16 December 2011 - Congratulations to NIACE!

Congratulations to David Hughes (CEO) and NIACE (National Institute for Adults Continuing Education) for achieving the EFQM Commitment to Excellence accreditation. SCOLA is also on a journey to excellence and looks forward to applying for recognition sometime in the future!

7 December 2011 - 'Getting Started' Internet & Email course at SCOLA

SCOLA’s Principal visited the Internet & Email ‘Getting Started’ course which is being held at the College’s North Cheam Centre. The Principal regularly visits SCOLA’s outreach centres and enjoys seeing the progress that students are making. When meeting this class who had been shown how to set up an email account, the Principal emailed the students and received this response:

“I have enjoyed the course, the weeks have flown by and now just one more week to complete I have certainly gained more confidence using my computer at home. I have applied for the follow on course commencing in Janaury 2012. Pam is a good tutor who makes her course understable and humourous.”

It is good to hear from students on how they are progressing in their classes and makes my job as Principal of SCOLA so worthwhile and rewarding.

29 November 2011 - Internet & Email 'Getting Started' classes

Recently the Principal, Saboohi Famili, visited Pam Coleman-Smith's Internet & Email 'Getting Started' class at SCOLA's North Cheam Centre. Each student were set up with their own emaill address and the Principal sent them each an email saying that she had enjoyed meeting them and that she hoped that they continued to enjoy their studies at SCOLA. She invited the students to take the time to share their views on how their learning experience at SCOLA could be improved. A good way for sharing views would be to join the Student Focus Group and the students were encouraged to join if they were interested in doing so. One of the students responded to the Principal's email as follows: "Thanks for the interest taken. I have benefited from the course, thanks to the good tutor. I have enrolled on the 'Getting More Involved' course".

The students were wished the best of luck with their studies.

29 November 2011 - Blog that Book! Article published in RaPAL

An article, written by Susan Aldridge, Senior Lecturer for Skills for Life English & Maths at Sutton College of Learning for Adults (SCOLA), has been published in RaPAL (Research & Practice in Adult Literacy) Volume 75. The article entitled 'Blog that Book! - An exciting new literacy project at SCOLA' explains the concept of 'Blog that Book' as a simple idea based on the national 'Six Book Challenge' run through local libraries. Students were able to develop their digital literacy by sharing their book reviews on a blog. To view 'Blog that Book' blots please visit the SCOLA website where you will find a link to the site. http://www.scola.ac.uk or visit www.scolabookbloog.blogspot.com

29 November 2011 - SCOLA represented at the BQF Winners Conference

SCOLA’s Principal and Deputy Principal attended the 2011”Winning with Excellence” Award Winners Conference on 29th November at IET Savoy Place London – the conference featured many of the Winners of the BQF National Awards.
This unique event featured speakers from the following 2011 BQF Award Winners:
• Bishop Burton College - winner of the UK Excellence Award
• Co-operative Banking Group - winner of the BQF Achievement Award for Process Improvement
• CooperVision - winner of the Lean Six Sigma Award
• Phoenix Futures - winner of the BQF Achievement Award for Leadership
• The Probation Service - winner of the BQF Gold Medal for Excellence
• Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies - winner of the UK Excellence Award
• Skanska UK - winner of the BQF Achievement Award for Sustainable Future
• St Anne's Primary School - winner of the UK Excellence Award
• Virgin Trains - winner of the BQF Achievement Award for Customer Satisfaction
All of these organisations have demonstrated exceptional performance and this event brought them all together to share the secrets of their success for the first and only time.

23 November 2011 - SCOLA Principal attends HOLEX event in London

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, is attending the Holex Event today, which is including a presentation from OFSTED on the HMCI Annual Report on 2010/11: this will primarily focus on "ACL" inspection findings, but will also include reference to wider OFSTED judgements on the FE/learning and skills sector's performance over the last year. Discussion will also take place around key issues that have been raised by the “strategic dialogues” that have been held with adult learning providers. A summary will be given of the key announcements made by Ministers at the recent AoC Conference, as well as input from the SFA Funding Policy Team. This event is customarily a significant highlight in the HOLEX year: an opportunity both to look back and take stock on past performance, and to begin to get to grips with future government priorities and SFA strategic intentions.

15 - 17 November 2011 - Principal and Deputy Principal attend the AoC Annual Conference 2011

The Principal and Deputy Principal of SCOLA are attending the Association of College’s Annual Conference where they will participate in a dynamic programme that will address the key issues facing the sector. They will enjoy a three-day revamped programme with unbeatable access to key sector speakers; participate in high quality breakout sessions with variable delivery styles; network and share best practice with over 1700 sector colleagues; celebrate the sector's achievements and relax with friends at the Gala Dinner. They will also have the opportunity to visit a variety of student showcases demonstrating some of the best skills that our sector has to offer and hear from Beacon Colleges about their award winning practices.

10 November 2011 - LSIS Regional Policy Seminar

The Principal and Deputy Principal attended an LSIS Regional Policy Seminar entitled Shaping and realising the vision for the future of FE and skills, the purpose of the seminar was to provide a forum for sector leaders in their regions to:

• consider emerging perspectives about the role and purpose of FE and skills in the evolving context of greater freedom and devolution;
• explore the implications of different visions and purposes within the regional and local context;
• discuss the implications for LSIS services and consider how LSIS might support sector leaders in realising these future roles and purposes; and
• inform LSIS’s strategic planning, including identifying further development, prototyping, research and evidence needed to support the sector into 2012 and beyond.

28 October 2011 - SCOLA Principal attends the WEA Conference in Nottingham

SCOLA’s Principal attended the WEA Conference 2011 in Nottingham on 28/10/11 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham. The conference and workshops focussed on Equality, Inclusion and Action in Adult Education.

At the heart of the WEA’s mission has always been a commitment to widening participation in adult learning: enabling people to realise their full potential and campaigning for every adult to have the right to do so.

After a keynote address which was delivered by John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, delegates were able to attend four sessions through the day from a choice of twenty. Formats ranged from addresses by speakers in the main theatre to participative workshops. Attending were published authors, bloggers and leaders within the adult learning sector and beyond, as well as examples of outstanding practice from within the WEA.

27 October 2011 - SCOLA Principal attends NIACE AGM

SCOLA’s Principal attended the NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) AGM which was held in London today! The Annual General Meeting provides NIACE members with an opportunity to make their voices heard in shaping the debate on the future of adult learning. NIACE aims to encourage all adults to engage in learning of all kinds.

