scottish skills academies: colleges supporting learners

www.motherwell.co.uk

Scottish Skills Academies

–comprehensives for the 21st centuryIan Sommerville, Clyde Valley High School

Alison Allan, Motherwell College

28 August 07 www.motherwell.co.uk

Introduction

ASC and school sector representatives

Scottish Executive Steering group

Skills For Work


Leitch Review

“ We recommend radical change right across the skills spectrum. We have defined clear ambitions at basic, intermediate and higher skills. Our study focuses on adult skills but we express concern and suggest action for 14-19s.

Lord Sandy Leitch, December 2006


32% North Lanarkshire students

Deprived postcodes

Social EconomicContext


Skills For Work courses delivered by Motherwell College

S3 660 pupils

S4 510 pupils

S5/6 200 pupils

Session 2006 / 2007


North Lanarkshire City Vision Programme

• College staff (65%)

• Teachers (25%)

• Sports & Leisure staff (2%)

• Community Service / Grounds Maintenance staff (3%)

• Private provider (in-school) (5%)


Within North Lanarkshire the three local colleges

• Coatbridge College• Cumbernauld College• Motherwell College

play a major role in course delivery - 65% of the total Skills for work programmes.

The delivery model in North Lanarkshire differs from the situation in most of the rest of the country. In most other council areas delivery by college staff takes place in the colleges. However, in NLC almost 90% of the delivery by college staff takes place in schools.


X

Clyde Valley High School S3/4 Option Choice Sheet All pupils must study English, Mathematics, and 6 other subjects. Pupils are encouraged to follow a broad and balanced curriculum by choosing a variety of different types of subjects. Therefore, pupils are advised to make their choices from as many columns as possible. Pupils can choose a maximum of 2 subjects from each column or section.

In addition, all pupils will study P.E. (2 periods), Religious Education (1 period) and Social Education (1 period).

Name: _________________________ Class: __________ Date: _________ Signature of Parent / Guardian: _____________________

Select one subject in each column by placing a X in the box.

Language & Communication

Mathematical Studies

Modern Languages

Social & Environmental

Studies

Scientific Studies Technological Studies

Creative & Aesthetic Studies

4 periods 4 periods 6 subjects to be chosen - 3 periods each

English

Mathematics

French

German

Geography

History

Modern Studs Religious Studs

Std Gr Int1/Acc3 Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Administration

Computing

Craft & Design

Home Econ.

Art & Design

Drama

Music

Physical Ed.

Graphic Com

Skill Force Hairdressing/Beauty Therapy Construction Hospitality Auto

X X

2007/08


Beauty Therapy in Clyde Valley H S


Hairdressing salon in Clyde Valley H S


Construction in Clyde Valley High School


Construction workshop in Clyde Valley High School


Auto mechanics in Clyde Valley H S


Auto workshop in Clyde Valley H S


Hospitality in Cardinal Newman H S


Challenges• Meeting the increasing demand for courses and extending the range of courses on offer using scarce

resources• Equalisation of opportunity / increase number of participating

schools• Sustainability / alternative funding sources• Infrastructure – development of more specialist areas in

schools and Colleges• Labels – (vocational skills on offer to high performing pupils) • Staff development• Timetables


The Way Forward • Develop high quality skills academies with Colleges at the Centre

• Skills academies are further developed across Scotland with a “best fit” model ensuring the partnership includes Colleges, Local Councils, School head teacher representatives and employers

• Strategic mapping is undertaken within Local and National steering groups (Subject areas and geographical locations are identified as Skills academies)

• Sustainability of the academies is incorporated within local area steering group business plans

• Curriculum For Excellence agenda and Skills For Work courses are extended to include alternative subject areas out with Skills For Work

• Infrastructure – development of more specialist areas in schools • Resources are allocated for Skills academy development i.e travel, staff development,

infrastructure


Q and A


Discussion • Is the North Lanarkshire model sustainable?

• Will Skills academies lead to over supply of provision in schools?

• EIS and COSLA position on GTC?

• Progression routes?

• Student experience – in College or in School?

• How do non “Skills For Work” e.g Intermediate, higher level and VQ programmes fit within a Skills Academy for school pupils?

• How do we intend to engage industry and source sponsorship for the skills academies?

scottish skills academies: colleges supporting learners

Economy & Finance

higher skills

total skills

adult skills

skills spectrum

centre skills academies

high quality skills

skills academy development

school pupils