WIREDGOV

The skills and achievements of staff and students in Scotland’s colleges were celebrated at the College Development Network (CDN) Annual Awards.

SQA sponsored the Essential Skills Award, which recognises colleges which have embraced the opportunities presented in the CDN’s Essential Skills Statement of Ambition. The statement outlines the commitment of Scotland’s colleges to ensuring students are equipped with skills to help them reach their full potential.

Finalists in the Essential Skills Award category were Dundee and Angus College, Glasgow Clyde College and North East Scotland College.

The Essential Skills Team at Dundee and Angus College have launched an online tool for staff, which provides them with a multitude of ways in which Essential Skills can be incorporated into the curriculum.

With the Scottish textile industry enjoying a resurgence, Glasgow Clyde College are tackling the resulting skills shortage. They are working in partnership with Future Textiles at Dumfries House, which has seen over 2,000 participants take part in sewing, pattern drafting and woven textiles workshops.

Through the SilverNote-Music Enterprise initiative at North East Scotland College, students from across disciplines learn by working together on tasks which bring them into contact with the music industry. SilverNote also encourages academic staff to take on a coaching role as students develop their project plans.

Announced as winners of the Essential Skills Award was North East College Scotland’s SilverNote-Music Enterprise.

Dr Janet Brown, SQA Chief Executive, said: ‘Our Essential Skills Award finalists have taken an innovative approach to teaching, which has undoubtedly enhanced the learning experience of their students. I congratulate all the finalists and in particular our category winner, North East Scotland College SilverNote-Music Enterprise.’

Information on all the finalists can be found on the CDN website.