Bridging the Divide: building effective progression agreements

Date:Thursday 15 March 2007

Venue: London

Organised by:

West London Lifelong Learning Network, South London Lifelong Learning Network and LSN Solutions.

HEFCE funded Lifelong Learning Networks with the specific remit of developing innovative vocational progression routes into higher level study. Developing effective progression agreements between FE, HE and employers will play a central role in delivering this change.

This national one day event presented a review of the best practice approaches, enabling delegates to discuss how progression agreements could be tailored to maximise progression opportunities for learners in their area.

Opening presentations

John Stone, Chief Executive of LSN, explained what a progression agreement (PA) is and the processes involved. He also reported the LLN survey results conducted by the West London Lifelong Learning Network.

Click here to download his presentation.

Kevin Whitston, Head of Widening Participation at HEFCE, presented the HEFCE perspective and how they evaluate LLNs.

Click here to download his presentation.

Interactive workshops

Four workshops allowed delegates to share experiences and thoughts, leading to some interesting feedback:

LLN progression agreements: a way forward

Chaired by Graeme Hall, Executive Director, West London Lifelong Learning Network and Michael Hill, Head of Widening Participation, Kingston University.

This workshop debated the merits of the West London LLN and South London LLN models for PAs as well as other approaches. Some of the key issues identified included ambiguity over the definition of “vocational”; a definite offer of a guaranteed interview; and the involvement of Sector Skills Councils.

Click here to download the presentation.

Click here to download the key issues identified by the workshop group.

Identifying barriers to successful implementation

Chaired by Rick Crowshaw, Development Manager for Progression and Collaborative Partnerships, Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance (GMSA).

This workshop confronted and addressed barriers to creating successful PAs. Some of the key issues discussed included how changes in the curriculum will affect existing PAs; problems with Admissions staff; and avoiding initiative fatigue when marketing to stakeholders.

Click here to download the presentation.

Click here to download the key issues identified by the workshop group.

A curriculum based approach to the development of progression agreements

Chaired by Sarah Hardman, Deputy Director, Sussex Learning Network.

This workshop examined the bottom-up curriculum based model of developing PAs adopted by the Sussex Learning Network. It also included contributions from a curriculum lead on utilising it. Some of the key issues explored included different approaches to PA development; a timescale to complete the PA; and assessing the strength and challenge of diversity agreements.

Click here to download the presentation.

Click here to download the key issues identified by the workshop group.

Retention and achievement

Chaired by Justin Edwards, Associate Director for Information Services, LSN.

This workshop analysed the solutions and lessons learnt from previous retention and achievement initiatives. Some of the key issues discussed included why learners drop out; identifying those at high risk; and building the learner’s confidence.

Click here to download the presentation.

Click here to download the key issues identified by the workshop group.

Plenary

Chaired by Andrew Ward, Chair of the West London Lifelong Learning Network Board and Director of Corporate Development at Thames Valley University.

Click here to download the summary notes.