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Research into the links between citizenship and levels 2 and 3 vocational courses
Research undertaken by members of the West Midlands post-16 citizenship regional network aimed to explore links between citizenship and L2/3 vocational courses for extended project and specialised diploma, working with other colleges in region.
The purpose of the research was to produce a report using the pilot L3 Extended Project Qualification carried out at an FE college in the West Midlands and to identify to what extent other providers of citizenship projects produce similar outcomes.
The L3 extended project pilot produced a variety of links between citizenship and L2/3 vocational courses. Stoke-on-Trent College’s across college citizenship programme produces similar outcomes with regards to active citizenship.
See Powerpoint presentation of interim results of this research and full details below.
Background
The college involved is a large education and training provider in the West Midlands area and operates from three main campuses. It also has adult, IT and community centres. The college provides part- and full-time vocational and academic courses, apprenticeships and bespoke training for local, national and international companies. The college was part of the Pilot L3 Extended Project Qualification.
Process
Two courses at the college undertook the Pilot L3 Extended Project:
The ‘Positive Choices’ course is for learners who:
- Are not sure what they want to do with their future.
- Have found that a course started at the beginning of the academic year is not the right one for them.
- Want to leave a job and do some more training but do not know what course area suits them.
The learners were on a six months’ course which runs for a minimum of three days a week and were aged 16-18 years. There were 18 learners in the group. The group was divided into 4 smaller groups with each group choosing 4 ideas for their project. The learners then came back together and voted for which idea would be their final choice for their project.
The group chose 2 subjects and it was decided, therefore, to divide into 2 groups. The subjects were:
- ASBOs – are they effective? After initial research this group organised a debate, to which they invited various outside agencies such as the local police and members of the council.
- Cannabis – the effects and legislation. After their initial research into the subject the learners chose to create a leaflets and posters on the effects and risks of cannabis as well as legislation issues. The leaflets and posters were distributed around the college.
The learners made a production log and produced a 1000 word essay as well as participating in a presentation where each student produced approximately 2/3 slides each.
BTEC National Diploma in Engineering: These learners are on a full time course and are aged 17-18 years. There were 15 learners in the group.
After initial ideas storming and input from staff that specialise in citizenship the learners decided to do a project titled ‘Immigration, effects and benefits on the UK economy’. The group began researching their topic and as part of their research created a questionnaire which they distributed to a students in the college as well as to the wider community. After compiling and evaluation their results the learners organised a presentation as well as producing their own individual portfolios.
See details of outcomes.
Conclusion
The pilot L3 Extended Project at the college has enabled learners to develop active citizenship skills as well as gain a qualification while participating on a project. The process of the projects has seen a positive impact on the learners who initially found the learner led approach a challenge.
Through team building, developing listening and speaking skills, researching and reviewing their ideas and opinions the learners have built on their experience of dynamic ways of learning transferable skills which have enabled them to experience layers of opportunity for decision making and a learner voice through democratic systems.
Lead contacts: Alice Pethick/Penny Vigers
Emails: apethick@warkscol.ac.uk / pennyvigers@tiscali.co.uk
Telephone: 01926 319072
or 01926 641422
Other network members involved:
Emma Moseley, Students' Union and Wider Activities Coordinator, Stoke-on-Trent College.
Telephone: 01782 208208 ext 3229