Student First. Our strategy to deliver outstanding Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Student First Our strategy to deliver outstanding Teaching, Learning and Assessment 2014-2017

BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe student first - 2014 2017

Contents 1. Introduction Page 2 2. Our Vision, Mission and Values Page 3 3. The Student First Commitment Page 4 4. The Structure of the Plan Page 6 5. Our 10 Strategic Priorities Summary Page 7 6. Strategic Priorities and Objectives Page 8 BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 1

1. Introduction A College that wants more for its students We at The Bournemouth & Poole College are dedicated to and ambitious for our students. We want far more for our students than the acquisition of qualifications. Becoming qualified is, of course, crucially important but it is only part of The Bournemouth & Poole College picture. What we call wider student outcomes are equally important which is why we are committed to helping our students get high grades, improve their maths and English and become active citizens. Once all this has been achieved we focus on what matters more than anything else: effective progression to work or further study. We believe that if a student comes to our college we can, with our commitment to the whole student, enrich their lives, increase their choices and improve their chances of success in an increasingly competitive world. When we say we want more for our students we mean we want them to leave us better qualified, more independent, creative, entrepreneurial and productive. We believe this helps them become the first choice for employers and universities. Having this level of ambition for our students is challenging. This strategic plan clearly sets out how we will respond to these challenges to make sure we meet the needs of our students, staff, businesses and communities. This strategic plan sets out our vision for the next three years to prepare our College for a challenging future. We will continue to remain rooted in our community and do all we can to ensure our students become qualified, find jobs keep them and progress in their careers. Lawrence Vincent Principal BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 2

2. Our Vision, Mission and Values Our Vision Our vision is to be a strong, independent college, striving to be outstanding for our students, staff, businesses and communities. We want to be renowned for our innovative and creative approach to teaching and learning and the way we always put students first. Our Mission Everything we do at the Bournemouth & Poole College ensures our students become qualified, find jobs, keep them and progress in their careers. Our Values Committed to Learning We are dedicated in our learning, our teaching and our support. Make it Enjoyable We cultivate a positive and supportive college environment. Consistent and Fair We are consistent and fair in the way we apply and uphold our Values and Standards. Respectful and Considerate We treat each other, our college and our community with respect and consideration. Valuing the Contribution We value the contribution and achievements of everyone in the College. Our Values are driven by our Vision and Mission. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 3

3. The Student First Commitment The Bournemouth & Poole College is dedicated to its students. In other words, we put our students first! That is easy to say but more difficult to deliver. We strive to make the Student First concept a reality. Every decision we make starts and ends with our students. Decisions are made in full knowledge of their impact on learning and the value to the student. We aim to put Students First by bringing our Mission, Vision and Values to life throughout our Strategic Plans. Meeting our strategic aims will ensure that both teaching and support staff are aligned to respond to the needs of our students, thereby keeping the Student First concept at the centre of everything we do. The Student First Objectives Attract and Engage Ensure that information is clear, accessible and presented in a variety of ways to the relevant audiences. Enable students to provide a snapshot of their college experience. Encourage stakeholders to experience our courses. Stakeholders and Partnerships Work together to provide choices and meet needs. Elicit feedback to make further improvements. Business and Community Provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and knowledge required by businesses. Utilise industry standard resources. Ensure students can make a contribution to the community through volunteering. Embed work experience into courses. Staff Engagement and Development Ensure staff put students at the centre of their decision making. Engage with staff to ensure knowledge and experience assists future development. Provide opportunities for staff to update their skills and knowledge. Environment Develop contemporary areas for learning. Maintain and enhance the physical environment. Create a safe and secure emotional space. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 4

