Projects

DfE Multiply Capability Support Programme

October 2023 – March 2025

What is it?

The Multiply Capability Support programme aims to support Multiply providers develop their programmes, by sharing best practice examples through webinars and resources.

The support programme is delivered by AoC in partnership with Holex.

Who will benefit?

All providers delivering the Multiply Programme.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

Turing Scheme 2023

August 2023 – August 2024

What is it?

The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s programme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It supports Global Britain by providing an opportunity for UK organisations from the higher education, further education, vocational education and training and schools sectors to offer their students, learners and pupils life-changing experiences to study or work abroad. With a core aim of driving social mobility, the scheme has a specific focus on experiences for students from areas of disadvantage.

Who will benefit?

Fifty students from four colleges in the north-east of England are to head to Miami next year, with an incredible opportunity to experience life at Miami Dade College in the USA. Thanks to Turing Scheme grant funding, students studying sport and physical activity qualifications will be offered the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant environment of Miami Dade, an esteemed educational institution known for its high-quality academic pathways, rich cultural and athletic programmes and its diverse student community.

The consortium, in collaboration with the National Junior Colleges Athletic Association (NJCAA), Miami Dade and AoC Sport, came together with the shared goal to offer a unique, international sport and education experience. The project aims to empower students from disadvantaged areas, enabling them to enhance the current skills they are learning and develop the necessary knowledge and behaviours for sustainable career options and progression routes.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

ETF Regional Governor Inductions and Conferences 23/24

July 2023 – March 2024

What is it?

The Regional Governance Inductions and Conferences 2023/24 are delivered by AoC, commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation on behalf of the Department for Education. The 2023/24 programme will deliver 10 regional online inductions and 5 online conferences.

How will I benefit?

Regional Governance Inductions aim to support new college governors to gain a better understanding of their role in the further education sector. The programme is suited to new college governors or governors that have been in their role for less than 12 months and have not attended an induction before. The 2023/24 programme will deliver 10 regional induction events. To sign up to an induction, please click here and register via the ETF booking site.

Governance Conferences aim to support board members and senior leads to explore key topics. The 2023/24 programme will include 5 conferences. To sign up to a conference please click here and register via the ETF booking site.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

ETF Student Governor Inductions 23/24

July 2023 – March 2024

What is it?

The Student Governor Inductions 2023/24 project is delivered by AoC, commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation on behalf of the Department for Education.

AoC will be running 10 inductions between September 2023 and March 2024. Seven of the inductions will be online and three will be in-person hosted by colleges.

Click here to view dates for the Student Governor Inductions and information on how to book.

How will I benefit?

The inductions aim to help students understand their role and the further education sector.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

Pears Youth Social Action – Phase 2 Project
March 2023 – June 2025

What is it?

Due to the success of the Phase 1 – Pears #iWill Youth Social Action Apprenticeship Programme, the Pears Foundation, in partnership with AoC, are investing in a second phase of the programme. Phase 2 of the programme will not only continue to build on the excellent work from Phase 1 Youth Social Action Apprenticeship programme but will develop two other components to the programme, including mentoring and Youth Social Action Ambassadors.

How will I benefit?

Phase 2 of the Youth Social Action project provides an opportunity for more young people to be engaged in social action initiatives. By carrying out this project, it broadens the range of involvement across each region, empowering more students to take action and address local issues. Building on the achievements of Phase 1, participants can gain meaningful experience and contribute to a network of social change within their respective colleges. Phase 2 will include new apprentices as well as 2 additional components including mentoring and ambassadors:

• Youth Social Action Apprentices – Phase 2 will include five Youth Social Action Apprentices to work across 18 colleges in East, East Midlands, North West, South East and South West regions. The apprentices will study a level 3 Youth Worker apprenticeship and will look to build on the excellent work of Phase 1 - Pears #iWill Fund programme, where five Youth Social Action Apprentices delivered excellent outcomes for their colleges, their students, and their local communities.

• Mentoring – Apprentices from the Phase 1 - Pears #iWill Fund programme will continue to share best practice across the sector by mentoring an Youth Social Action Apprentice and a Youth Social Action Ambassador in the Phase 2 programme. Mentors will continue to embed Youth Social Action within their college and local communities.

• Youth Social Action Ambassadors – Phase 2 will include 25 ambassador colleges per year in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands and London regions. The ambassador colleges that will support 5 - 8 students to become Youth Social Action Ambassadors to deliver one social action project within their college.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact projects@aoc.co.uk.

Creative Writing in FE
January 2023 – February 2024

What is it?

The Creative Writing in FE project, supported by the Copyright Licensing Agency, offers Further Education (FE) college students an opportunity to develop their creative writing skills across various genres and themes. Participants will engage with contemporary issues while building their writing portfolios. Throughout the project, students will learn from authors, explore different creative processes, and potentially have their work published in an online anthology by the Association of Colleges (AoC).

How will I benefit?

By participating in the Creative Writing in FE project, you'll expand your creative writing practice, enhancing both your skills and portfolio. You will gain valuable insights into the world of professional writing by engaging with authors and understanding their creative processes. Additionally, having your work published in an online anthology or even a physical book can boost your profile and credentials as an aspiring writer.

