student's behaviour was disruptive - felt that if lecturer could control the class then this was not a problem.
Ø Preferred the informal attitude ie calling lecturers by their first name.
Ø More relaxed atmosphere helped students to learn better.
Ø Felt that because they had picked subjects they wanted to learn then would be prepared to work harder. Not forced to be there - made a decision to be there.
Q. How do you feel about the lecturers, staff, teaching practices, learning environment and resources?
Ø Lecturers bring fun into the classroom. A better pace of teaching. Enjoyed the open door approach of colleges. Lecturers willing to adopt different approaches and adapt approaches if not appropriate.
Ø Tutors use a variety of teaching methods.
Ø Thought there was adequate learning support ie laptops for people who have difficulty with their writing skills.
Ø Library staff are very friendly and helpful.
Ø Generally rooms are flexible as they can be adapted for different activities but sometimes the rooms can be too small.
Ø Team working was encouraged in all classes.
Ø Generally felt that since the merger things have improved ie now have two libraries.
Ø Quality of the computers is good but not enough of them available to students other than computing students - suggested making the ones in the library available.
Ø Thought that placement were a good idea - puts what you learn in theory into practice.
Q. What areas could be improved?
Ø Financial:
o there are too many forms to be completed and sometimes ask for very personal information which students felt was not necessary;
o the number of forms was very time consuming;
o some experienced difficulty in obtaining information from their parents and were therefore unable to obtain financial support; and
o thought that changes to make bursaries not means tested was a good improvement.
Action Point: Pass these comments on to colleagues in Funding for Learners Division in the Scottish Executive
Ø Student Feedback - thought it was good that they were asked for feedback but felt that they were then not told the outcomes of the questionnaires possible need for better communication.
Ø Timetable - some teething problems.
Ø Parking - felt that there was insufficient car parking spaces. There was not enough reimbursement for travel costs. Insufficient public transport links.
Ø Catering - poor quality of food and the healthy options are too expensive.
Q Are you aware of any business links with the Col lege?
Ø Depends on the course. Some people have had to set up their own links/placements.
Q What do you think about the links between colleges and schools?
Ø Mixed views. Some students felt that the links gave them a positive view of going to college for others it had a negative effect.
Q. If there was no college what would you be doing?
Ø Staying on at school but not doing the subjects they would want to do and therefore would have had to change their career options.
Ø Staying in a low skilled/low paid job - want to get qualification to improve skills and job prospects.
Ø Looking for work - probably low skilled factor work.
Ø Being a full time mum.
Ø Trying to go straight to university.
Q. Do you feel there is sufficient student representation?
Ø Class rep - link between class and tutors, not enough training sessions.
Ø Student union hut - quite popular.
Q. What are the benefits of going to college?
To individual
Ø Get to meet new people.
Ø Increases your confidence.
Ø Enhances skills you may already have.
Ø Gain technical skills.
Ø Improves your interpersonal and communications skills.
Ø Colleges unlike university take into account your life experiences.
To Community and economy
Ø Put more money back into the community/economy - ie local shops.
Ø Students will pay more back in tax because better qualified and hopefully better paid job.
Ø Not just about having a certificate also having work ready skills.
Ø Benefits businesses - know that they are getting skilled people.
Ø Spread the message about the work of colleges ie some of the students mentioned that their kids or parents were now interested in going to college.
Discussion with Students (Group 2 - special needs)
Q. If there was no college what would you be doing?
Ø be at home watching TV.
Q. What do you like about colleges? What difference has it made to you?
Ø Going on trips ie Elmwood College's farm, making new friends, having more freedom than had at school.
Ø Gained more confidence can now take the bus to college rather than getting a taxi.
Ø Look forward to work placements.
Ø Enjoy catering and gardening courses.
Ø Improved hand writing and computer skills.
Ø Staff are very friendly and have good fun.
Discussion with Staff
Q. What are benefits of colleges?
General
Ø Colleges good at tailoring needs.
Ø Good at being flexible.
Ø Not just about getting people into education it's about getting people into jobs.