Academic Support Provide students with support in their chosen subject areas. Use the results from initial and diagnostic assessments to provide relevant study support. Provide opportunities for students to develop their study skills. Ensure students are able to access learning resources and use study spaces. Pastoral Support Provide support services that enable students to continue their studies. Fully communicate services we offer to students. Business Support Ensure staff find the best way to work with students. Provide advice and guidance which is pertinent and highly effective. Use market research to inform choices. Student Experience Ensure students know they are the most important individuals in The College. Give students excellent customer service. Show students how value has been added to their experience. Ensure students all round development is supported. Provide students with the space and time to use their voice to drive our future strategy. Outcomes Students are successful and have a competitive edge when progressing or seeking work. All inspection grades are outstanding. The College is unified in both its purpose and motivation. Student centred staff know how their roles and responsibilities contribute to success. Stakeholder satisfaction is high. Attraction rates exceed targets. Learning and Skill Development Develop courses which are closely aligned to local skills and needs. Ensure teachers knowledge and experience are current. Support students to be successful, to progress and to gain employment. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 5

4. The Structure of the Plan This 3-year Teaching, Learning and Assessment Plan is structured to provide a clear link between national policy and our own Vision for Teaching and Learning. We have done this by creating 10 Strategic Priorities, each of which is broken down into achievable objectives. To ensure accessibility and brevity, only the top 3 objectives against each priority are written into the Plan. The detailed actions sit in the Implementation Plan which is available separately. Occasional reference is made to another document, and occurs when an extensive piece of work was completed before this plan was written but still remains pertinent. This plan has triggered 5 Response Plans which are being written to support the implementation of The College s Teaching, Learning and Assessment Vision and ensure we stay true to our Student First ethos: The 3-Year Student Numbers and Financial Forecast The HR / Supporting Staff Plan The 3-Year Property Response Plan The Marketing and Sales Plan The Media and IT Response Plan BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 6

5. Our 10 Strategic Priorities 1. To improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. 2. To modernise and reform the curriculum. 3. To grow, consolidate or reduce the curriculum offer. 4. To improve Student Progression, Employability and Wider Student Outcomes. 6. To enhance the learning environment. 7. To more effectively support students. 8. To more effectively support teaching staff. 9. To improve the Student Voice. 10. To develop effective partnerships. 5. To increase the involvement of businesses/ employers in curriculum design and delivery. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 7

6. Strategic Priorities and Objectives Strategic Priority 1 To improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment This is the main priority for every member of college staff and The College Board. Students who have an excellent learning experience are more likely to be engaged, motivated and successful. They are then able to progress and eventually get a job. To be an outstanding college, teaching, learning and assessment must be outstanding. Ensure that teachers plan effectively for learning using initial and diagnostic assessment, group profiling and by setting challenging targets; Foster innovation and manage performance through lesson observations, learning walks, peer observations and student forums; Use Assessment for Learning to add value and inspire students to achieve the highest possible grades and skills. Related document: The Teaching and Learning Plan 2014 BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 8

Strategic Priority 2 Curriculum modernisation and reform We will follow the national policy agenda. In particular we will focus on encouraging and directing students towards programmes of study that include training in work skills, providing work experience and assisting them to find a job. Our full time programmes will include the following core elements: Work skills Customer care Enterprise and entrepreneurship Innovation Study Programmes We will offer programmes that are tailored to students individual needs, education and employment goals, thereby increasing their options for future study or work. Technical Level and Applied General Qualifications We will ensure students gain relevant qualifications, have the opportunity to develop personal, social and work skills and progress into a job or higher levels of study. Review all technical and applied qualifications in line with the national reforms; Develop the new Technical level qualifications; Ensure all technical and applied qualifications are validated by businesses/ industry. Ensure every student takes part in curriculum-relevant work experience during their programme; Provide the opportunity for all students to engage in self-directed study, encouraging the development of independent learning skills; Encourage every student to take part in a volunteering or community activity. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 9

