Association of Colleges

08 May 2008

The National AoC Beacon Awards, given for exemplary and innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the further education sector, were presented in Westminster to to colleges from across the UK by David Lammy MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills.

23 award winners beat off stiff competition from nearly 300 entrants from across the UK. Categories included awards for Equality and Diversity, Innovation in Curriculum Leadership Development and International Student Support, all of which are designed to champion the diverse achievements of the Further Education sector.

The ceremony also announced Bridgwater College as the winner of the President’s award; an award given to one of the winning colleges that particularly stands out to the AoC, as further recognition of its innovative learning approaches.

Chair of the AoC Beacon Awards, Dame Patricia Morgan-Webb, said:

“The AoC has a longstanding commitment to the promotion of exceptional work carried out by British Further Education colleges. This year’s Beacon winners have been hugely successful, creating fantastic opportunities for tens of thousands of learners across the country.  By highlighting their achievements, I am confident that other UK colleges will be inspired to replicate their good practice and innovative approach to learning. Bridgwater College’s approach to teaching forensic science has had a positive impact on the number of enrolments into the sciences – an area which nationally is suffering a decline in learners taking the subjects up at A Level and beyond.  Other colleges could benefit from replicating this imaginative amalgamation of vocational and academic science as a means of attracting learners into this area.”

Eddie Brittain, AoC Beacon Awards Lead Assessor said:

“Today’s Britain has a fantastic Further Education sector and I am delighted to be part of an awards scheme that commends Further Education programmes, courses, projects and teaching practices.  By showcasing the Beacon winners, we create role models that other colleges can look to for inspiration, guidance and encouragement.”

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For more information, photography of to arrange an interview with the winners, please contact Ali McInerney or Jessica Green on 020 7299 8755

Notes to Editors:

1. The Beacon Awards programme was established in 1994 under the auspices of the Association for Colleges, at the suggestion of The Partnership Trust.  The Partnership Trust wished to establish an awards programme for the Further Education sector after a similar awards programme for the Higher Education sector proved successful. 
    
2. The Awards started with just six sponsors in their first year and 13 award categories.  A total of 101 applications were received from 61 colleges and the winners were announced at the Annual Conference in Edinburgh.  It now regularly attracts around 300 applications a year for around 20-30 Awards.   
    
3. Award winners and Highly Commended colleges 2007: 

AQA Award for College School Partnerships
Award winner - North Lindsey College

Association of Colleges Award for Widening Participation
Award winner - Bolton Community College
Highly Commended - Kingston Maurward College

Becta Award for e-enabling Organisational Development
Award winner - Aberdeen College
Highly Commended - Xaverian College

British Council Award for International Student Support
Award winner - Bridgwater College
Highly Commended - Edinburgh’s Telford College

CLA Award for Creativity in Writing, Art or Design
Award winner - Plymouth College of Art and Design
Highly Commended - Alton College

CoLRiC Award for the Effective Integration of Libraries/Learning Resources Centres in Curriculum Delivery
Award winner - Northern College

Centre for Excellence in Leadership Award for Innovation in Curriculum Leadership Development
Award winner - South Nottingham College
Highly Commended - Abingdon and Witney College

Churches’ Award for Sustainable College Partnerships that Recognise Diversity and Develop People and Communities
Award winner - Grimsby Institute of F&HE
Highly Commended - Highlands College, Jersey

City & Guilds Award for Staff Development in Further Education
Award winner - Gateshead College
Highly Commended - Grimsby Institute of F&HE

Edexcel Award for Lifelong Learning
Award winner - Chichester College
Highly Commended - Solihull College

Edge Award for Practical Teaching and Practical Learning
Award winner - South Devon College

Eversheds Award for the Effective Use of Capital Development
Award winner - South Devon College
Highly Commended - Edinburgh’s Telford College

FENC Award for the Creative Use, Adaptation and Delivery of Learning Resources
Award winner - South Devon College
Highly Commended - Newham Sixth Form College

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Healthcare Award for Health and Community Care
Award winner - Grantham College
Highly Commended -Thames Valley University

Learning + Skills Council Award for 14-19 Collaboration
Award winner - Knowslely Community College
Highly Commended - Sussex Downs College

Learning + Skills Council Award for College Engagement with Employers
Award winner - Lewisham College
Highly Commended - Chichester College, New College Nottingham

Learning + Skills Council Award for Equality and Diversity
Award winner - West Thames College
Highly Commended - Gloucestershire College

Mercers’ Company Award for Science or Mathematics
Award winner - Bridgwater College
Highly Commended - Pendleton College

Network for Black Professionals and Centre for Excellence in Leadership
Award for Promoting Race Equality
Award winner - Grimsby Institute of F&HE

OCR Award for Partnerships in Basic Skills
Award winner - Cornwall College
Highly Commended - Eastleigh College

RNIB and Mencap Award for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities
Award winner - Cambridge Regional College
Highly Commended - City of Bristol College, Lewisham College, Thames Valley University

Ufi/learndirect Award for Delivering Learning through learndirect Centers in Colleges
Award winner - Isle of Wight College

Welsh Assembly Government Award for College Engagement with Employers
Award winner - Coleg Menai

 

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