20 October 2011 - Horace goes to pilates

Horace’s nose twitched. He smelt the scent of
Autumn, the falling leaves and the snitch of cold
in the air. A ray of sunshine had hit the hedge
under which he had been hiding and stirred the
last vestiges of warmth in his bed of leaves. He
stretched carefully and realised that he could not
hide forever. One day soon he would have to go
back to SCOLA. It was a part of his destiny. Despite
his great embarrassment.

The clock repair class had been fine. It had been Olympian in its compass and the company of those who attended and who had been so generous to a small hedgehog. No, it was the Pilates class that had been his undoing. He still glowed redly with the memory of it.

The start had been fine. There was a gentle warm-up where he stretched and squirmed with great satisfaction. He reached for the sky. He dug down into the ground and twisted to his left and his right. He had even successfully navigated the use of big rubber bands to give a little more effort to the stretch. It was when he started to work with the big blue ball that he had encountered problems.

He was sort of ok when he was asked to lie on his front. That gave a good stretch to the base of his spine though he did keep rolling off and having to catch himself before he hit the ground. There had even been one moment when he had been well balanced and able, just for an experiment, to take all four feet off the ground. He had felt as if he was flying, or swimming without water!

No, his downfall came when he was asked to reverse the process and to lie on his back on the big blue ball. It was inviting trouble. He had raised an eyebrow to the instructor to sort of say, “Are you sure?” But they had seemed full of confidence … and .. who was he to question it? But … well, as you can imagine, big rubber Pilates balls and a hedgehog’s spines are not the best combination.

Briefly, things had seemed ok. And then he began to feel that sinking feeling as the spikes penetrated the ball. For a moment, while he stayed perfectly still, he had the illusion that all might be well. All it took was the smallest of movements, a minor re-adjustment, and he began to hear the hiss of air escaping beneath him. He saw the ground coming towards him. He knew it was an illusion and that he was heading towards the ground.

As he sank he thought he heard someone mutter something about, “Hedgehogs!” He did not know if it was a disparaging remark or even if there was a hedgehog or animal equivalent of racism or sexism. But he felt it keenly. Here he was trying to live a life like any other. It wasn’t his fault. The tutor had ok’d it. But he was being blamed just because he was a hedgehog!

The blue ball finally sank to the ground. He tried to roll over to get up. But he was still sort of attached to the ball and it held him firmly in place. The ignominy! He had to wait until someone saw his plight, came over and helped him up. He had to stand quivering on all fours as they pulled the flattened ball off his spikes. He was embarrassed. He felt belittled. He felt that people were pointing and laughing. Whether they were or not, this was how he felt.

When the ball was off, he fled. That evening at home he reviewed his day. He tried to talk about it with his friend Robin but found that he could not. It was too soon, too fresh and too painful. Perhaps in time … …

He recognised that he might have over-reacted. But he was a sensitive being and didn’t like people making comments. How could he possibly go back and have them pointing him out to one another. No, he would just lay low for a while until perhaps they had forgotten. So, was today the day when he should face up to it?

14 October 2011 - UK Excellence Award Winners

At the UK Excellence Awards 2011 held at the InterContinental London Park Lane last night, the BQF announced the following Award Winners:

UK Excellence Award
• Winner: Bishop Burton College
• Winner: St Anne's Primary School
• Winner: Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies (IA&DT)
BQF Achievement Awards
• Customer Satisfaction – sponsored by Oracle
Winner: Virgin Trains
• Leadership – sponsored by BT
Winner: Phoenix Futures
• Process improvement – sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
Winner: Co-operative Banking Group
• Sustainable Future – sponsored by TNT Express
Winner: Skanska UK
Lean Six Sigma Award
• Winner: CooperVision
BQF Gold Medal for Excellence
• Winner: The Probation Service
Congratulations to all the winners!

11 October 2011 - Mental Health Open Day

The centre in Belmont has been open for a number of years, and last year won a bid to refurbish, and have added an extra office/interview space and a larger training room with new computers. SCOLA has had 2 Literacy with computing classes there for the last ¾ years, and also started a progression class at Sutton 2 years ago, for some of the earlier students to move back in to the wider college life. We have been exploring how many of their members would be interested in a maths class and are now ready to actually start a basic class, to help them with managing their money, and everyday life.

The Principal, Saboohi Famili, had the privilege of presenting certificates to various students at the Open Day event.

Chris Jackson
Head SfL English & Maths

11 October 2011 - Two days to go to UK Excellence Awards 2011

The Principal, Saboohi Famili, and Deputy Principal, Jenny Sims, will be attending the 2011 UK Excellence Awards on Thursday 12 October, at the InterContinental, London, Park Lane. The HRH the Princess Royal, will be in attendance this year. This gala evening will celebrate the 2011 winnders of the BQF Gold Medal for Excellence, the UK Excellence Award, the BQF Achievement Awards and Six LEAN Sigma Awards. This gala evening is being hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Louise Minchin, and will culminate with a cabaret from leading performers of current West End musical theatre productions of Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

It promises to be a great evening!

11 October 2011 - SCOLA holds first PIMS session!

The first PIMs session of this academic year is being held at SCOLA's North Cheam Centre tomorrow, Wednesday 12/10/11 from 3.15 – 5pm.

The input, participation and brain power of staff is of utmost value. These PIMS sesions, where we are hoping to find creative solutions to some programme and process issues, will be held on a regular basis.

The session is open to all staff but members of CMT are required to attend if available.

The session is run by the Principal and will use creative leadership techniques to reach meaningful, actionable and tangible outcomes.

Barbara Eayrs
Exec Asst to the Principal

10 October 2011 - iPads @ SCOLA

John Faulkner, Programme Manager and Joanne Barnett, Senior Lecturer for IT, Digital Media and E-Learning, recently attended the 'Future of Technology in Education', a well attended event run by ULCC, aimed at e-learning experts from all over the UK. http://fote-conference.com/wordpress/ . The prominent theme that emerged throughout the day, was around the use of devices such as iPads and smartphones in the classroom and how they can be used to enhance learning anywhere and at any time.

So what is SCOLA doing that is new or innovative to address this topic for their students? The exciting news is that we now have iPads for students' use both to enhance learning in a variety of ways within lessons as well as for wider use at staff and student drop in sessions. Tutors are currently being offered training for using the devices as well as researching the best apps to enhance teaching and learning.

Contact the tryIT centre for details and look out for further exciting open learning opportunities in the next month.