Ø Need to balance the social and employment benefits.
To individual
Ø School/college links gives pupils a good insight into college, courses and careers.
Ø Help students make the right career choices - open student's eyes to different courses.
Ø Build confidence.
Ø Provide articulation routes to university but this only a small part of what colleges do.
Ø Flexible learning means that students who would not normally be able to attend education can.
To Community and economy
Ø Making sectors become more professional - child care requirements.
Ø College links with businesses brings staff up to speed on changing legislation.
Ø Good links with business in order to retrain/up skill staff.
Ø Targeting a wide range of people within the community due to flexible teaching methods.
Q. What needs to be done to improve the college sector?
Ø Pay structure - needs addressed to attract staff ie McCrone settlement losing staff.
Ø Professional Body - different views on the merits of having a professional body some felt that it was vital to the sector to have people who have up to date vocational experience. Some were worried that part time staff would be made to feel like second rate lecturers. Some felt that the General Teaching Council are too stringent. Others highlighted the importance of maintaining a parity of esteem among lecturers.
Ø European Social Funding - needs to clear new funding arrangements otherwise many projects will suffer ie child care faculties, outreach projects, breaking down barriers.
Discussion with Students (Group 3)
Q Why did you decide to study at college?
Ø The open door policy of a college - would not be able to get the necessary training on the job especially as a mature applicant, businesses are not willing to invest in training.
Ø Flexibility to change courses.
Ø Offers a more hands on approach to learning.
Ø Need to get a professional qualification in order to work in a specific career eg beauty therapy.
Q. Why is college more appropriate for you than school or university?
Ø College offered courses which were more relevant than university courses.
Ø Already been to university and gained a degree now undertaking a practical course in order to start a career in theatre.
Ø Financially more viable to go to college than university.
Ø Liked the progression routes.
Q. How do you feel about the lecturers, staff, teaching practices, learning environment and resources?
Ø Learning environment for the beauty therapy courses provides excellent training facilities - felt that it was just like working in an actual beauty salon.
Ø Lecturers have worked in the industry and can give up to date advice.
Ø Students who had come from school mentioned that they liked being treated like adults.
Ø Enjoyed the age mix of classes - learnt respect, tolerance and gained knowledge from other people's life experiences.
Ø Staff and learning environment help prepare you for the work place.
Ø Presentations - working on this skill was identified as being extremely helpful in gaining confidence and improving communication skills.
Ø Tutors are encouraging and approachable.
Q. What areas could be improved?
Ø Thought that the prospectus could contain a bit more information.
Ø Suggested the use of open nights for prospective students.
Ø Funding issues
o need for more information about what students are entitled to claim;
o thought that the bursaries were good as long as students applied for them early; and
o some problems raised with Education Maintenance Allowance payments thought there should be emergency funding available.
Action Point: Pass these comments on to colleagues in Funding for Learners Division in the Scottish Executive
Q. If there was no college what would you be doing?
Ø It would be difficult to get into their desired profession/career.
Ø Working in a low paid job
Ø Unemployed
Q. What are the benefits of going to college?
To individual
Ø Meeting new people and getting out of the house.
Ø Gaining qualifications that would otherwise not have thought about ie computing & first aid.
Ø Teach you skills for setting up your own business.
Ø Accessible - locality, child care and financially viable.
Ø Encouraged to think for yourself
Ø Gain a sense of achievement - boast to confidence.
To Community and economy
Ø Education levels of the local community increase.
Ø Business gain professionally trained employees who are job ready.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
October 2005
ANNEX B
REVIEW OF SCOTLAND'S COLLEGES
The Difference that Colleges Make
Lews Castle College UHI
Thursday 13 October 2005
Discussions with Principal and Members from the Senior Management Team
General comments made
Lews Castle serves the whole of the Outer Hebrides. The college and its partners in economic and social development have a role in retaining the population and improving the economic opportunities for business and individuals.
The College delivers a much wider programme than most comparable mainland or other island colleges in order to meet the needs of the widespread community. The curriculum therefore ranges from shot, vocational, non-certificate courses to the award of a doctorate.
