What’s next for the HI-LLN? (News from the Stakeholder Conference 2008)

This year’s Stakeholder Conference, held at The Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth on Friday 27 June, was our opportunity to celebrate the HI-LLN’s achievements so far and look ahead to what promises to be another busy twelve months.

The event was kicked off by the Director Jon Bramley who gave a round up of what has been happening within the network, such as the number of Progression Agreements completed and projects that are taking place.

This was followed by an account of what life is like at the ‘coal face’ for our Curriculum Groups by Helen Briers  the Development Manager for Childhood Youth and Community Studies.

Other speakers on the day included Derek Longhurst, who gave a talk on the work of fdf, and Sarah Hardman from the Sussex Learning Network, who concluded the presentations with an update about the new Learning at Work Information Service (LaWIS). Among its services LaWIS will offer a facility where students and tutors can find out about the Progression Agreements available in the region.

In addition to the talks, delegates were able to attend one of the following workshops:

1. Opportunities and Challenges of Employer Engagement

This workshop focused on the opportunities and challenges of employer engagement and how it links to the emerging strategy.

2. A college approach to advice, assessment and guidance for mature learners

This workshop gave an overview of the whole college process and the process for returning adult learners. Initial, on-course and progression systems were also discussed at this workshop.

3. Preparing Higher Education for Advanced Diplomas

This workshop heard about the South London LLN’s HEFCE funded project to assess the readiness of institutions within the region to receive Diploma students into higher education programmes from the Advanced IT Diploma from September 2010.  A case study that examines Kingston University's approach to raising awareness of the Diplomas was also explored.

4. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Aimhigher Action Programmes

This session gave an outline of the work and experience of the FE and Sixth Form Colleges who have participated in the Hampshire and IoW Aimhigher Action Programmes AP10 and AP8ii since 2005. These programmes aim to increase participation post-16 from areas of high social deprivation.