6 October 2011 - Principal attends official launch of the One Planet Experience

SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, attended the official launch today of the One Planet Experience – BioRegional’s new multimedia exhibition, at the BedZED Centre in Wallington, Surrey. The exhibition was opened by David Weir MBE, Paralympic Gold medallist. This is a new interactive exhibition that tells the London 2012 sustainability story to inspire greener lifestyles. London 2012 has embraced the spirit of One Planet Living. If you visit the exhibition you will learn what you can do to save energy and reduce waste, and you will be able to take the challenge to see how many household appliances you can power in the energy velodrome.

4 October 2011 - Congratulations to Jenny Sims

Congratulations to Jenny Sims who assumes her new role as Deputy Principal (Planning and Resources) today, 4th October 2011. My congratulations to Jenny on this well deserved new appointment. I wish her well in this role and I am certain that she will continue to be a valuable member of our College and I know that she will maximise the benefits that the new responsibilities will grant her. I am sure that SCOLA staff join me in wishing her success, enjoyment and both personal and professional achievement in her new role and that you will do everything in your power to support her in moving the college forward during the challenging times ahead of us.

Saboohi Famili
Principal

26 September 2011 - SCOLA Principal completed St Raphael's Hospice Midnight Charity Walk

SCOLA's Principal, Saboohi Famili and her Cockapoo, Lilia, took part in a 5 mile sponsored midnight walk in support of St Raphael’s Hospice on 24 September. Donations will be gratefully received and Barbara Eayrs will be collecting them on Saboohi’s behalf.

Since 1987, St Raphael's has offered the special skills of Hospice care to those facing life-threatening illness living in the boroughs of Merton and Sutton. The service is completely free of charge, and provides high quality medical and nursing skills, as well as support to family and friends. Medical, nursing and support staff do everything possible to relieve pain and sustain quality of life in an atmosphere of peace and comfort. In each case, Hospice care is tailored to the individuals needs.

By donating to this worthy cause we are able to do a little bit to help improve the quality of life for those suffering from life-threatening illness.

23 September 2011 - SCOLA represented at National LEAFEA in London

Today Geoff Kenward - Deputy Director of Curriculum at SCOLA represented the college at the National LEAFEA termly meeting on London where members are offered the opportunity to hear about emerging policies, practice and research; meet representatives of key national organisations; come together and engage in dialogue on current issues and send messages to government departments and other agencies.

22 September 2011 - SCOLA attends Talk London event at Secombe Theatre

Jan Koene and Scott Sherriffe attended a Talk London event at the Secombe Theatre, Cheam Road, Sutton, where Boris Johnson met residents and businesses in Sutton. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and a panel of guests took questions from those present on issues affecting the capital, including community safety in Sutton.

Thanks to Jan Koene and Scott Sherriffe for representing the college at this event.

Saboohi Famili
Principal

16 September 2011 – Principal attends HOLEX consultation day

Today the Principal took part in a consultation day designed both to inform HOLEX responses/forward activity and to help members share views on a range of “live” issues our sector faces including the future of OFSTED; Strategic dialogue in relation to the future of ACL and an efficiency Indicators consultation paper.
BIS has published New Challenges, New Chances a consultation paper which intends to promote the government’s main overall aims for adult skills to promote high-quality teaching and learning at all levels of the adult education system; free colleges and other skills providers from as many bureaucratic restrictions as possible in order to allow them to respond more effectively to the needs of their local communities; and secure a fairer balance of investment in skills between the taxpayer, individual learners and employers.
The consultation will close on 21st October 2011. SCOLA will be participating in this consultation. The primary purpose of the consultation is to inform HOLEX responses and our own individual college responses to government.

15 September 2011 - Foodie blog!

A blog of sorts has been started by two sisters, where they can post food info: recipes, news, anything relating to nutrition, wellness and health. The site is http://yourfoodlife.com/blog
They hope you like it! Lots of you are probably foodies yourselves, so they would welcome your feedback and you are welcome to post anything as well.
We would also appreciate if you would check out and 'like' the corresponding facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Food-Life/242500745794928?sk=wall
Thanks for your support!

14 September 2011 - Government u-turn on ESOL funding

The government has done a U-turn over the funding of English classes for immigrants. September is always a busy time for colleges as it is the peak time for enrolments. But after a government U-turn on funding for English classes for immigrants (known as ESOL), this year it has been busier than usual. The U-turn has been mostly welcomed by the sector, but it has caused staff in colleges around the country to work really hard to manage the volumes of ESOL students enrolling on courses. A campaign, led by ESOL tutors, against the changes has been running since the beginning of the year and colleges are keen to know why it took so long for the Government to come to a decision.

12 September 2011 - Induction of new staff at SCOLA

SCOLA’s Principal met with new staff to share the ethos of SCOLA with them. Over the coming months there will be a variety of initiatives and activities that will engage and involve all staff in various exciting and worthwhile projects in order for us to Live with PRIDE @ SCOLA. Staff are being asked to ensure that they consider PRIDE in everything they do. PRIDE (SCOLA’s values – Creativity/Quality/Inclusiveness/Diversity/Integrity - in action) – P is for putting students first; R is for rewarding relationships; I is for inspiring people; D is for delivering excellent service; E is for exceeding expectations. SCOLA is fortunate to attract talented and dedicated professions to join its creative, enthusiastic and friendly team of staff. Those attending the inductions also had the opportunity of meeting the Principal’s pooch, Lilia, who is very popular and makes regular appearances at the college!

12 September 2011 - 24th All Staff Briefing

Last week saw the Principal holding her 24th Staff Briefing to which all staff were invited. Approximately 70 members of staff attended the two meetings, where the Principal outlined the future plans for the college. Staff had the opportunity to ask questions and to share their views. These staff briefings are a great opportunity for staff to be kept informed on what is happening locally, regionally and nationally.

12 September 2011 - SCOLA is ready to face the challenges ahead!

The big picture across the education sector as you have probably seen and read is at best uncertain and turbulent. The government’s cuts to the FE sector, and removal of various access schemes such as Aim Higher, or helping-hand programmes as well as the Review of ACL continue to put a huge squeeze on colleges and as a result thousands of the most vulnerable will no longer qualify for help to study. Some curriculum areas have lost their funding, some provision has been cut and other public sector cuts such as libraries are putting a substantial strain on education. At SCOLA we have been working hard to remain focused on what we value most; to be a community college providing excellent quality provision to our learners.