Q. What Difference does the Col lege make?
Ø Improve social inclusion and geographical inclusion issues.
Ø Improve vocational learning for secondary school pupils.
Ø Meet the needs of local employers/industries.
Ø Life changing e.g. two recent students who were previously employed as cleaners started an IT course and have now completed degrees.
Ø On the down-side contributes to the migration of people to the mainland.
Ø Provide a well resourced library and learning facilities.
Ø Provide progression opportunities for local people.
Ø Provide a community role and have wide ranging partnerships including community learning and with the local authority.
Q. What areas could be improved in the sector?
Ø Details of funding allocation for school/college partnership in order to plan for courses.
Q. Challenges the college face?
Ø Re-branding - Outer Hebrides.
Ø Maintaining and growing student numbers in the face of declining population through more online development.
Ø Widening portfolio to meet new opportunities - renewable energy, arts and sports.
Ø Achieving and maintaining financial security.
Ø Continue to use IT to the best advantage.
Discussion with students
Q. Why did you decide to go to college?
Ø Change in personal circumstances decided to get a formal qualification.
Ø To rejoin the labour market.
Ø To build up confidence before applying for jobs.
Ø To change careers.
Ø Employer encouraged going to college to upgrade skills.
Ø Due to health couldn't continue with education at school and completing a course to give access to university in Edinburgh.
Ø Came to gain a qualification in engineering as part of apprenticeship.
Ø Completing course to get offshore job with the benefit of high wages.
Ø Influenced by father who works offshore.
Ø To return to work after bringing up children.
Ø After leaving school did nothing for 2 years and then decided to come to college.
Q. What do you like about college?
Ø College is the reason why I get up in the morning.
Ø Allows me the opportunity to continue to raise my family on the island.
Ø Can remain on the Island and experience a better quality of life.
Ø College provides a faster way to learn than on the job training.
Ø Made friends.
Ø Support given by lectures and other staff.
Ø Enjoy the course.
Q. Future Plans
Ø Intend to work off-shore.
Ø Hope to join the army catering corps.
Ø Hope to continue studies at Gleneagles and may join army catering corps.
Ø Want to study further to degree level.
Ø To leave the Island to continue studies.
Ø To work in fishing industry.
Ø To rejoin the labour market.
Ø To go into nursing and work in the hospital.
Ø To gain office work.
Discussions with staff
Q. What difference does the college make to the student/society?
Ø Contributes to getting people back into work.
Ø Increase aspirations of the students.
Ø Improves confidence and personal development.
Ø Give opportunities of work experience e.g. catering students gaining skills of the whole trade from a waiter to a chef.
Ø Gain skills such as team-working.
Ø Trained locally likely to maintain a base on the island.
Ø Affordability - parent may not be able to support a child going to the mainland to continue their education.
Ø Children from special needs schools are able to access the college.
Ø Encourage continuing professional development.
Ø The college itself is the third biggest employer on the island.
Q. What areas could be improved in the sector?
Ø More collaboration with schools (schools often encourage pupils to stay on at school rather than go to college).
Ø More recruitment from students out-with the island.
Ø Need a champion for the sector.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
October 2005
ANNEX C
REVIEW OF SCOTLAND 'S COLLEGES
The Difference that Col leges Make
John Wheatley Col lege
Wednesday 26 October 2005
Discussion with Principal, Members from the Senior Management Team & some Board Members (Session 1)
General
Ø 30% of students are on bursaries, the way in which bursaries are distributed in the college sector is of concern. Advised that local MSP's would be asking PQs about this issue imminently.
Ø Still issues about male participation rates.
Ø College has been forced to work in the community by not having the required capacity in its main buildings.
Q. What is the difference that colleges make?
Ø Colleges are learner focused environment.
Ø Social Inclusion Partnerships and college are working in partnership to ensure that no-one in their catchment has to walk more than 750 metres to access learning.
Ø College undertakes a complete programme review every three years.
Ø Every student enrolled at the college has a Personal Learning Plan (PLP's)
Ø Flexibility of college structures allows greater student participation.