Maths and English Students will be supported to attain the necessary levels of literacy and numeracy, providing them with enhanced work and progression opportunities. Ensure that, where possible, all students achieve a Level 2 or GCSE in both English and maths before they leave The College; Become a centre of excellence for maths, taking advantage of the STEM Centre as a beacon for high quality teaching in the county; Provide opportunities for students to attain a Level 3 qualification in English and/or maths. Related document: The Maths and English Strategy Traineeships We are committed to engaging with 16-24 year old students by providing courses that develop the skills they need to secure and succeed at work, including Apprenticeships. Traineeships offer our students the opportunity to undertake a substantial work placement and work skills training, alongside support to improve their English and maths. Develop new Traineeship programmes as a route to Apprenticeships; Ensure all Traineeships contain a significant amount of high quality work experience with local businesses; Develop flexible delivery models to respond to young people needing a Traineeship in-year. Apprenticeships Businesses will now be directly funded for Apprenticeship training and this necessitates a different way of working for The College. We will ensure businesses see us as the premier source of high quality training and candidates in the country. Review The College s Apprenticeship delivery model in response to national reforms; Develop new Apprenticeships in response to local priorities and labour marketing intelligence; Prioritise Apprenticeships for growth amongst 16-18 year olds. Qualification Developments Our qualifications will be endorsed by industry, encompassing externally set examinations. Develop new and modernise existing qualifications in response to local priorities and labour market intelligence; Work with businesses to ensure students access resources which meet industry standards; Further develop information learning technology (ILT) solutions as a method/ option for delivering new qualifications. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 10

Strategic Priority 3 Curriculum growth, consolidation and reduction The curriculum will develop in response to: Research Data Local, national and international trends Skills gaps Business need Clear progression routes Positive outcomes for learners Programmes and methods of study will reflect the needs and demands of both students and industry. Assess our curriculum offer against the skills required by business; Use current statistical data to inform the curriculum offer; Provide progression routes to ensure each student can achieve the required level of skills and knowledge in their chosen occupation. Related document: The Higher Education Strategy 2014-2017 BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 11

Curriculum Growth Growth Area Rationale How? (which programmes) Social Care Nursing and Health Care Childcare Adult Care Digital Industries Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Marine Engineering Renewable Technologies Applied Science IT LEP Priority Local, age, population etc. Student migration trends LEP Priority Skills gap Progression Student migration trends LEP priority Skills gap Economic trend Increased employment opportunities National and local priority LEP priority Local skills gap Local economic trend Increased employment opportunities LEP priority National priority Local skills gap Local economic trend Increased job opportunities Feedback G8 summit LEP priority National priority Local skills gap Increased employment Emerging international markets High take up of 24+ loans Skills gap Progression Local employment opportunities Apprenticeships Adult short course Full cost Traineeship International Apprenticeship Traineeship Learner responsive Higher Education Design Adult short course Full cost International Apprenticeship Traineeship Learner responsive Higher Education Adult short course Full cost Apprenticeship Traineeship Learner responsive Adult short course Full cost Apprenticeship Traineeship Adult short course Full-cost International Learner Responsive Higher Education Access to HE Apprenticeship Traineeship Full cost International Apprenticeship Traineeship Learner responsive Adult short course Full-cost BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 12

Financial Services Maths and English Health and Fitness LEP priority National and local skills gap Local economic trend Increased employment opportunities Emerging international markets National priority National and local skills gap Raising participation Wolf report Olympic Legacy National priority Entrepreneurship Apprenticeship Traineeship Learner responsive Adult short course Full cost International Higher Education Learner responsive Adult short course Full-cost Learner responsive Apprenticeships Traineeships Business Employer demand Apprenticeships Traineeships Construction House building capital project for Dorset Apprenticeships Hospitality and Food Significant increase in jobs Apprenticeships Retail Retailers responding to apprenticeship opportunities Apprenticeships Curriculum Consolidation Foundation Studies Music Public Services Performing Arts Sport These curriculum areas remain significant and currently meet the needs of business and the local community. Curriculum Reduction 6 th Form College Avonbourne 6 th Form independence Raising the participation age Very competitive market place Trends in success rates Hair and Beauty Travel and Tourism Over supply to jobs market Increased competition Higher Education reduced demand BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 13