9 September 2011 - Student recruitment surge and hard work of SCOLA staff!

This week was one of the college’s busiest times for enrolments. The team work amongst both support and academic staff has been evident and it is great to see staff working together so tirelessly as a team so that SCOLA can deliver on our promises and values. Over 1000 enrolments were taken by the dedicated enrolment team at SCOLA. At times prospective students had to patiently stand in a queue, but this was quickly rectified by SCOLA support and academic staff who helped to clear the queue as quickly as possible. SCOLA has many new programmes this year and is always happy to listen and engage with students who have ideas that they would like to share.

8 September 2011 - The Big Event

SCOLA ran its first annual Autumn BIG EVENT at Manor Park, Sutton, on Saturday 3 September 2011.
The event brought together 15 partners from various areas together and resulted in over 1000 people visiting the different stalls. The Marketing team is seeking official feedback from all involved to ensure that we improve and do what we do best even better next year.

On the day the great sense of team work, the wonderful atmosphere and the positive vibes felt by the volume of people who came and enjoyed the event was a real testament to the success and effectiveness of the college’s efforts. The Principal thanked staff for the time and hard work they put into ensuring the event was the success it was, saying “ I know how much work is involved in arranging an event like this and especially at one of the busiest times of the year for us. I am proud to say that once again SCOLA exceeded expectation and delivered to a high standard. I have already received many positive comments from our partners who mentioned our professionalism and the approachable and friendly manner in which we conducted ourselves and ran the event. A very rewarding and enjoyable time was had by all.”

It was great to see everyone working together in such harmony and with such energy. A true sign of an excellent organisation and a great mark of the mutual respect we have for each other as colleagues, the dedication and commitment we have to the work we do and the pride we take in doing a job well.

8 September 2011 - Thank you from a happy student!

Thanks and appreciation has been received from Elspeth V. Clarke M.B.E., a student studying at SCOLA. Elspeth wanted to thank those who had contributed to a great course - Spanish A2 - Thanks to ... Caroline O'Reilly (Programme Manager - MFL/Cultural Studies); Jenny Sims (Director); the exam supremos - Rhona Edmonds and Jane Waldman and the super tutors - Alicia and Natalia, as well as the friendly staff on reception and the caretakers who welcomed her in a jolly, friendly way on the day of the exam!

Alicia wanted the Principal to know how much she enjoyed her time at SCOLA - 'it was like a breath of fresh air'.

Thank you to SCOLA staff for making Alicia's experience of SCOLA so memorable!

27 July 2011 - Blog That Book Project

This Skills for Life project entitled 'Blog that Book' encouraged students to write a review of a book that they had read on a monthly SfL blog. This project needed some incentives to get it started BUT students enjoyed it (much to their surprise I think) and one tutor has already commented that one of her students is already reading and drafting her blogs for next year – fantastic! Student comments we have received are:

“…the first book that I have ever read from start to finish in my life”
“I read this big book and it gave me confidence and enthusiasm with 445 pages and it is so interesting. I want to read more books rather than watch T.V.”
“The book excited me and when I told my husband and children around the dinner table, they said, it was as though I was there.”
“…I wanted to read more and more of this book”
“… now I can read that helps me with my college work and it gives me confidence to read books. Now I know how to write a book review, that makes me happy.”
“I loved The Dare so much that I’m going to read his other five novels.”

This project has improved student's confidence in their reading, writing skills and style, as well as increased their confidence in the use of ICT. For non-library users it has promoted an active interest in libraries, and has also encouraged their imagination and creativity!

Well done!

12 July 2011 - Regional Conversation Meeting

Today, SCOLA’s Principal, Saboohi Famili, attended the second phase of the regional conversation meetings conducted by Rob Wye, LSIS Chief Executive. This event took place at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North London, Tottenham centre.

The purpose of the regional conversation meeting was to ensure that the LSIS strategic plan provides a robust and balanced statement of priorities for services, support and research and is properly informed by and commands real support from the LSIS Council, and from the sector. LSIS is looking at five broad areas of activity for future investment:
• improving teaching and learning;
• improving capacity for curriculum design and development;
• turning policy into practice;
• enhancing leadership, governance and management; and
• doing more with less money.

This was an informal opportunity to discuss the role of LSIS at national level and across the region.

8 July 2011 - Day 5 at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Another great day at the Hampton Court Flower Show despite the weather! The SCOLA stand still looks good and SCOLA prospectuses proving to be very popular with the public! Lots of positive comments and big crowds taking pictures of the SCOLA exhibit by Level 2 Floristry students.
Thanks to Debbie Sykes, tutor, and the Level 2 students for their wonderful exhibit.

Saboohi Famili
Principal

08 July 2011 - Learners speak about what adult education means to them

John Faulkner, Saboohi Famili and Joanne Barnett of SCOLA presented at the RSC London eFactor Showcase, Senate House, London University.
Despite costing the taxpayer a fraction of the money spent on other educational sectors (schools, FE and Higher Education), millions of learners in the UK benefit from participating in adult education each year. Adult education offers a flexible and welcoming environment in which people can realise their potential. It is often a valuable late option for those whose first experience of education was not a positive one. There are many theories and strategies as to what lifelong learning should be and how it should be funded. Perhaps a good way to start to think about this question is to listen to what actual participants in adult education think.
Here is a selection of short films produced by SCOLA, an Adult Education College in the London Borough of Sutton, in which students talk about what their experience of adult learning means to them:
Basic Skills (2min 38 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sco1a#p/u/4/l0bb8n-3df0
Teaching and Learning Support (2mins 30 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sco1a#p/u/2/vucOdoZfM34
Independent Learning and Support (2min 26 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sco1a#p/u/6/NodZEIHcKfs
Computing and Digital Design (2 mins 46 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sco1a#p/u/8/gZ6BVepcJzo
Art & Photography (2mins 23 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/user/sco1a#p/u/9/8nW5FMMPixo
This SCOLA film project was showcased by RSC London at their e-Factor Event on June 28th 2011.
On 28th June 2011 RSC London held an event at Senate House, London showcasing some of the excellent work being done by post-16 learning providers across London. The theme was the effective use of technology and featured presentations ranging from virtual desktops in Bromley Adult Education to advanced VLEs in Haringey, Enfield, and North East London College.

4 July 2011 - SCOLA students at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

SCOLA Floristry students along with their tutor Debbie Sykes won a prestigious competition to take part in the Swinging Sixties Floristry & Fashion Show. Their exhibit called “The Swinging Sixties “ which includes a floral guitar and Abbey Road style crossing can be seen at ‘The world’s largest flower show’Hampton Court Palace, Surrey 5–10 July 2011

We hope to see you there!