Where can I find out more?

Creative Writing submissions are currently open, and will be closing on the 12^th May 2023, so if your college would like to get involved please visit the Creative Writing webpage for more details or contact the Projects team.

Macro-Sequencing of Curriculum Components for T Levels - Research Project
December 2022 – July 2023

What is it?

T Levels require a new model of curriculum planning and sequencing. A common challenge for teaching staff has been to plan and deliver the qualification over the two-year programme, ensuring the fundamental elements are in place and sequenced to develop the student’s skills, knowledge, and behaviours appropriately.

Since their implementation in 2020, providers have developed various models of T Level curriculum delivery. Some initial models applied continue to be used effectively while others have evolved over the last two years to maximise impact for students.

This project will bring together Wave 1 and Wave 2 T Level providers to establish and share best practice in macro-sequencing for the T Level routes construction, digital, engineering, health and science and agriculture, land management and production.

How will I benefit?

The project will outline considerations for providers when macro-sequencing the curriculum including for different provider types, providers in different geographies and for working with different groups such as SEND students.

The research will assist providers with current delivery and as they scale-up their T Level offer, bringing on more routes and qualifications.

Best practice models and resources produced during the project will be shared more broadly across the education and training sector to ensure future T Level providers are able to access best practice examples to aid the delivery of high-quality provision.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team.

Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) Programme
September 2022 – August 2025

What is it?

The DfE-funded Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme provides continuous professional development (CPD) training and resources for all those involved in, or supporting, the delivery of apprenticeships.

The Association of Colleges (AoC), in partnership with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), Strategic Development Network (SDN), and University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), is delivering this phase of the Apprenticeship Workforce Development (AWD) programme.

The comprehensive training programme is designed for staff at all levels across apprenticeship providers who are involved in the management, planning, and delivery of apprenticeships. It includes a range of training options such as online courses, workshops, and networks that are suitable for staff at all levels and roles.

How will I benefit?

By participating in the comprehensive training programme, you will have the opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge in the management, planning, and delivery of apprenticeships, which may be beneficial to your professional development and career advancement.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team.

Academic Progression Programme
September 2022 – August 2025

What is it?

The APP is a pilot programme initiated by the Department for Education (DfE) to explore provision for students seeking to progress from Level 2 to A Levels (or a combined program of study including A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications). The programme will be delivered by providers across England, including a one-year lead-in period or preparation year in which to plan and prepare for delivery, starting in September 2022, with delivery from September 2023.

How will I benefit?

Students participating in the APP pilot will have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to progress into Level 3 academic study. The pilot activities are intended to streamline and strengthen provision, creating clear progression pathways for students. It is hoped that providers participating in the pilot will be able to deliver increased access to A Level study.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team.

Creating a Greener London – Sustainable Construction Skills
December 2022 – August 2025

What is it?

This project, delivered with support from JPMorgan Chase, is a program that aims to provide future generations in London with the skills and knowledge necessary for green jobs in the building and home sector. It focuses on developing green career pathways at Level 2 and above through partnerships between further education colleges and employers, and co-designing and delivering green skills training alongside existing Level 2 qualifications.

How will I benefit?

The pilots will establish local collaborative partnerships, to identify existing and emerging green job opportunities available, and the skills required from level 2, which enable progression to green employment in the construction sector. The selected pilot projects, of which the initial 2 pilots will be commissioned by March 2023, will provide the opportunity for students to gain valuable green skills, as well as access to high quality careers information and guidance.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team via email.

Research Into Embedding Excellence in Post-16 Teaching, Learning and Assessment
September 2022 – July 2023

What is it?

This project is a comprehensive research study that will examine how providers within WorldSkills UK's Centre of Excellence embed excellence from competitions into Teaching, Learning and Assessment. The research will gather the perspectives of sector leaders, WorldSkills UK Training Managers, and teachers across the four nations of the UK. The study will also compare providers within and outside of the program, as well as make international comparisons.

How will I benefit?

By participating in this project, you will have the opportunity to contribute your views and experiences to a research study that aims to help shape effective practice across the sector. The findings of this research may also provide you with insights and ideas that you can apply in your own work.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the Projects team.

Four Nations Alliance
Ongoing

What is it?

The Four Nations College Alliance was established to bring together an alliance between colleges in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Key challenges across the world mean we need a revolution in how we think about education and skills. By bringing together leaders and officials, we aim to be an effective vehicle for positive contribution to practice and policy as they collectively face opportunities and challenges.

How will I benefit?

The project is supported by a number of organisations and aims to share and discuss approaches to common opportunities and challenges through sharing of best practice, exploring areas to co-develop approaches to policy and practice, further developing systems leadership in the sector, and acting as a forum for key stakeholders to engage with college leaders and policy-makers.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the team.

Promoting Effective Careers Practice in Colleges
October 2022 – July 2023

What is it?

AoC is working in partnership with CEC to deliver an online conference with key topics including green skills and green jobs, T Level routes, implications of the Skills Act on CIAG, and how to support the local labour market through Local Skills Improvements Plans (LSIPs). Following on from the online conference, we then plan to deliver action learning networks to embed practice.