Ø Had great success with 'Progression to Employment' courses. Examples given were Tesco in Shettleston where 149 locals are employed and the Forge where 87% of jobs went to local people.
Q. What if there were no colleges?
Ø The college is at the heart of the local community so if there was no college the community would greatly suffer.
Ø Can not imagine an alternative but would like to raise the issue of the burden of bureaucracy on today's college sector - governance of colleges is far more bureaucratic than the university sector.
Discussion with Staff (Session 2)
Q. What are the benefits of college?
For the individual
Ø Individual confidence
Ø Communication skills
Ø Responsibility - given the power back to make their own decisions
Ø Team Work - learn the impact of their behaviour on others
For the Community and Economy
In addition the staff were keen to convey that:
Ø College is successful because it offers individuals the chance to learn through experience.
Ø On more practical courses they see individuals actively seeking Saturday and part-time work to support the learning on their courses.
Ø Great deal of citizenship spin off from work experience.
General
Ø Important to assess every individual's starting point and finishing points, this allows you to measure the value added and also ensure most suitable programmes.
Ø Colleges have the ability to provide flexible learning, taking account of individual circumstances.
Ø This process was supported by the colleges' commitment to PLPs.
Ø Staff referred to teaching the students and then highlighting what they had been taught.
Ø Territorial issues in the area are overcome as subject interest breaks down social barriers.
Ø College starts promotion of its services within local primary schools in order that there is no fear of the service
Q. Have you any concerns for the Future?
Ø Worried about ability of the college sector to continue to attract high quality staff to work within it.
Discussion with Learners (Session 3)
Q. What were your expectations of college? Does college live up to them?
Ø Thought majority of students would be recent school leavers therefore younger, was therefore pleasantly surprised.
Ø Thought teaching would be classroom based, like school.
Q. Anything you particularly enjoy about college or find valuable?
Ø The huge age range of pupils and the learning that this itself generates. Young and old work together to support each other in areas such as IT and sharing of life experience.
Ø John Wheatley is a community college therefore there is always faces you know about the building.
Ø The spreading of positive stories from people who have attended JWC through word of mouth makes you value the college more.
Ø Very active and supportive students association.
Q. Views on teaching and learning?
Ø Relaxed atmosphere within the college and classes enhances learning
Ø Flexibility of courses (delivery) is key at JWC and also helps improve overall course completion as tutors are happy to work within the PLP structure to help individuals achieve.
Ø They are prepared to address individual need.
Q. What difference has college made for you?
Ø Increased confidence.
Ø Improved communication skills.
Ø Satisfied my boredom and therefore kept me from returning to drugs.
Ø Provided me with the opportunity to retrain after I was prevented from returning to work offshore for medical reasons.
Ø gained a qualification - which felt great.
Ø Allowed me to tailor my skills for the job market which should help me earn a better wage and therefore encourage me to come off benefits.
Q. Plans for the future
Ø To follow on and do an HND in Social Care and then become a drugs support worker.
Ø Finish course and then look at starting gown business or entering labour market.
Q. What would you do if there were no colleges?
Ø Would be unemployed.
Ø Sitting watching the TV.
Ø Boredom would have resulted in returning to drugs.
Q. Any other points.
Ø College experience for students would benefit from JWC developing better articulation routes to colleges that do HNDs and universities in Glasgow.
Discussion with Stakeholders (Session 4)
Q. How does college engage with external stakeholders?
General
Ø JWC works with both private and public partners.
Ø JWC is responsive to local needs.
Ø It is a community college.
Ø Support individuals through learning plans.
Public
Ø College is active in local community planning i.e. member of the East End Partnership Board.
Ø College actively delivers services in the community i.e. community learning and youth access courses.
Ø College is happy to take lead or simply be part of local projects.
Ø Stakeholders see JWC as local institution not a learning institution.