Angela Williams
Head of Programme - Creative Studies - Arts & Crafts

1 July 2011 - Great feedback from the JISC event!

The following comments were received after SCOLA presented at the London JISC e-Factor event on Tuesday 28th June 2011.

"I didn't get the chance to see the SCOLA videos on Tuesday, but have been watching them this morning and totally agree with Martin's comments. Nothing so effective as the learner saying why they are learning , what it means to them and where they want to go next. Great advert for SCOLA and for the work of the adult and community sector." - JISC Information Officer

"Thank you very much for presenting at our event.
I would like to disseminate these videos more widely, if that is alright with you.
In all my time in Adult Education, thirty years, we have always had to persuade funders and governments of the value of Adult Education. It seems to me you can give them charts and graphs but nothing is as powerful as hearing learners talk about how their course hastransformed their lives.
Your films do just that. So I will see how we can get more people to see these films.
Keep up the excellent work." - JISC Senior Adviser

Well done to the Principal, Saboohi Famili, John Faulkner and Joanne Barnett

21 June 2011 - Stimulating and Supporting Innovation in Learning

SCOLA was thanked for presenting at the RSC London e-Factor event on Tuesday 21 June and sharing the excellent work being done at SCOLA.

The feedback on the day was been very positive and the delegates certainly seemed to have enjoyed the presentations.

SCOLA was thanked for sparing the time and contributing to the success of the event.

17 June 2011 - SCOLA Principal's visit to French Level 6 class

SCOLA's Principal, Saboohi Famili, made a big impression on loyal SCOLA French students (some have attended classes at SCOLA for over 20 years)when she visited their class on Friday. Comments from the students included : "We are very appreciative of your approach to SCOLA's staff and students".

Of their tutor, Daniele de Mori Calderon, they said that 'such a teacher is priceless!"

It is wonderful to know that these students have been enriched by attending classles at SCOLA and thanks to Daniele for providing such inspirational teaching!

15 June 2011 - Signature Teacher of the Year awards 2011

SCOLA is delighted that Casper Dyne, a teacher at Overton Grange High School and SCOLA British Sign Language Level 2 (BSL) tutor has won the Signature - excellence in communication with deaf people - Regional (South East) Teacher of the Year award. Teachers can make all the difference to a learning experience and this award recognises those who through their drive and enthusiasm, classroom commitment and high-quality teaching have expanded provision, improved access or achieved consistently outstanding results in our qualifications. Regional winners will be entered for the national Teacher of the Year award which will be presented at the evening awards ceremony in London in November.

Congratulations, Casper, on this outstanding achievement!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

14 June 2011 - STEPS & Ways to Work - putting our students to work

Following on from our recent successful bid for “Effective Support for the Journey from Worklessness to Sustained Employment in Sutton”, we have been putting our students to work in more ways than one. We have to help people on their journey to work establishing good partnership links, paperwork and training programmes in the process.

A pack has been put together by Jan & Jo that comes under the title ‘STEPS – Sutton and Training Employment Providers’. The pack includes a series of individual inserts from a range of local partners who are all working together to help those seeking work to become aware of the many ‘Ways to Work’. It focuses on Advice, Employment and Training options and opportunities on the path to gaining employment.

AS Level Graphic Design students were offered the opportunity of working and inputting on this live brief to help them gain an insight into how a real job progresses. 7 students took part. This showed great enthusiasm and dedication from these students as they were working on their final exam projects at the same time and the workshops were extra to their normal class times.

It was felt that the pack needed to be user friendly, engaging, interesting and accessible to a wide variety of people. It also needed to have a professional feel without being too wordy.

Initially the students each designed some STEPS logo options and the best solution was selected. They then worked on colour choices, possible content and suitable quotations to include. Much consideration was given to the layout and folding methods of the pack and the inserts. The idea of a game of snakes and ladders relating to finding work was included to lighten the feel of the pack. The digital artwork needed to be set up in the correct colours for print, images and logo elements in the correct file formats, with cutter guides, mock ups and proofs supplied for the printer to work from.

I hope you will agree that the students have done a fantastic job. We would like to thank them so much for giving their time, creative and technical skills plus enthusiasm to this project.

Please ask Jan if you would like a pack. They will be going out to all of the partners in the Ways to Work project together with libraries and other suitable distribution points. We will also be looking to others who may want to place additional inserts. Carshalton College has indicated interest for their Apprenticeship programme. If you think of other suitable contributors, let us know.

14 June 2011 - Quilts4london

Sutton College of Learning (SCOLA) in Sutton, Surrey, have been making pennants to support Quilts4london. This project has inspired many students at the college who have enjoyed designing and making the pennants. 80 pennants have been made and they are currently on display in the Sutton Library. The majority of the pennants have been made by SCOLA Quilters who attend Patchwork and Quilting courses at the Wallington and Sutton centres, with their tutor, Amanda Paul. Other classes in the college have also taken part and pennants have been made by students attending clothesmaking classes and a textile class for adults with learning difficulties.

26 May 2011 - Thanks to team at SCOLA's North Cheam Centre

As Principal of SCOLA I encourage suggestions and comments from both students and staff alike. What a pleasure it was today to receive such wonderful comments regarding Pam and her team at the college’s North Cheam Centre.
One of our tutors had a busy day ahead of her today facilitating professional discussions for the NVQ Business and Administration Levels 2 and 3 at North Cheam. Despite some technology hiccups, she says the day was very successful and that this was mainly due to the help and support given by Pam and her team. The support had not been requested, but was automatically provided.
This ranged from detailed lists of appointment times printed and posted onto the door, assistance with meeting and greeting learners for appointments to providing the tutor with much needed cups of tea along with lots more. The tutor says that the environment that Pam provided ensured that the business centre at North Cheam indeed lives up to its name and provides a professional and supportive environment.
Well done, Pam and the North Cheam team. Your commitment to the college is very much appreciated!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

14 May 2011 - Family Fun Day during Adult Learners Week

Celebrating the 20th Adult Learners' Week in 2011, the initiative continues to be the largest drive for learning of its kind - celebrated in over 55 countries across the world. Founded and co-ordinated by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Adult Learners' Week in England is backed by thousands of supporters.
During this week-long festival of learning, events take place in workplaces, libraries, cafes, prisons, museums and colleges across the country, motivating adults of all ages and backgrounds to take up new activities. Throughout Adult Learners’ Week the achievements of remarkable adults that have transformed their lives through learning are celebrated.
On Saturday 14th May SCOLA held a Family Fun day as part of Adult Learners’ Week, which was a great success. There was great team spirit on the day – from those involved in making posters, standing in the high street handing out flyers and balloons to those overrun with late enrolments in the enrolment centre. Hundreds of families came to see us and we gave out hundreds of prospectuses too!