Strategic Priority 4 Student progression, employability and wider student outcomes For many years the primary method of judging a college s effectiveness was its Success Rate the percentage of students gaining their qualification. Today s success measures include: Developing work skills Links with the local job market Progressing to the next level of study Developing maths and English skills Value added Contributing to the local community. The Government s message is clear teaching, learning and assessment must improve and so must wider student outcomes. Develop progression benchmarks and then annually review the college curriculum offer to identify courses that provide weak progression opportunities; Further develop the culture of employability across The College, to drive up the levels of students progressing into work; Drive up internal progression rates by ensuring that the transition for students is seamless and that our Progression Charter is implemented. Related documents: The Bournemouth & Poole College Manifesto for Student Progression Responding to Recent Changes in the College Sector Delivering on Wider Student Outcomes BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 14

Strategic Priority 5 Involving businesses/employers in curriculum design and delivery The College supports the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) strategy of addressing skills shortages and boosting local economic growth by delivering learning programmes that are contemporary, industry relevant and designed in collaboration with employers. We are committed to ensuring that our students possess work skills including communication, literacy, numeracy and ICT. We also want to instil the right attitudes alongside the required vocational skills and knowledge. Work in partnership with industry and respond to their workforce requirements by ensuring every full time course is validated by business; Implement an Industrial Updating programme to ensure lecturers have the latest vocational currency ; Implement Teach Too, using the skills of people in industry to develop our students. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 15

Strategic Priority 6 The learning environment Our learning environment will address both the educational and the broader needs of students, covering teaching and learning, physical and mental wellbeing and environmental responsibility. We will create high quality, contemporary spaces which are safe, healthy, comfortable and welcoming. Resources will be in excellent condition and endorsed by businesses, thereby improving the student experience and supporting the delivery of an innovative curriculum. Facilities will be accessible to all students, staff and visitors. Complete the classroom of the future schedule to provide excellent learning spaces which are flexible and include contemporary learning technologies; Work with students to identify opportunities and provide resources to enhance their health and wellbeing; Work with students to ensure The College is accessible, designed with their needs in mind and thereby enhance their chances of success. Our environmental responsibilities will include recycling and reducing energy usage. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 16

Strategic Priority 7 Supporting students A truly personal and individual approach will result in greater student engagement and success. If The College identifies and responds well to students support needs it will enable them to progress regardless of their starting point. Every student will have an equal chance of success and the achievement gap between groups of students will be narrowed. Work with students on setting targets and provide them with the facilities and support to measure their own progress online ; Provide careers education, information and guidance (CEIAG) which is aligned to skills needs; Monitor the progress of students to ensure different groups have an equal chance of success. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 17

Strategic Priority 8 Supporting and Developing the Teaching Staff Teaching staff are to be nurtured, developed and supported. Their expertise, skills and knowledge enable us to fulfil our Student First remit and lead students to greater success. We are committed to support staff professional development through consultation and collaboration. Each staff member will be annually appraised using a competency framework, reinforced through performance management processes. Deploy the Quality, Performance & Innovation team to respond to identified training and development priorities as a result of College self-assessment processes; Ensure each teacher has a personalised development plan, combining the appraisal outcome and individual aspiration; Celebrate achievements and encourage projects aimed at risk-taking and embedding good practice. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 18

Strategic Priority 9 The Student Voice Students are our main stakeholders and we actively seek their views because we know they can make the most difference to the quality of their experience. It is essential that feedback is well received, acted upon and the expected impact is realised. When this happens, students are motivated to continue their involvement in shaping college life. Develop innovative schemes to informally receive and dynamically respond to student feedback; Further develop opportunities for students to assess the quality of their learning experiences; Develop the Student Ambassador role to assess the quality of the whole College experience. Related document: Student First Strategy 2014 BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 19

Strategic Priority 10 Partnerships Working with partners provides a greater number of choices for students at home and abroad, supports growth in the local economy, embeds the pursuit of excellence and ultimately delivers college success. Businesses and community organisations can provide an increased number of opportunities for work experiences and it is advantageous to share expertise by deploying teacher and employer skills to improve student learning and development. Wherever possible we choose partners who are closely aligned to, or willing to adjust to our core values. Work with the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to ensure that the College s strategic priorities align with those in the LEP s Strategic Economic and Skills Plans; Work closely with all local schools to ensure a smooth transition to college; Work closely with the Voluntary/Community sectors to ensure the aims of The College s Community Manifesto are realised. BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE COLLEGe 20