Private
Ø Value the attitudes and flexibility in the courses
Ø College is happy to set up courses to meet the needs of the employer which opens up two way street and encourages employers to provide work experience for students.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
October 2005
Annex D
REVIEW OF SCOTLAND'S COLLEGES
The Difference that Colleges Make
Lauder College
Monday 31 October 2005
Discussion with Principal & Members from the Senior Management Team
Q. What Difference do Col leges make?
Ø College has diverse and developed income streams to offer a breadth of activity and support for the community.
Ø Important contracts being won with Scottish Enterprise ie Get Ready for Work and New Deal.
Ø Good links with other organisations ie Scottish Enterprise, Chambers of Commerce, Local Authority.
Ø College takes responsibility for local people.
Ø Gives support to local people who are undergoing a period of transition.
Ø Takes responsibility for the education of prisoners - 25 % of prisoners are illiterate.
Ø Takes responsibility for educating ex-offenders ie help them to set up their own businesses.
Ø Better than private learning providers because provide training not just ticking boxes.
Ø Allow opportunity for people to undertake a full degree - so not having the expense and inconvenience of travelling far to nearest university.
Ø No single organisation can provide all the things that colleges provide.
Q. What areas could be improved in the sector?
Ø Transport infrastructure needs improved - importance of having colleges in local communities.
Ø Funding - clearer/transparent funding mechanisms and improved arrangements between college and other government agencies because social inclusion work is not being funded adequately.
Ø Recognition for the work the colleges does in areas which are not funded by the Funding Council which are recognised as important areas of work.
Ø Governance- confusion about the role of Boards of Management ie influence over curriculum.
Ø Better support for colleges who take risks when helping their local economies - sometimes make decision based on social inclusion and not finance.
Ø Need to promote the sector better with teachers, parents, and businesses.
Ø Look to the Future and the skills needs of the nation - what will happen, for example, post oil? What are future skill needs?
Discussion with Students
Q Is Col lege what you expected?
Ø Being a mature student hard to get used to sitting down having lecturers but good support to help you get used to study methods etc.
Ø Shock coming back into a learning environment.
Ø No because did not expect to be able to go down different avenues of study (is started studying one course but this lead to studying something else which was more appropriate).
Ø Studying because you want to be here.
Ø College good at catering for all.
Ø College explains options better than school did.
Ø As helpful as expected.
Ø Some courses not good at getting students work ready for setting up your own business.
Ø Other course excellent at getting students work ready and experience for setting up own business.
Ø Thought that as a mature student would gain credit for prior learning.
Ø Credit for prior learning depends on the course.
Q. Why did you decide to come to college and what are the benefits?
Ø Positive and unique choice- the only college which offered the course.
Ø Better level of courses than expected and greater flexibility.
Ø Independence.
Ø Learning other skills not just theory.
Ø Locality would not travel elsewhere.
Ø Enjoy the adult learning environment.
Ø College helps you to get a better job.
Ø College helps you to get qualifications to get a better job.
Ø Stepping stone to university.
Ø Left the army and college provides a stepping stone to getting a job in civie street.
Ø Choose this college because of the excellent reputation for certain courses and lecturers.
Ø Excellent facilities.
Ø Allows staff to undertake continuous professional development training in their own college.
Ø Provides different options.
Q. If there was no college what would you be doing?
Ø Continued staying at home with the kids.
Ø In a dead end/low paid job.
Ø Retired.
Ø Dead!
Ø Low self esteem.
Discussion with Staff
Q. What Difference Do Col lege Make?
Ø Increase in confidence - the way they feel and look improves ie can see difference in matriculation photos from when first started to when leave.
Ø Improved work readiness.
Ø Those with disabilities being stretched.
Ø Those coming from school - provides a stepping stone to university or job.
Ø Evidence of students leaving university after a few weeks because did not feel ready (not academically but personally) so came to college and will then go to university when more confident.
Ø Better support.
Ø Better progression routes.
Ø Provide good linkages.
Ø Breadth of courses and ages is a challenge but also a strength.
Q. Why do Col leges make a differences?
Ø Meets employer needs.
Ø Smaller classes than at school or university so more targeted to the needs of students.
Ø Constant review of courses - learn from mistakes.