The day was a great success and we received positive feedback from our partner family support groups who attended the morning event and also the families attending the morning and afternoon sessions.

Parents, grand-parents and carers had the opportunity to gain advice and information on family matters, find out about new SCOLA courses and have a fun time!

The families also took part in activities ranging from music and dance, making a miniature garden and ‘fake wounds and fun first aid’. This latter course caused much amusement as the children and adults were given very realistic ‘fake wounds’ which caused many heads to turn!

Thanks to everyone who gave so tirelessly of their time to make this event the success it was!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

19 May 2011 - SCOLA Reading Evening at the Wallington Library

When I was invited to attend the Reading Evening being held at the Wallington Library at 7pm on Thursday 19th May, I was very pleased to accept. I am always interested to learn what people think and what they have to say, especially when it comes to our students at SCOLA. There are many ways to express our view of the world and to share the views of others. Reading and writing are certainly powerful ways to share our views.

I was thinking about how I might describe this event to someone else, and was reminded of a project for young readers and writers that a colleague had run. It was called, “Brave New Words”. This seemed to me to encapsulate what the evening was about. Learners had set out on a voyage of discovery. As they develop their skills they open themselves up to the ideas of countless others. At the same time, some may decide to chart their own innermost thoughts either in the form of a poem, a work of fiction or even in the form of an autobiography. It can be a brave step forward, both to commit their ideas to paper (or screen) and even more brave to decide to share them with others.
During the evening students read the pieces that they had written. Some students when starting their course at SCOLA had no reading or writing skills, but were now able to pen touching poems and wonderful stories.

So, bold adventurers of SCOLA, I salute you. I enjoyed hearing what you had to say immensely, and to sharing in your projects as you progress along your journey. I am so grateful for the invitation - it was a great pleasure to have Lord Graham Tope and Cathy McDonough - supporting the event. I’d also like to thank all those who have supported these learners on their journey both in terms of their family and friends, as well as those at SCOLA who are sharing this journey with you.

A very pleasant evening and one that reminds us why we are in the industry we are in and why we do the job we do!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

18 May 2011 - COSLP Best Learner Awards at the House of Lords

Today I attended the COSLP Best Learner Awards which took place at 3.30pm at the House of Lords at Westminster. Thanks go to Lord Graham Tope for hosting and facilitating this wonderful event.

It was my privilege to introduce SCOLA’s winner of the Best Learner award, Margaret Sparks, to colleagues from various South London Colleges, families and friends of the Best Learner award winners and members of the House of Lords and Parliament. Formerly a librarian, Margaret retired in 2007. She has been studying printmaking with SCOLA for 3 years. She had studied history at Oxford University and originally specialised in basket making. She has always been interested in making crafts and studying part time whilst working. As design and drawing were part of her studies, she decided to attend drawing classes in order to expand her skills to printmaking.

Her tutor, Simon Burder, encouraged her to enter the V&A’s annual ‘Inspired by’ exhibition. Her entry, a lino cut entitled ‘A Medieval Forest’, the first print she has ever submitted or exhibited was not only chosen for exhibition, but also won the ‘Medieval & Renaissance Gallery’ prize and was on display at the V&A in Kensington in November 2010.

At the risk of embarrassing her, Margaret has developed her skills and confidence, becoming a dedicated and committed student. She is a wonderful example of a student using and enjoying retirement to continue to further her knowledge and skills, participating with and inspiring her fellow students, and always being very modest about her achievements.

Margaret says that having her work exhibited has changed the way that she looks at herself and has given her the confidence to develop artistically and most important of all, has made her family proud!

I was accompanied by Angela Williams, Programme Manager – Creative Studies, Art & Design, who works tirelessly to ensure her department runs smoothly and has the admiration and support of her students and colleagues, Simon Burder a dedicated and very encouraging tutor who has been instrumental in Margaret’s achievement and of course Margaret herself who I am sure, enjoyed the proceedings. We were sad that Margaret’s daughter, Hana, was unable to join us to celebrate this event - having given birth to twins in January this was fully understandable. We made sure we captured the event in photographs for her to enjoy.

I must add that my greediness of tucking into not only one, but 2 freshly baked scones did not go unnoticed. Not sure if I am going to live this one down… I guess people will question my munching on celery if they find out about this… better think of an excuse and quick. Any ideas?!!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

01 April 2011 - SCOLA supports Refugee and Migrant Network Sutton

SCOLA supports the Refugee and Migrant Network Sutton (RMNS)by attending meetings and being kept informed regarding the work that they do. RMNS aims to relieve poverty among, and offer assistance to, refugees, asylum seekers and newly settled migrants living, working or studying in the London Borough of Sutton
They offer: friendship, advice, counselling, English Language classes, food & clothes, crisis support.
Any individual or organisation supportive of the aims of RMNS may apply for membership.
Members may influence the policies and strategies of RMNS in the following ways:
• They are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting and any such meeting where major policy changes are to be proposed and discussed
• They are entitled to vote at any such meeting
• They are entitled to attend any meeting of the Management Committee, by previous arrangement with the Chair, in order to give their views on any issue relating to RMNS policy or strategy.

SCOLA is supportive of the work that RMNS does and wish them well for the future!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

23 March 2011 - Students exhibit at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Congratulations to our Floristry tutor Debbie Sykes and her students who have been selected to exhibit in the Swinging Sixties Floristry and Fashion Show at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 5-10 July 2011.

UK florists and top floristry colleges will be linking to all aspects of the "swinging sixties" with displays, demonstrations and talks, alongside singing sixty themed fashion shows taking place on a stunning catwalk.

