Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning in the Community Tuesday 13 October 2009 Nicola Gamlin (Vice Principal) Pam Hales (Manager – Comm Ed Geraint Wilson-Price (Manager – WfA Centre)

Coleg Gwent Introduction What is curriculum planning? Annual cycle Starts with curriculum strategy in July Roll forward (Oct), then line by line review (Oct – Mar) Concludes with PDP (Provision Development Plan) in May Credit Equivalent Units (CEU) by Subject Sector Area Who is involved in curriculum planning? Staff at all levels (strategic, operational) Deputy Directors and Heads of School; Manager (WBL); Manager (Comm Ed); Manager (WfA) Assisted by MIS, CRMs, Admin teams

Coleg Gwent The impact of funding

Coleg Gwent The impact of funding

Coleg Gwent The impact of funding

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning Community Education Internal Factors Curriculum Planning days Review of curriculum/data for previous academic year Learner Questionnaires/RISE LDPs Review of course self assessment reports Learner progression routes Listening to the Learner’s Voice – informal learning through clubs Prioritisation given to Basic Skills and Bridges into Work ESF Embedding of ESDGC and Welsh Culture throughout all areas Class size Franchise CEU’s are not available at time of planning so previous year allocation used

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning Community Education External Factors Plan in conjunction with partner organisations, eg WEA, Careers Wales, etc WAG Strategies – eg Older Persons’ Changes in syllabus Changes in funding Policy & initiatives of external agencies ILS programme planned in consultation with Social Services, Scope etc. ESOL planned to meet current demand Estyn recommendations

Coleg Gwent ACL Position Statement Developed in response to Estyn recommendation To inform and influence future planning and use of resources Targeting – Disadvantaged learners with low levels of qualifications Specific geographical communities Direction Statements To increase Basic Skills provision, particularly economically inactive, with suitably qualified tutors To respond to local ESOL needs To manage reduction in funding Ensure ILS curriculum supports learners in living independently Mapping curriculum across all providers

Coleg Gwent 5 COUNTIES PROVIDER GROUP Participants – Coleg Gwent,Ystrad Mynach,WEA 5 Local Authorities, University of Wales/Glamorgan GAVO, Open University Purpose – Strategic approach to the delivery of ACL

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning Welsh for Adults Gwent Welsh for Adults Centre Established in April 2006 after successful tender 6 Centres – solely responsible for all aspects of WfA in area – partnership with 5 UAs and Ystrad Mynach College Gwent WfA Centre – only FE institution – 5 HE Universities 2007/08 first fully operational year Increase in activity: 06/07 – 32k CEUs; 09/10 – 46k CEUs (target) Income 09/10: CEUs: £1.1M Centre staff: £359k

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning Welsh for Adults Internal Factors Review of LLWR/curriculum data Consultation with Partnership Board – 6 franchisees Consultation with 5 Development Officers Learner questionnaires Focus groups with learners – part of WLB funded informal learning programme Self-assessment report: class observations; end of course reviews Progression – improve language “pyramid” Lack of Welsh speaking opportunities – need to create Tutor recruitment difficulties

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning Welsh for Adults External Factors Iaith Pawb (WAG, 2003) WfA role in 5% target increase One Wales coalition policy document (2007) commitment to WfA WAG policy commitment – establishment of separately and directly funded 6 WfA Centres WAG “sea-change” agenda – professionalise WfA: curriculum, staffing; resources; distinct programme area and wider role Priority areas set by WAG; funding conditions attached: 1.Intensive provision 2.Welsh for the Family 3.Welsh in the Workplace

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Planning Welsh for Adults External Factors Estyn – Grade 2 Feb ’09 – need to improve learners’ oral skills and increase contact with the language Growing remit of WfA Centres within present budgets and staffing limits Staffing difficulties – 10.2% Welsh speakers in Gwent Future funding uncertainties

Coleg Gwent Conclusion Curriculum Planning Internal influences External Influences Learner voice, Self Assessment, Progression, etc Funding; priorities, WAG strategies, syllabus changes, etc Strategic Planning 1. July Curriculum Strategy 6. September Curriculum offer 5. May PDP 2. October Curric roll forward 3. Nov – Mar Line by line (courses, target enrols, etc 4. April Curric approval

Coleg Gwent Curriculum Strategy Any Questions?