Ø Outreach centres are excellent way of getting people into learning - closer to communities most removed from employment and learning.
Ø Great links with other organisations.
Q. What are the benefits about the teaching style at colleges?
Ø Focused on the individual and can customise.
Ø Individual learning plans.
Ø Choice of delivery - day release/full time/part time/ on line/ evening/ at the work place.
Ø Approachability of staff from front line to senior lecturers.
Ø Lauder Group mean can provide a wide provision of learning to all stages and levels.
Ø College can react quickly to local community needs.
Q. If there was no college what would the impact be to community/Scotland?
Ø Reduced number of people in education/lifelong learning.
Ø Less people going on to university.
Ø Local businesses come to the area because of the college - it supplies a trained workforce.
Ø College does pre-recruitment for companies therefore this would have to be done by companies themselves.
Ø Unemployment levels would be higher. - help with the rapid response Team ie 130 redundancies where retained in domestic gas engineering all got back into work.
Ø Too far to travel to other colleges.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
October 2005
REVIEW OF SCOTLAND'S COLLEGES
The Difference that Colleges Make
Glasgow Central College of Commerce
Tuesday 2 November 2005
Discussions with Principal, Members of the Senior Management Team
General comments made
Ø The college offers courses in business and management, computing, hairdressing and beauty as well as others.
Ø Internet access and screens are available in every teaching room.
Ø The college makes full use of IT in learning and teaching.
Ø The Central Business Learning Zone (located on an old building from the Allan Glen's school campus)
Ø Offers evening provision at post graduate-level.
Ø Is a centre for excellence for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
Ø Has received commendations from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Ø 70% of their work at higher education level.
Q. What Difference does this Col lege make?
Ø Differentiating the CPD brand from the College mainstream curriculum has been good for students in creating a more professional/mature attitude (status).
Ø Improvements in estates improves behaviour and respect.
Ø Only college in Glasgow that offers an evening post graduate course in Personnel.
Ø Several of their students have gained employment within the college itself - which is also beneficial to students who see the commitment the college makes to them.
Ø Assists in the training of staff from both the public and private sector e.g. NHS, Compaq etc.
Q. What areas could be improved in the sector?
Ø Believe in being visionary/creative thinking for example: 24 hr help desks that students can phone for support, certificates accessed and downloaded by the learner once authenticity had been established.
Ø One project is to achieve a system in the FE Sector similar to that of UCAS.
Ø Less micro detailed management by the Funding Council would allow for quicker growth.
Ø Explore the possibility of central governors over all of Scotland's colleges or core groups of colleges.
Ø Improve the perception of colleges being "second class" to universities.
Discussion with former students now employed by the college
Q Is Col lege what you expected?
Ø College was more than I expected it to be.
Ø There was always some-one there to support you.
Ø You need to be more disciplined with than I had anticipated.
Ø More relaxed than previous experience of a learning environment.
Q. Why did you decide to come to college and what are the benefits?
Ø Initially came through on skills seekers programme on a day release at SVQ level 2 and now currently studying at degree level.
Ø To gain and HND in advertising and PR which was relevant as working within the industry at the time.
Q. Views of learning and teaching?
Ø Course more relevant to outside industry than those run within universities.
Ø Focused on the development of the individual.
Ø Prepares students well for work or university.
Ø More community based.
Ø College invests in its students.
Discussion with current students
Q Is college what you expected?
Ø More supportive.
Ø Surprised to find male students in Complementary Therapies course.
Ø Course has more written work than had expected.
Ø Didn't expect physics to form part of course.
Q. Why did you decide to come to college and what are the benefits?
Ø Started on a short IT course, went on to full time study of ECDL course, created "mock tests" for college and employed by the college on a part-time basis.
Ø Gained confidence again after losing my job.
Ø Had gained a degree in Business Management with a language - chose to do this course because interested in it and plan to set up own business.
Ø Came straight from school because interested in beauty therapy and training cannot be done within the industry.
Ø Interested in the subject and have made good friends.
Q. Views of learning and teaching?
Ø Very supportive.
