Chris Carr column

Pride in young people’s achievements and best wishes for all of their futures

Congratulations to all our young people on their achievements this year.

Last updated 25 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

In these times of uncertainty, we have to remember why we do what we do

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”

Last updated 24 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Poor standards of literacy and numeracy won’t be helped by government cutbacks

I recently attended a multi-agency training event focussing on how to exercise leadership across and within collaborative partnerships.

Last updated 22 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We must use the best people in the field to create world-class schooling for all

We have been part of continuing education reform since the 1980s with 1997 onwards marking the moment of the most significant step change ever in the pace and focus of reform.

Last updated 27 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Ensuring all of our children receive the same learning opportunities is essential

Social inclusion and emotional well-being may sound like the latest buzzwords but ensuring all our children have the same opportunities to learn, achieve and enjoy and feel part of their school and community is not a fad.

Last updated 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Times are hard but be positive because support and help are available locally

New Year is traditionally a time for people to take stock and look at how they can make positive changes. Many will be thinking about their jobs, and wondering what the future holds for them.

Last updated 23 January 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Remember, having a degree gives you a financial premium in the jobs market

Perhaps we shouldn’t have been too surprised a few weeks ago when an old spectre reared its head in the world of education.

Last updated 21 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How politics and passion will shape our educational landscape for years to come

Virtually everyone you ever talk to has a view on education and training. Some are more knowledgeable than others, whereas for a few their entire belief system about learning is based on their own personal experience which may now be a collection of memories decades old.

Last updated 17 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

There’s more reason than ever to spend on student fees during this recession

An important element of government education policy for the last 11 years has been that it is in the interests of the country, and in the interests of a larger proportion of our population than hitherto, to continue in education beyond the minimum age when education is compulsory.

Last updated 19 January 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

The credit crunch has sharpened our thinking and returned us to core values

Over the past few weeks and months we have all heard the phrase ‘unprecedented economic conditions’.

Last updated 22 November 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

The contribution of different age groups enhances the learning for everyone

It hardly needs me to say that we live in interesting and potentially difficult times with all that is happening in the financial sector; you have probably noticed.

Last updated 21 October 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Going to university transforms people’s lives, and that’s a prize worth seeking

Every new beginning means an end of something else – that which went before.Many, if not most students, going to the University of Cumbria will be first-generation students, from families and often local backgrounds with no previously experience of universities.

Last updated 23 September 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

If results day has brought unexpected disappointment (or delight), help is here

At this time of year, as A-level and GCSE results are published, you can usually predict some press coverage about how standards are falling, qualifications are getting devalued, and it’s all so much more complicated than it used to be with so many qualifications which seem to change so frequently (well at least that last point may have some validity). So, where do people turn for advice? There are many sources of help and guidance.The first few weeks at university are designed to help students adjust, get to know each other and their tutors find out about the range of support services available and make the best possible start to their course. The support available doesn’t end there – it continues throughout the student’s programme of study and even beyond.

Last updated 19 August 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

Universities have to practise what we preach about saving the environment

Climate change is the biggest single threat facing our planet, a much greater threat than international terrorism.

Last updated 22 July 2008
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

We must dare to be different to create a university in Cumbria for the future

The University of Cumbria is less than a year old and across the region there are high aspirations for its future success. But how will we measure success in 2057?

Last updated 25 June 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

These days our students have to work on much more than their studies

It was made plain to me and my fellow undergraduates when we arrived as new students at university in the early 1970s that, irrespective of any wishes we may have to the contrary, we were not permitted to undertake any paid employment during term time.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Regular training is a fact of life now for everyone – and crucial to our economy

Within UK universities there is often debate about the role of study for professional qualifications, as opposed to the study of an academic subject.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Our ideas, knowledge and inventiveness are key to creating a successful UK plc

Every year at about this time the Secretary of State at the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills writes to the chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, setting out his expectations from the council for the year ahead.

Last updated 26 May 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk