WIREDGOV

The Institute for Learning (IfL) has responded to an inquiry into the role of colleges in the community, led by a commission comprising the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (Niace), the Association of Colleges (AoC) and the 157 Group, and chaired by Baroness Sharp of Guildford. IfL’s response to the second call for evidence was informed by the views of IfL members, teachers and trainers in further education and skills.

IfL’s deputy chief executive, Lee Davies, said, “IfL supports the recommendations in the commission’s interim report, and for the remaining six months of the inquiry would welcome a greater focus on the role of teaching practitioners in colleges; on improving teaching and learning; and on recognising that the value learners place on their relationships with teachers and trainers should feature highly in any strategy to improve quality.

“Ofsted’s 2009/10 annual report revealed that 57 per cent of provision delivered in general further education colleges was good or outstanding. IfL believes that teachers’ exposure to local industry, combined with the flexibility to adapt planning and delivery of the curriculum, will contribute to improvements in teaching and learning, and to colleges’ competitiveness.

”Student populations in colleges are incredibly diverse, generally more so than learners’ local communities, and colleges can be proud of their record in terms of social cohesion. Colleges represent a safe and organised environment, not only for academic and vocational learning but also for enrichment activities – such as sports, art, craft, music and charity fundraising – which benefit a learner’s health, self-esteem and performance.

“These extracurricular activities, usually delivered by teachers and trainers or by third sector specialists through weekly tutorials, specialist workshops, during learners’ free time and after college hours, are hugely beneficial to learners and their communities. The importance of enrichment activities, especially for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, should not be underestimated. We hope that proposed funding cuts will  be reconsidered.

“Members’ views will also inform IfL’s response to the government’s New Challenges, New Chances consultation, which is intended to take its skills for sustainable growth strategy further by making detailed proposals in a number of areas, including the promotion of high-quality teaching and learning at all levels of the adult education system.”

Click here to download IfL’s response to the call for evidence in PDF format