Ø Very professional.
Q. Plans for the future?
Ø Plan to open own business.
Ø Work for myself and travel around the country.
Ø Look forward to practicing within current employment.
Ø Will be prepared for a wide range of job opportunities.
Discussions with staff
Q. What Difference Do Col leges Make?
Ø Build confidence.
Ø Students learn to work together.
Ø Social aspects, morality and ethos.
Ø Provide skills for where school may have failed.
Ø Provide routes for those who wish to go to university.
Q. Why do Col leges make a difference?
Ø Meet employer needs.
Ø More focus on the learner.
Ø Engage with public and private sector.
Ø Smaller classes.
Ø One of the most flexible and responsive sectors meeting many of the government's objectives.
Ø Companies may be prepared to pay to up-skill employees but not prepared to pay for preparatory work. This is seen as the responsibility of the FE sector.
Q. What are the benefits about the teaching style at colleges?
Ø Good learner support.
Ø Personal learning plans.
Ø Use of ENQUIRER to identify additional support needs of students.
Ø Different methods of contact used to suit the student e.g. face-to-face, mobile phone, within a group.
Ø Young students will get older anyway but it's better to mature within an environment that supports them.
Q. How do colleges impact on the community/Scotland?
Ø Help get people off benefits and into employment.
Ø Help develop people to gain better quality employment.
Ø Provide articulation routes.
Ø Help develop people as individuals to contribute to society.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
November 2005
ANNEX F
REVIEW OF SCOTLAND'S COLLEGES
The Difference that Colleges Make
Stevenson College, Edinburgh
Friday 11 November 2005
Discussions with Principal
General comments made
Ø Main campus at Sighthill.
Ø College's community locations include Duncan Place in Leith, which is leased from the City of Edinburgh Council and suffers from structural problems.
Ø The college is involved is involved in a number of community partnerships and is considering adapting the Newham College model which builds on increasing community capacity and employability. The college is also interested in following the lead taken by Anniesland College on developing capacity within the emerging housing associations.
Action Point: Contact Linda McTavish to discuss "housing association work".
Q. What Difference do Col leges make?
Ø Makes the difference to people when they need it, therefore at different times in people's lives and at different levels.
Ø Improve social skills.
Ø Help re-skill and up-skill the workforce.
Ø Assist with issues of mental or physical health.
Ø Builds confidence and skills to access the labour market following redundancy.
Q. If there was no college what would the impact be to community/Scotland?
Ø More people with either physical impairments or mental health problems would be stuck in institutions or at home.
Ø Many people would not reach their full potential.
Ø Universities would miss them as colleges are a large provider of students.
Ø Employers would miss colleges who tailor courses to suit employers needs.
Ø Health would decline in society - keeping an active mind helps reduce risks of strokes and slow down diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Q. What areas could be improved in the sector?
Ø The sector can help with graduates to develop the skills employers need. Unfortunately too often the aspirations of graduates go beyond that which employers can realistically offer. There needs to be better targeting of qualifications to avoid academic inflation.
Discussions with staff
Q. What difference do colleges make to student?
Ø Builds confidence, social/life skills.
Ø More than just receiving an academic education.
Ø It raises expectations.
Ø Provide trainees for modern apprenticeships - many employers such as car mechanics demand experience first.
Ø Offers them wider ranging opportunities, for example, in the trades the students cover all areas of their chosen trade which they may not have the opportunity to experience onsite.
Ø Provide training for employees from the electronic sector.
Action Point: Speak to 'REMIT' in Livingston and Scottish Motor Vehicles
(College to provide contact details)
Q. What are the benefits about the teaching style at college?
Ø Support students.
Ø Provide flexible learning and use learning centres for directed study either by the student alone or as part of a class with good access to IT equipment including wireless.
Q. What areas could be improved in the sector?
Ø More support for childcare funds and less difficult forms.
Discussion with students
Q. Why did you decide to come to college?
Ø To change career and improve English.
Ø To gain qualifications to return to work after made redundant.
