'The 14-19 Dimension - Diplomas and Diversity'
LEAD ORGANISATION
Progress South Central
PROJECT SUMMARY
In July 2010 Progress South Central ran a one-day conference 'The 14-19 Dimension - Diplomas and Diversity' as the latest in a series of well-received conferences aimed at IAG staff and others involved in advising and supporting learners. Those invited included senior Local Authority staff, 14-19 Co-ordinators and those delivering Diplomas; Higher Education Admissions staff; Aimhigher; Connexions lead staff and advisors; Further Education, Higher Education and school IAG practitioners.
The conference focused specifically on 14-19 education and the implications of current changes to the 14-19 curriculum. The invited speakers addressed this issue from a range of perspectives. Keynote speakers included Professor Richard Pring, Chair of the Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training, who spoke on The 14-19 Curriculum Today and Tomorrow. Lorraine Barker from Connexions Berkshire spoke on IAG implications of the recent changes within the 14-19 Curriculum. Finally, staff from the University of Reading's Institute of Education fed back on their LLN-funded research into the experiences of vocational students in FE and into secondary school IAG from a staff viewpoint. The day also included a round table discussion on the key issues in supporting progression to HE for Diploma students.
IMPACT
43 delegates attended the conference. All those providing post-conference feedback rated the conference as 'Excellent' or 'Good'. This was reinforced by verbal comments made on the day by speakers and attendees alike - the conference appeared to have been well received and to have promoted plenty of discussion. There was a feeling that the conference had achieved its goals and been a successful learning event for those attending. One delegate commented "Great venue, quite a packed agenda, but interesting".
All respondents felt their expectations had been met to some or a great extent. One said "I found Richard Pring's talk brilliant and inspiring" and another said the conference was "a great mix". All respondents indicated that the event would be helpful to them in terms of their work providing guidance to learners, with one stating that "It has provided insight into how I can improve IAG within the school that I work with."
LINK TO FULLER REPORT