Amanda Paul
Snr Lecturer - Business, Management,
Professional & Public Services Manager

18 March 2011 - Making dreams touchable : Poetry, Music and Language Learning

Scott Sherriff, a tutor at SCOLA, had an article published in the NATECLA News (No. 94 – Spring 2011) relating to a workshop given by Steve Bingham and Jeremy Harmer. The purpose of the workshop was to demonstrate how poetry related activities could be used in a language classroom.
Harmer and Bingham first met through their involvement with an amateur string group. Their ambitious project grew one evening when Harmer started to read some poetry he had written. Bingham picked up his violin and began accompanying. And so this ambitious project grew.
Harmer began by putting forward a passionate argument in support of the inclusion of poetry in language classes. Tutors were urged not to dismiss poetry simply because it sounds difficult. So much of ESOL gets caught up in the functionality of language, but Harmer argued that no overlook the beauty of poetry is to fail to utilise a wonderful medium for facilitating learners’ engagement with a language.
Scott said that he is sure that many tutors left Spring Gardens keen to infuse their language teaching with poetry and music following this uplifting and inspiring seminar.
The full version of the article can be found on the NATECLA website.

18 March 2011 – Interview with SCOLA’s Principal (NATECLA News)

SCOLA’s Principal shared her views and experiences with NATECLA News. Saboohi said that since taking up her post in May 2010 her completely paper-free office, ipad, blogging, tweeting and fun team-building activities in management meetings had raised a few eyebrows.
One year on she has impressed the staff with her innovative, enthusiastic style land her strong leadership and vision. She is also well on her way to achieving her avowed intention of bringing SCOLA from a good to an outstanding college by the next inspection.
Saboohi shared how she arrived in England 11 years ago as an asylum seeker faced with the prospect of starting her career all over again, having fled her homeland, Iran. As a matter of principle she lives as a resident of the world and as long as she is contributing and feel valued she doesn’t mind which part of the world she is in. This attitude helps her understand some of the cultural differences and enables her to be positive and forward looking.
Saboohi is a great role model especially for ESOL students who are always pleased to see that other people can achieve even though they may not have had English as a first language. She is very much opposed to the changes to entitlement which will affect ESOL from September 2011 and said ‘The cuts simply do not make sense for a progressive nation’.
Saboohi said she misses the nature, the mountains and the welcoming culture of Iran, but that she has a new country now with new friends.

11 March 2011 - EFQM training event

By the end of Friday Jenny Sims and I shall have spent 3 full days in Central London on an EFQM training event. Working at a very high level on rigorous quality assessment this will provide the ground not only for working with outside bodies but also for improvements across the college. It will form the basis for our quality improvement plans for the next five years. If we are able to meet the standards, we shall be well on the way to becoming the providers of an outstanding service. Together with the Own the Change programme it should form the basis for transforming our managers into leaders for the benefit of all. These are exciting times with a great deal of hard work ahead in a very difficult climate. But the dividends should prove well worth the effort.

Saboohi Famili
Principal

11 March 2011 - Own the Change - Shape the Future

Own the Change, Shape the Future is taking shape. Groups responsible for the initial delivery are not only learning about the content but also having to find new ways of working with each other. In this way the process also becomes an integral part of the content.
Each group will present an abstract of their work next Tuesday. For this they will have to analyse their message as a coherent whole within the workshop rather than focus on their individual part. This should aid them present their module in a unified way.
There has been some excellent work taking place. There are many good teachers working in fields that are very new to them. It will be exciting to see how it all comes together. The launch event will be on March 23rd and we have invited a number of notables to join us. We want to share this innovative project, but we are also confident that we have something that is very marketable. (If having read this far you do not have a clue what I am talking about, please contact us and we will be happy to explain.)

Saboohi Famili
Principal

8 March 2011 - 157 Group welcomes Wolf’s recommendations for learning accounts and more flexibility

The 157 Group has welcomed several of the recommendations made by Professor Alison Wolf in her independent report of vocational education, launched this morning.

Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group said, “We believe the Wolf Review affirms the important role of vocational education for 16 to 19 year olds and the successful ways in which FE colleges contribute to this. Although the report is critical of some vocational programmes it is very clear that it is the centralised design of qualifications and the way they have been used by government agencies that is the core of the issue not colleges.

“We have argued consistently for the relaxation of central control of qualifications and so we particularly welcome the recommendation that funding should follow the learner. In our ‘Learning accounts that count’ policy paper, which we published in November 2010, we were quite clear that priorities in the further education system should be based firmly on the informed choices of individual learners and employers, and are pleased to see the explicit reference to learning accounts in Professor Wolf’s recommendations.

“We agree with the recommendations that institutions should be free to offer any qualifications they please from a regulated awarding body, and encouraged to include non-qualifications-based activity; and that young people should have more flexibility in terms of which programme level or type of qualification they can pursue.”

Frank McLoughlin, principal of City and Islington College and chair of the 157 Group said; “We are delighted with the recommendation to make explicit the legal right of colleges to enrol students under 16 and ensure that funding procedures make this practically possible. Many 14 to 16-year-olds thrive in different environments outside school, and we believe that offering provision for them in colleges also makes good economic sense, especially at a time when we need to ensure efficient use of public funding to deliver high-quality teaching and training, with the best possible outcomes for learners. We are pleased that Professor Wolf has endorsed the need for qualified FE teachers to be allowed to teach in schools. This is testament to the professionalism and excellent standards of teaching and learning in FE.

“We need to consider the entire report in more detail, and the government’s response, but there is much to encourage us in our initial reading of Professor Wolf’s findings.”

---ENDS---

---NOTES TO EDITORS---

Professor Wolf’s report on vocational education is available to download at http://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Wolf-Report.pdf

The 157 Group response to the Wolf review consultation is available to download at http://www.157group.co.uk/files/157_groups_response_to_the_wolf_review_of_14_to_19_vocational_education.pdf

The 157 Group Learning accounts that count policy paper is available to download at
http://www.157group.co.uk/files/learning_accounts_that_count.pdf

The 157 Group Real choices for 14 to 19 year olds policy paper is available to download at
http://www.157group.co.uk/files/real_choice_for_14_to_19_year_olds.pdf

---About the 157 Group---

The 157 Group represents 27 of the most influential colleges in the FE sector. It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir Andrew Foster’s report on the future of further education colleges, in which he argued that principals of large successful colleges should play a greater role in policymaking.

1 March 2011 - Impact of Family Learning

I wish to share this valuable testament received by SCOLA's Family Learning Team, which shows the extent of the impact that family learning makes and the skills and expertise of SCOLA's tutors.