Ø To gain qualifications to return to work after a period of incapacity.
Ø Failed English at school and hope to go to university next year.
Ø Access course for university.
Ø Accepted for teaching but may decide to do nursery nursing instead
Ø On a skills for work programme.
Ø Spoke to someone at the college prior to applying and made to feel at home.
Q Is Col lege what you expected?
Ø Different - more IT and Maths in course.
Ø Didn't expect the amount of support given, including support on issues not relating to the course.
Ø More in the course than perceptions i.e. "playing with children" for example gaining knowledge in "additional support needs".
Ø Didn't know what to aspect but enjoy all aspects of course.
Q. What do you like about college and how has it helped you?
Ø More interested in the people and not just about gaining funding.
Ø Geared towards the individual.
Ø Help given at your own pace for your own problems - looking forward to the future
Ø More confident since started the course.
Ø Enjoy going to college rather than continuing in a job I didn't like.
Ø Do homework and enjoy it.
Ø Helped back into course following a period of depression and continue to receive support.
Ø Feel able to contribute something back into society.
Ø Find Student Support and Guidance staff excellent.
Ø Enjoy mix of people - age, nationality, ability etc.
Ø Different from school.
Ø Felt dreams had been shattered because not accepted into university - but now feel more confident and able to have a second chance.
Ø Gives an insight into what I'll need to do in the future.
Ø Funding excellent.
Ø Work-placement really prepares you for work.
Ø Course prepares you not just for nursery but for primary schools, family centres too.
Ø Opens your eyes to opportunities.
Q. What are the benefits of the teaching styles?
Ø They make it easier to understand and more memorable.
Ø Lectures are more than teachers - are aware of disabilities and can adjust their teaching method for the individual.
Ø Encourage to express opinions and share experiences.
Ø Age mix encourages older people back.
Ø Realise more in common with different people than you think.
Q. If there was no college what would you have done?
Ø Would have gone abroad.
Ø With education background would still have been a cleaner or forced to go back into shop work.
Ø Stuck in house on medication.
Ø Care assistant but without a chance of taking it further.
Ø Stuck on incapacity benefit.
Ø Stuck in a remote area working in a café and not meeting the people who now share life.
Ø Six years distance learning staying in a small town and not meeting anyone.
Ø Forced into a dead end job.
Ø At school pushed to one side - but here encouraged to develop.
Ø Stayed at home.
Ø Stayed at home or babysat.
Ø Would have travelled around doing bar jobs and not settling down.
Duncan Place
The College runs community learning programmes, with the main delivery of community based ESOL courses taking place in Duncan Place. The centre teaches in small groups and offers free crèche facilities. The college also operates a unique home learning programme, for those who live permanently in Edinburgh or Lothian (including asylum seekers and refugees), who want to improve their English but find it impossible to attend a learning centre.
Discussions with staff
Q. What difference does the college make to students?
Ø Builds confidence.
Ø Ability to cope with life e.g. go to the doctors without an interpreter, speak to a school teacher, help with homework etc.
Ø Gives access to travel, applying for jobs, carrying out day-to-day tasks such as shopping.
Ø Although resource intensive highly successful in involving the "hard to reach" - often those with mental health or physical problems.
Ø Assists with integration into the community.
Ø Provides the first steps into learning.
Ø Supports students through guidance.
Ø Highly successful in preparing people for employment including self-employment.
Ø Allows many people who are already qualified in their country of origin to utilise their skills in Scotland.
Q. Why should colleges delivery community based courses?
Ø Colleges maximise in terms of resources, guidance, professional development and more experience of delivering SQAs or assessments .
Ø Greater expertise of mixed level teaching .
Ø Able to support individual learner.
Ø Easier to make links with progression from college community learning to more formal learning courses within a college.
Ø Less time spent chasing funding that projects often have to do.
Ø Easier to plan long term for both the learner and the staff.
Ø Community relationships benefit as well as the community.
Request from staff:
That weighting for community based courses is increased and not at the current rate which is similar to that of a foreign language.
Reviews Team: Scotland 's Colleges
November 2005