THE DIFFERENCE COLLEGES MAKE
INITIAL THOUGHTS ON FINAL REPORT FORMAT
Purpose
1. To provide a basis for members to discuss some initial thoughts on the format of the group's final report.
Report
2. The report should be both quantitative and qualitative - both factual (graphs/diagrams/trends/ tables) at macro level and reflective of benefits to individuals in Scotland.
3. The report should include a broad overview of the changing nature of college provision in Scotland since incorporation in 1993. This could include information about how learning and teaching is delivered in Scotland's colleges.
4. It should include some illustrative individual case studies that demonstrate the difference colleges make to particular types of learners. These should be honest accounts that portray typical college engagement, not the best of the crop. In other words, they should not be marketing tools. They should, where appropriate, identify areas for development.
School Links Work - how Colleges provide taster/vocational experiences that help determine more informed choice of career or entry into Modern Apprenticeships.
Progressing to University - the fairly unique second way provided to thousands of individuals in Scotland - the 2+2 product (2 years HND, 2 years Honours degree).
Helping individuals with literacy/numeracy difficulties.
Entry into traditional and new vocations - construction (booming), engineering, hospitality, tourism etc. But also some more unique specialisms eg Golf rofessional/Ghillie/Puppeteer/Events Organiser.
IT skills for the elderly/ageing population.
Meeting needs across Scotland - city and rural areas - 'Drop-In' facilities in over 2000 centres.
Meeting the needs of those in the workplace - delivery of qualifications at work
Supporting students with additional needs
International students
Trade union learning
Prisoner rehabilitation
Consultancy/Training packages custom designed for companies.
5. There could be a section on how Colleges deliver over an individual's lifetime, e.g. from nursery places for learners' children through the range of college opportunities throughout life.
6 There should be section on how colleges are delivering the political agenda for Scotland, e.g. reducing the Opportunity Gap, promoting growth and increasing productivity. Other aspects that could be mentioned include:
- Community regeneration
- New professional regulation (e.g. nursery staff)
- Sustainability
- Enterprise
- Reskilling
- Nurturing creative industries
- Knowledge transfer
- Support to agriculture
A section should outline the range of college partners (and competitors) and describe how colleges work together. Collaboration between the specialist colleges could be used as an example.
8. There could be a few 'platforms' from some stakeholders on the differences they consider colleges make.
9. Finally there should be a section on the competiveness of colleges, including efficiency and value for money.