Higher Thoughts

It seems to me lifelong learning is alive and well... let’s hope it stays that way

I read a fascinating article recently on how Age Concern have developed an intergenerational version of Philosophy for Children in North Tyneside.

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

Heed the storm clouds on the horizon

Schools under the Department for Education have an enthusiast for US neoconservatism, Michael Gove, in charge. His legislation in the Queen’s Speech relating to academies and so-called ‘free schools’ is deeply ideological. Further and higher education are somewhat more fortunate.

Last updated 18 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Our Teacher Fellow Scheme is just one way we can work more closely with employers

For the last few years a key priority for many universities has been the development of effective ways of working more closely with employers.

Last updated 21 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

You now have the right to request time to train

With no great fanfare or eye-catching headlines a new legal right came into existence on April 6 which is of significance to the further education sector. It is the right to request ‘time to train’.

Last updated 2 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We must remember that university students are adults and we all need to respect that

It is clear that parents, families and friends play a vital role supporting students as they go through university, whether this support is practical, emotional or financial.

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

2010 could be a landmark year for education

In 1910 there were two General Elections and the year was dominated by the weather. One hundred years on and history looks as if it might repeat itself.

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

Resources must be targeted to where economic growth is likely

As the new year unfolds, planning in further education for the academic year 2010/11 is well underway, with targets and funding allocations due to be finalised by March 31.

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

Funding stability needed so universities can help the country out of the recession

Earlier this month the Government published its long awaited new framework for higher education (HE) in a document ‘ Higher Ambitions’.

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

Joining the academic community – making a contribution to understanding the world

A few weeks ago thousands of excited and anxious, young and mature students arrived at the institution of their choice to embark upon a new phase in their life – as a university student.

Last updated 23 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Giving the unemployed the confidence to find their way again in the world of work

The green shoots of recovery may have been spotted by business gurus but the reality for many people is a period of time in their lives without paid employment.

Last updated 19 September 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Latest changes to the machinery of government are unsettling for all

Eyebrows were raised when in the midst of the last month’s cabinet reshuffle the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) was scrapped only two years after being established.One of the certain principles will undoubtedly be the quality of what is on offer.

Last updated 18 July 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Why encouraging employees to undertake further training is a gamble worth taking

An article I read recently reported on the results of an inquiry which found that UK employers spend money on short training courses for their employees with the hope that these courses might boost productivity, rather than on supporting their employees to gain qualifications. I can understand this.

Last updated 20 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

With jobs and hope in short supply, only the skills of the people can get us out of recession – and the money’s there for training

At the same time as world leaders met in London for the G20 summit earlier this month, the World Bank was warning that the recession is “reducing opportunities available to people and frustrating their hopes”.

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

Two very different personalities sharing one soul

I have a friend who spends at least a month of every year in South Africa. Last week I met up with my friend who talked to me about walking on summer beaches in February and enjoying a wonderful outdoor lifestyle.

Last updated 24 March 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

A dilapidated, shabby building tells us that what happens inside doesn’t really matter

Recently there has been press coverage of the review of capital funding for colleges in which my own college has been caught up.

Last updated 16 February 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk

‘Every child matters’: the best agenda for children’s services

I hope it’s not too late to be wishing everyone a happy new year and at the same time hope that with 2009 will come some better public understanding of the complex nature of child protection issues.

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

Education makes us citizens of the world – these days that matters more than ever

We live in changing and some would say challenging times. Like me, you may have been fascinated by the recent election in America.

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

Not enough apprenticeships to go round? New bill aims to have it sorted by 2013

New legislation is going through parliament to radically overhaul how apprenticeships will operate in England.

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

A quiet summer? Not as far as the raft of developments in education was concerned

Over 20 years ago I wrote a chapter, Examinations post-16: the need for radical reform, for a book called The Revolution in Education and Training. Apprenticeships continued to make the news: the DIUS select committee announced an inquiry into the draft Apprenticeship Bill and the LSC resourced a Vacancy Matching Service amidst concerns that the gloomy economic news will have a negative impact on numbers.

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