AoC Annual Conference 2014 daily update | www.aoc.co.uk | Wednesday 19 November

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MANIFESTO TO BE LAUNCHED TODAY

The Association of Colleges (AoC) manifesto will be launched at conference today by President, Richard Atkins.

The manifesto sets out the 10 actions the next Government needs to take to ensure colleges have the tools to help every student succeed.

Richard said: "One of the themes of my speech today is about the place of colleges in both the national and global economies. We are responsible for preparing the next generation of skilled employees and leaders - whether in business, engineering, science,

service industries or any other sectors - and the next Government must understand the critical role that we have in a modern economy.

“Colleges cannot continue to be the part of the education and skills sectors which have their funding cut the most. Policies and funding must reflect that all young people now remain in learning until aged 18, and that there is an economic imperative to up-skill adults. Our Manifesto sets out what is needed to strengthen the position of colleges which will be of benefit not only to our students, but to this country as

a whole." Over the next six months

AoC will be promoting each of the asks within the manifesto, and are asking all colleges to get involved and use this in local campaigns, to encourage candidates to support you, your students and the whole college sector.

Richard explained: "Since taking up the position of President, we have held discussions with colleagues in colleges from across the country to prioritise the most critically important policies which the next Government needs to introduce to secure the best possible future for colleges - this is the culmination of our collective voice. I want to thank everyone who has been part of the process. By being involved you have helped shape our manifesto, and it's something that we can all promote together in the run up to next May's general election."

Richard Atkins will be launching the manifesto during the plenary session in Hall 3 from 10.45am. Copies of the document will be available at the end of the session as well as via the conference app.

Silent Auction The next auction starts on 27 November 2014, with over 30 items including: � Mentoring opportunities

�� Sport�memorabilia � Beauty packages

All proceeds go to our ‘Future Stars’.

AoC Gold award winner and top chef, Adam Gray,

writes today’s blog, focusing on:‘Catering, colleges and careers’

BLOGwww.aoc.co.uk/auction

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5 MINUTES WITH…JOHN PIENAARFollowing his speech yesterday, we caught up with broadcaster John Pienaar to ask some questions:

How do you think next year’s election is going to go?

It’s impossible to call. Anyone who says they know what’s going to happen is either an economist, who will change their mind the next day, or deluded! This is an election unlike anything we’ve seen before. All the rules of politics I’ve lived with have been thrown out of the window.

All bets are hedged with this election. It’s an atmosphere that’s never been seen before. There is disillusionment in politics at the moment that is unlike anything seen before. UKIP seem to be given a free pass on normal politics. It was only last weekend that a video was shown from two years ago where they said the health service should

be paid for. If David Cameron had said something similar, he would have been toast, but not so for Nigel Farage. It’s as if people don’t know or care – they have been given a voice for their disgust in politics, and it comes pouring pints! This is enough to deny any political party leaders any kind of certainty for the election.

This really is an unprecedented time, and for journalists like me it’s incredibly interesting!

Devolution is regularly being talked about. Do you think changes will happen, or is simply political manoeuvring ahead of the general election?

We’ll have to wait to see what happens with this. The promise to Scotland is as close to a vow as I’ve heard. If they don’t deliver I think it’s like the Scots could march South!

On England, we don’t know what will happen. The Conservatives want to use this as a vote winner for the General Election, while Labour will know it would spell disaster for them if it came into being.

In the end though, constitutional change is easier said than done – there won’t be an overnight fix.

If you could give one bit of advice to college students now, what would it be?

Do what you’re there for. We are now competing on a global jobs market – it has never been so competitive. You need to throw everything at it. Get the best qualification you can and then throw yourself into your job – it’s hard and cold out there, and you need to be determined and work hard to achieve.

FRAGMENTED FUNDING SYSTEM NEEDS FIXING

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS TO BE REVIEWED

Colleges operate in a fragmented system says Shadow Minister for Universities, Skills and Science, Liam Byrne MP.

“Competition has been drilled into higher education and this has harmed the partnership between universities and colleges. We need to see less competition and more collaboration,” Liam told delegates yesterday.

Funding was one of the themes in the questions asked Liam by Chair, Emily Maitlis. He said that it was impossible to say that cuts to the college sector could be reversed, as no one knows the budget that the next Government will receive. He said: “What I do see is the importance of colleges and that the link between economic growth and education is firmly on the agenda.”

There will be a review of maths and English GCSE for students aged 16 to 18, Nick Boles MP, the Minister for Skills and Equalities has announced at conference.

During the announcement, made during his speech yesterday afternoon, Nick said: “It is not practical or fair for those who study less than 150 hours to study for GCSEs. We will be reviewing this based on need. We need to provide students with opportunity and support to help them succeed. We will fail them if we do any less.”

As part of his speech, Nick announced that from January, 19 to 24-year-olds with qualifications up to Level 2 can do a traineeships.

Apprenticeships also formed a large part of his speech: “There is a gulf in apprenticeships in getting new employers to offer them. That’s my mission and want to work with colleges to achieve this.”

Reacting to the statement, AoC’s Chief Executive Martin Doel, said: “A flexible approach to the delivery of

English and maths qualifications is necessary to ensure that all young people develop relevant skills in line with their career aspirations.

“It is encouraging that there will be a review of the best way to achieve and accredit maths and English skills. A more appropriate qualification should be developed which is understood, recognised and valued by both young people and employers.”

Conf chronicle WEDNESDAY.indd 2 18/11/2014 18:51

GOING DIGITAL

Digital enterprise is crucial for the future and young people should be encouraged to get involved – that’s the message of this morning’s breakout session with Hackney Community College, Gazelle Group and Digital Me.

