'IT's Christmas' fancy dress

The IT team raised the standard in the fancy dress event today raising more than £100 for charity. They also had 100% participation. Where did you leave your horses ? Great job, well done.

December BST Blog

Welcome to the December Issue of the BST Update

A quick update on what has been going on in the directorate:

The Self-Assessment Report (SAR) has been moderated and the Directorate overall SAR has been confirmed as:

Directorate Overall: Good with Outstanding features

This is an overall grade for the 4 curriculum areas. I have summarised overall effectiveness as:

There are High success rates on most programmes with clear progression pathways. Learners feel safe and are well prepared to make informed choices about health and well-being. Learners participate in an extensive programme of well planned projects, events and competitions with tangible benefits and there is an excellent range of provision with up to date resources which promote and support learning. Employer and learner views are comprehensively gathered to manage and improve provision. A wide range of initiatives promote equality and diversity and tackle discrimination. Challenging targets are set to promote high standards and raise expectations.

Thank you to all for your contributions to the curriculum area SAR’s. I am confident that we have the capacity to improve to be outstanding.

Developments / Updates by Curriculum Area:

Business curriculum:

·         Hosting Comenius project in Feb 2012 at the college. The theme this year is ‘Sustainability’

·         Promoting College / Business provision through ‘developing learner’s awareness of emerging markets’

·         New AAT L2 Apprenticeship starts planned for January 2012

Computing Curriculum:

·         Delivery of Microsoft Office Specialist programmes (MOS)

·         Capital Bid approved for a new ‘Mac suite’ for room S721

·         Identifying opportunities for Apprenticeships in IT Users

Tourism Curriculum:

·         Working with People 1^st (Sector Skills Council) to deliver World Host Customer Service Training

·         ‘Live’ events volunteering programme in place for learners working with local organisations

Higher Business / Computing

·         Specialist pathways in place for FD Applied Computing learners – Games & Interactive Technology, Internet Business Technologies

·         Developing HNC in Sustainable Construction – Edexcel for 2012 entry

·         Developing a cross college ethical review process to support students in their final year projects

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year