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Key findings of AoC’s EIF project

05 December 2019

5 Top Tips

By Kev Gillard, AoC Associate

We took a deep dive into the new inspection framework last Summer with a focus on what colleges might need to meet the demands of the new approach.

Eight colleges gave me their time for which I’d like to thank them again and we have now successfully moved the project forward.

Discover two elements of the work that have really worked for other colleges below.

Firstly, we have developed some materials around curriculum evaluation that enables managers to analyse curriculum. In this activity leaders consider their curriculum from a number of different strategic perspectives and identify those areas that they are strong and not so strong in. We should remember that curriculum is very different in colleges to that in schools and the exercise is a valuable one for colleagues looking to be clear about the coverage, content and structure of their curriculum.

A similar exercise in looking at teaching generated some rich professional discussion for managers around their various pedagogies. These two elements were brought together and the group were able to clearly identify areas of curriculum and teaching pedagogy that they wanted to develop moving forward.

Kelvin Nash Principal and CEO of Kendal College said:

Kevin made sure that he fully understood the expectations of the college in relation to the training, and he developed the materials accordingly. The day was interactive, fun and most of all informative and developmental. We finished the day with a clearer understanding of how to apply the new EIF, along with a set of priorities for future development.

Secondly, we have provided tailored support for middle managers to build capacity and confidence around assessment of learner’s learning, standards of work and curriculum strategy. In this aspect of the support we were able to provide managers with clear insight into their own provision looking at what learners had learned, retained and committed to long term memory.

Managers were asked to look at the skills and behaviours that learners demonstrated. This work was further developed through consideration of the work of employers in designing and delivering curriculum that meets learners’ further employability needs.

Emma Jarman, Vice Principal Curriculum and Quality at City of Bristol College said:

Undertaking learning walks with Kev was a really effective learning process, teaching us a lot about the way in which we present questions to our students and how we interact with observers in the classroom. The process was welcomed by staff involved at all levels, who found it thought-provoking, challenging and above all supportive. Discussion around curriculum intent, especially on the back of our SAR validation process, gave middle managers the opportunity to test their perceptions against the reality of the classroom and the understanding of their staff and students. This prompted many staff to consider the questions that they were asking of students and the way in which this information is shared. The process really helped us to identify our own risks and celebrate our strengths; both preparing us for scrutiny but allowing us the opportunity to see our hard work in action.

Are you interested in developing a whole college approach to the new EIF?

For more information please contact Shireen Al-Khalili: Shireen.al-khalili@aoc.co.uk for an informal chat and further information.