The ‘inspiring Digital Enterprise Award’ (iDEA) initiative, set up by HRH The Duke of York and Nominet Trust, aims to support 1 million young people develop digital and enterprise skills over the next five years.

iDEA Board member, will.i.am said: “Today, digital skills incorporating computing, coding and marketing are a baseline requirement to succeed in almost every career path. Whether a young person aspires to be a fashion designer, a solar engineer or a musician, digital and entrepreneurial skills are essential to success.”

Colleges are encouraged to get involved with the initiative. Students can either enter the annual competition with their business idea or take industry-endorsed Digital Open Badges to increase their digital and enterprise skills.

You can find more information at: https://www.onemillionyoungideas.org.uk/ or contacting Liz Rabone at elizabeth.rabone@nominettrust.org.uk

The iDEA – Engaging young people with digital enterprise skills breakout session is taking place from 9am in Hall 6b. They also have a stand in the foyer (F11).

COLLEGE ‘OSCARS’ ANNOUNCEDThe first of this year’s AoC Beacon Award winners were announced yesterday by Graham Stuart MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee.

Among the winning programmes were the Forensic Science Course Team at Bridgend College, which won the Edge Award for Practical Teaching and Practical Learning, and South Devon College’s ‘Healthy College’ programme which won the JLT Employee Benefits Award for Health and Well-being.

Chair of AoC’s Beacon Awards, Dame Pat Bacon, said: “These Beacon Award winners are helping to shine a spotlight on the outstanding means by which colleges are embracing new technologies and partnerships to achieve this, as well as showing the way for others to emulate their excellent work.”

The JLT Employee Benefits Award for Health and Well-being Award winner: South Devon College

The Microlink, AoC Charitable Trust and Achievement for All 3As Inclusive Learning Award for High Needs Students Award winner: Bridgwater College

The OCR Award for Innovation in Further Education Award winner: Forth Valley College

The Vtct Award for Sport in the Curriculum Award winner: Weymouth College

The Beacon Awards capture and celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education and sixth form colleges.

The remaining winners will be announced today by Lord Willis of Knaresborough, President of AoC Charitable Trust, in Hall 1 at around 12.20pm.

Winners Announced:

The Edge Award for Practical Teaching and Practical Learning Award winner: Bridgend College The Jisc Award for Efficiency through Effective use of Technology in FE and Skills Award winner: Heart of Worcestershire College

Conf chronicle WEDNESDAY.indd 3 18/11/2014 18:51

TWEETS OF THE DAY @AoCTrust Live interview at @AoC_info #aocce14 @adamgraychef says perseverance is the key to his success #AoCGold

@DP40days 1 Thought-provoking session from @JerryWhiteCCN and @CorrienneP #aocce14 Re-thinking my thoughts now!

@tesfenews Ofsted will be “actively seeking” senior managers from colleges to become an “important part” of inspection teams, says Paul Joyce #aocce14

@LiamByrneMP As the grandson of a college principal it’s a real pleasure to be speaking to #aocce14 later today in #Brum. These folk transform lives!

@janespurgin #aocce14 sitting with Ian awaiting key note session. Now I know I’ve made it!!! @IanRule

Contact usAssociation of Colleges2-5 Stedham PlaceLondon WC1A 1HUT: 0207 034 9900W: www.aoc.co.uk @AoC_Info

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY

� The launch of the draft AoC Governance Code at the Governors’ Reception (Hall 4, 10am)

� Panel discussion on ‘Made in England: Developing a workforce to compete globally’ (Hall 1, from 3.45pm)

� AoC Charitable Trust Beacon Awards lunch reception (Hall 4, 12.30pm)

� Announcement of the Student of the Year and Student Photographer of the Year awards at the Gala Dinner (Hall 3, 8pm)

Perceptions around STEM subjects are starting to change, but more needs to be done. That’s the message from two of today’s speakers at the annual conference.

Dawn Elson, Head of Engineering at Gatwick Airport, and Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey, both agree that careers advice and education are central to reducing skills shortages in science, technology, engineering and maths based careers.

Dawn became the first female Head of Engineering at Gatwick Airport following a career in the Royal Air Force. She said: “There are preconceived ideas of what engineering is – that it only relates to ‘fixing things’, and is a male only profession. This needs to change. It’s important that people are aware of the diversity of engineering and that it’s a job accessible to both boys and girls.

“We need to ensure there is proper careers advice at a young age to make sure that school pupils have the opportunity to select the most appropriate subjects to help them build towards a career in engineering.”

AoC is supporting the Government’s ‘Your Life’ campaign, which aims to increase the number of young people studying maths to 18 and double the proportion of women taking engineering and technology degrees at undergraduate level to 30%. A central part of this for us is ensuring that young people have access to impartial careers advice.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili agrees with this, commenting: “I think many young people get bad career advice and are not told about the opportunities they would have if they chose a career in science or engineering. Sometimes peer pressure can deter young people from choosing science subjects because it is seen as either too difficult or too nerdy. But this attitude is changing I think.

“If I could change education policy of science subjects I would make it more relevant and inject much more excitement into school curricula by including recent discoveries and more up to date topics. Yes, we need the nuts and bolts taught. But that’s no good if we turn young people off – they need to be inspired.”

Dawn Elson and Professor Jim Al-Khalili will speak as part of this morning’s plenary session in Hall 1 from 10.45am. Dawn will also be part of the panel discussion this afternoon from 3.45pm.

AoC Gold Award winner Adam Gray and Board Chair Carole Stott MBE with student volunteers

STEM ON THE AGENDA

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