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Latest News: September 2002
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A new strategy for learning and skills
On 19 June 2002 the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) published a consultation document entitled "Success for All". The document proposes a number of reforms in raising quality and improving choice. The DfES will work closely with the Learning and Skills Council and other key partners to implement the reforms.
NIACE is pleased to contribute to the Success for All consultation. We welcome the continued commitment to improving basic skills; to developing links between further and higher education and to capital expenditure programmes. We support the intention behind the paper to move towards a new strategy for learning and skills and look forward to working with Government to take the debate forward. This response is organised around the four "discussion issues" identified in the document and the specific questions asked. It also makes wider points.
 | NIACE's response to Success for All is available here |
The consultation period ends on 30 September 2002.
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Public Spending Review 2002
On 15 July 2002, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the results of the spending review 2002, of which education is one of the main beneficiaries.
NIACE is pleased to announce the publication of two papers which examine the impact of the spending review on adult learning.
One is a NIACE Briefing, which examines the plans for public spending on adult learning made as part of the review and summarises the contents of the government documents; and the other is a NIACE Commentary, which sets out NIACE's initial response to the spending review.
Both papers should be read alongside each other.
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The Nation's Favourite Tutors
What is it about certain tutors that make their students shine? You could ask any one of the adult learners who have nominated their favourite teacher for this year’s prestigious Adult Tutors Awards, due to be made in London on September 5 this year.
The Awards, which are made by NIACE, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, show the excellence and commitment of adult tutors in England.
Sue Duffen, Campaigns Co-ordinator at NIACE said,
“The tutors have helped their students make that difficult transition back into learning and have continued to support them 110%, keeping them well motivated and focused on their goals.”
One tutor was selected from each of the nine English regions. East Midlands winner Cynthia Alton, from Leicester, is known as ‘Sin’ by the group of retired men she teaches cookery to. The men confess that it takes a special personality to “teach old dogs new tricks” but praise her for her dedication and patience.
Along with the nine regional award winners there are five tutors elected from the fields of science, basic skills, workplace learning, languages and family learning, and a sixth who has taught on a course supported by the European Social Fund.
The awards are part of the Sign Up Now campaign, a biannual event organised by NIACE to develop and widen access to adult learning by supporting local recruitment. It runs 2-8 September 2002.
| Visit the Sign Up Now website for further details of the Campaign |
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Italian Dream a Reality
Mum-of-three Cheryl Hughes, from Farnborough in Hampshire, has won an all-expenses-paid trip to Florence to discover her family’s roots - a prize she describes as “a dream come true.”
The prize, sponsored by the British Institute of Florence and organised by NIACE, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, means that 37-year-old Cheryl can gain an insight into Italian life as well as studying the language in exotic surroundings.
The prize will be presented on 5 September during Sign Up Now, NIACE’s campaign to encourage more adults to “sign up” for a learning course.
Cheryl’s grandfather originated from Florence and although she was keen to explore her family history, the cost of bringing up her children on her own meant finding funds for the journey impossible.
“Studying Italian will enhance and compliment my English studies,” said Cheryl, who’ll soon be starting university to study for her teacher’s certificate. “I hope one day to share my experiences with future students and my own children.”
Cheryl’s trip is made possible by the British Institute of Florence and by Meridiana, one of the leading airlines in Italy, which is covering most of the flight costs.
More/Sue Duffen, of NIACE, said, “We’re thrilled that Cheryl has this chance to learn in Italy. She’s a worthy winner.”
| Visit the Sign Up Now website for further details of the Campaign |
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Taking Off - Science Projects for Adults
A project to develop a falconry centre at HMP Elmley in Kent by prisoners and staff is one of six projects in England awarded £500 to kick-start adults’ interest in science.
The grants, made by NIACE, aim to help put fun and accessibility at the heart of science - a subject that’s still alien territory for many thousands of adults.
“Pure science subjects are perceived to be abstract and difficult to understand,” said Shiela Carlton, author of the NIACE policy discussion paper Life, the Universe and Almost Everything. “Small projects such as those supported by NIACE will encourage people to be active and critical participants in debates about how society uses science.”
The grants will be made on 3 October at the Royal Institution, London, during a conference to discuss the value of adults learning in science.
Leader of the falconry project, Senior Officer Green at HMP Elmley, said, “I feel this is a very worthwhile project that would go towards helping us make the community a better place. It has been proven that this type of ‘therapy’ helps prisoners to stop re-offending.”
Among other winners were Birmingham City Council, which aims to introduce the citizens of Birmingham to ‘popular’ science. A series of talks on hot topics most relevant in today’s news such as cloning, MMR and IVF will be delivered in venues accessible to all, including a city centre coffee bar, a health centre and a local community centre.
| Visit the Sign Up Now website for further details of the Campaign |
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Learning with Age
During 2002 NIACE’s Senior Learner of the Year award campaign was able to recognise and celebrate the learning of ten adults over the age of 50, which helped to dispel the myth that older people cannot learn.
The national winner, Mary Frances - a 72-year-old Journalism student - is now working as a freelance correspondent and feature writer for her local weekly newspaper. “It was a lifetime dream to be paid for writing,” says Mary, who lives in Bristol. “I love what I am doing now and age isn’t going to stop me. I would like to be writing when I am 92.”
Mary achieved her ambition because she “signed up” with her local college for a course she knew she would enjoy.
Do you have a lifelong ambition? Turn age to your advantage and sign up this September with your local college or adult education centre - it could be the way to achieve your goals.
| Visit the Sign Up Now website for further details of the Campaign |
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"Sign Up" to a new lease of life
Is there something you’ve always had a hankering to learn, but never found the time for? Ever thought about giving yourself a new lease of life? Well, September is your chance to do something about it!
A host of organisations will be opening up their doors to promote adult learning opportunities this September. Whether it’s a new career you’re after, or new skills, or simply to fill up some spare time and make new friends, there’s never been a better time to sign up.
NIACE, which co-ordinates the Sign Up Now campaign at this time of year to support enrolment activities, is hoping that many more people will “sign up” to find out just what learning can do for them.
Co-ordinator Sue Duffen said, “With colleges, community centres and universities getting involved there’ll be a chance for everyone to find something which fits in with their lifestyle.”
One adult who has seen the benefits of education later in life is 30-year-old Helen Pearson-Parker, from Bradford. Helen decided to use her spare time at weekends to learn more about aromatherapy and psychology. She said, “You make new friends and find new hobbies. You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain!”
Michael Lilley, 44 from Staffordshire, went back to college to get himself a job and to improve his self-confidence. He’s since started work as a rural development officer. “For me, learning has been a gateway to a new purpose in life and career,” he said.
Whatever you want to learn, Sign Up Now gives you that opportunity. Contact your nearest adult education provider or ring the learndirect National Learning Advice Line, 0800 100 900, a free, impartial helpline open all year round for careers advice and information on courses.
| Visit the Sign Up Now website for further details of the Campaign |
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