"I just wanted to write to say thank you so, so much for the courses you put on for families. They are excellent...outstanding in fact. My son, who is diagnosed with ASD (Autism) has been so blessed and privileged to be able to attend cookery and pottery and the teachers have been very patient and understanding and he has enjoyed the courses very much. He just about engaged with another child at the Wandle Valley cookery course last term and then last Wednesday at St Paul's I saw him interacting (not verbally yet) with another child who wanted to get his attention. It was so good to see this. Also, at cookery he has touched different textures (like in kneading bread etc)...normally he won't tolerate different textures/touch things...for years he wouldn't even hold his own sandwich and he still abhors shampoos and soaps and won't have creams on him etc. So it has been so good for him to touch some different textures and he actually enjoys participating which shows how it has helped his confidence, because normally he would just stand back and not participate in things. He has even tried most of the foods after cooking them, and even found he liked a couple of things he would normally not touch! Even some of the foods he didn't like the taste/texture of, we were so pleased to see him try a very small mouthful of.

So these cookery classes are doing him the world of good. And the pottery class is absolutely wonderful for him too, because he has started to make things out of clay...which means he's touching it and also creating his own piece of work...something I never thought he would do...and he is really enjoying it...so much so that he's talking about it daily and saying "I love pottery. It is my favourite"...it is very rare to hear him express this kind of emotion and enjoy something so much. He keeps asking what we will do at the next session and talking about the objects he has made and asking if we like them and wanting to hear that there are still some more sessions left etc. It is so good and such a relief to see him feeling confident about something and enjoying it so much. It has also been a very welcome relief to hear him talk of something other than bus numbers!

I would just like to say again how good the teachers have been (Fay at Pottery and Polly and Debbie, the cookery teachers), so patient, understanding and encouraging. We are so grateful to be able to do these excellent courses and want to thank whoever sets them up. We are so thankful to SCOLA for running them. We have been very blessed. THANK YOU!"

Saboohi Famili
Principal

Successful Studio Portrait Photography course!

Short Professional Photography Course


The first SCOLA Short Professional Course (SPC) was held on Tuesday 22nd February at the Sutton centre. The intensive one day course focused on studio portrait photography and had been fully booked for weeks before the start date. Tutor Miles Winter covered areas such as lighting, background and setting up cameras as well as shooting sessions on single and group photography.

The course was extremely popular with feedback from attendees including ‘enjoyed!’, ‘will definitely be signing up for more!’, ‘amazing’.

The College will be holding a further SPC in Wedding photography in July. See www.scola.ac.uk soon for details.

Spring Craft Fair

Saturday 19th February saw over 220 people walk through the main centre doors to attend the first SCOLA Spring Craft Fair. Students and tutors brought a range of handmade, traditional and contemporary crafts to the College including jewellery, stained glass and pottery. Handmade fine foods and treats including chutneys, chocolates and an Italian delicatessen added to the ambience and many an unusual, unique gift was purchased.
Visitors commented on the ‘great atmosphere’ and the ‘wide variety of wonderful jewellery available’ as well as learning more about the College and what we have to offer. The fair was a huge success and was the first of many to follow.
The next fair will be held at our Wallington centre on Saturday 25th June and we will see you there!

16 February 2011 - Sharing poems

Take the time to read these two inspirational poems by William Ayot

A Doodle at The Edge
Another meeting, another agenda, another
list of buzz-words, initials and initiatives.
PSU is entering Phase Three
while the CDR wants G2 to go to Level Five.
If we go the full nine yards on this one;
if we get pro-active, get out of the box, get
our teams together and on the same hymn-sheet;
if we hit the ground running, if we downsize HR.
if we get the money on board, and our asses into gear,
then we can change something, make a difference,
change what the other guys changed last week.
Meanwhile the god has left the garden,
the muse lies minimised in the corner of our screens.
Not dead, not buried, but ignored and unseen,
like a doodle at the edge of an action plan.
Me? I say make a sacrifice to the doodle;
pick some flowers, speak a poem, feed the tiny muse.
Draw, paint, sing or dance, and you'll bring the gods
back into the board-room; the laughing, smiling,
weeping gods of the night-time and the wild.
William Ayot
 
The Contract
- A word from the led -
And in the end we follow them –
not because we are paid,
not because we might see some advantage,
not because of the things they have accomplished,
not even because of the dreams they dream,
but simply because of who they are;
the man, the woman, the leader, the boss,
standing up there when the wave hits the rock,
passing out faith and confidence like life jackets,
knowing the currents, holding the doubts,
imagining the delights and terrors of every landfall;
captain, pirate, and parent by turns,
the bearer of our countless hopes and expectations.
We give them our trust. We give them our effort.
What we ask in return is that they stay true.
William Ayot

8 February 2011 - MoLE Workshop

I will be attending the MoLE Workshop for the next 3 days. The Mobile Learning Environment (MoLE) Coalition Warfare Program (CWP) project will leverage "smart" mobile phones, the global cellular network infrastructure, and emerging mobile application/service models to build a mobile learning (m-learning) capability. That capability will integrate with the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) e-learning infrastructure to facilitate the sharing of educational content between the US and partners in support of medical stability operations (MSO).

MoLE is based on a requirement by the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE)/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa (CNA)/Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F) to operate effectively in a large maritime area of responsibility (AOR). The ability to train and communicate with limited internet connectivity and infrastructure is a significant challenge, and MoLE will help by delivering low-bandwidth on-demand training through mobile devices.

Apart form being very excited about this 3 day workshop I look forward to seeing how this platform can be used to improve access to learning from our college. I hope to be able to cope with the amount of 3 letter word abbreviations that I will be introduced to over the next few days. Watch this space for further posts!

Saboohi Famili
Principal

13 January 2011 - Campaign to save ESOL classes

Jenny Roden and I both attended a meeting at UCU headquarters in Camden on 12 January. The meeting was led by Dan Taubman of UCU and Patricia Sullivan
Of NATECLA (National Association of Teachers of English and Community Languages), along with around 100 supporters from London and several other cities in the UK.

Our country has had a long history of welcoming people from all over the world but in the past few years that welcome has begun to wear thin from our Labour and now Coalition governments. If the proposed severe restrictions on the most disadvantaged migrants, and those dependent on others, go forward, this will mean that those least able to pay for their own fees will be prevented from learning English. Inevitably this means that a college like SCOLA would lose a substantial proportion of its ESOL learners from next September. It also jeopardises jobs for Skills for Life teachers.

It was exciting to be with a group of long standing ESOL practitioners setting up a campaign group that will network all over the country, but the imminent cuts are very real and the implications for both those in employment as teachers, let alone those who will arrive in this country alienated from our culture from the outset, are grim.

Sarah Freeman