What is Education with guest lecturer Nick Bennett, who is the Principle of Gower College. He talked to us about Further Education (FE) Policy in Wales. He showed a variety of different topics within Further education Policy. He also showed us a number of interesting facts and statistics regarding FE and his particular college.
The 1998 Reform Act is why colleges were created and they were run by the government rather than local authorities, this created a difference in the way that they are run, funded and inspected. The teaching in colleges is broadly different from that of schools.
Further Education has two major functions, underpin social fabrication and to support the economy. Further Education was created in Wales to support the economy. FE also ensures that borrowing money for the cost of tuition fees for students in Wales remains unchanged. Further Education institutes also encourage jobs growth in Wales by offering employment opportunities or training for young people.
The Welsh Government encouraged further mergers of further education facilities. This was to create and provide further learning opportunities, enable closer collaboration and maintain our commitment to provide support for students who come from lower income households.
Everything in FE sectors are under review, everything is changing e.g. funding, courses available, fees etc. 2012 will be the year of reviews, the things that they will be looking at are: national planning and funding system, age group of 14-19 sector, HE in FE, qualifications, appropriate assessments, clear progression, modules exams taken out, no more coursework, one exam at the end of 2 years.
These are the changes that Further Education will see in the coming future.
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