How will I benefit?

Participants will receive practical advice on how to attract, engage and provide inclusive CIAG to young people from protected characteristics and those who may be disengaged in order to support equality, diversity and inclusion.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact the team.

Experiences of 14 to 16 year olds in Further Education in England
September 2022 – April 2024

What is it?

This two-year longitudinal research project, led by AoC and IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, will undertake an examination and analysis of the provision, opportunities and levels of support available to this overlooked 14 - 16 college student cohort. This project will explore the experiences of 14 to 16 year olds who attend further education colleges in England, to produce the first in-depth picture of the roughly 10,000 young people in this cohort to support policymakers to make decisions in the best interests of these students.

How will I benefit?

Colleges will be invited to take a survey at the beginning of the project, and from there invited to take part in further research conversations.

How can I find out more?

For further information, please watch our recent webinar for colleges, explaining the project in full. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Catherine.sezen@aoc.co.uk.

T Level & T Level Transition Programme Provider Support
May 2019 – August 2023

What is it?

AoC is working in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE) to provide advice, support and guidance to Round 1-4 T Level Transition Programme providers, and Waves 3,4 and 5 T Level providers.

How will I benefit?

The introduction of T Levels has been a huge change for the sector, and we’re here to support you. Providers will be assisted in their strategic planning for T Level and T Level Transition Programme provision through KITs, events, networking and the production of case studies and guidance resources.

Where can I find out more?

For more information about the programme, please take a look at our Events and support brochure, or contact the T Level Support team or Transition team.

Industry Placement Provider Support Programme
January 2021 – November 2023

What is it?

AoC are working in partnership with the Department for Education to provide tailored support to T Level providers specifically around the planning, sourcing and delivery of Industry Placements.

How will I benefit?

We know that sourcing industry placements for students on the T Level programme can be challenging, and this programme supports you through a range of events and networks. We are also producing case studies and guidance resources to support providers.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, please visit the DfE website or contact the Industry Placement support team.

T Level Professional Development Offer
September 2021 – July 2023

What is it?

AoC is working in partnership with the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) to deliver aspects of the T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer on behalf of the Department for Education.

How will I benefit?

As with any new qualification, T Levels require practitioners to develop their professional skills. The TLPD offer will equip you with the subject knowledge and confidence needed to teach this course from the moment learners walk into your classroom or workshop.

Where can I find out more?

Providers and staff who have already started and plan to deliver T Levels are eligible. For more information, please visit the ETF website or contact the TLPD team.

Enrichment Research Project
March 2020 – August 2024

What is it?

The move from demand-led funding to programmes of study in 2007 resulted in a reduction of funding for enrichment activities across the Further Education sector. With funding from NCFE, AoC is working in partnership with the University of Derby, who will deliver a robust piece of research on the impact of enrichment in Further Education.

How will I benefit?

When published, the research will capture the impact of funding cuts and identify the most effective models of enrichment for practitioners and providers to implement. These, in turn, will amplify provision for students.

Where can I find out more?

You can find more information here.

Promoting Adult Learning In Networks (PRALINE)
January 2021 – January 2024

What is it?

This project aims to strengthen the existing EUproVET network, which is a representational platform for European VET and adult education providers’ associations at national or regional level. AoC is a supporting partner, contributing to the project through engagement and collaboration.

How will I benefit?

The project will support the development of innovative and sustainable initiatives within adult learning providers, which in turn, could transform your teaching and develop your expertise.

The project will also focus on quality assurance within organisations and provision, and offer professional training to the sector as well as models of management and resources. We are working to ensure there are “possibilities for adults to access high-quality learning opportunities, regardless of gender and their personal and family circumstances".

At AoC, we will inform the project by identifying best practice and sharing the expertise in supporting international networks and forums.

Where can I find out more?

You can find more information here.

PRALINE Flyer

The 5Rs – A Revision Year Approach to GCSE Maths Resits
January 2022 – July 2024

What is it?
The 5Rs is a research project funded by the Education Endowment Foundation to explore whether the 5Rs approach has an impact on the attainment of students resitting their GCSEs.

It focuses on the 40 most common topics in GCSE exams as well as common exam pitfalls, and provides teaching resources to assist in the teaching of these topics.

An evaluation report, which was produced in July 2021, is now available. You can access it here.

How can I benefit?
This project will boost your teaching practice through specialised training and resources, including a scheme of work, lesson plans and diagnostic tests. You’ll also have a catch-up session each term, and access to a range of teaching and learning materials to support you and your students.

Where can I find out more?
For more information, please visit the EEF website or contact the 5Rs team.

Research Further
September 2021 – December 2024

What is it?
In partnership with NCFE, AoC has created a research unit to support, drive and encourage high-quality FE-centred research which will influence policy, implementation and practice.

How will I benefit?
Between 2022 and 2024, FE practitioners will be commissioned to undertake sponsored research. Their research will be disseminated through the production of a webinar series showcasing new knowledge on pedagogy or policy and through think-pieces, reports, articles, and blogs.

Where can I find out more?
For more information, please visit the Research Further page on the AoC website.