How To Be Successful In Higher Education

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1 South Devon College Higher Education Strategy Approved by Governing Body Thursday 17th July Introduction 1.1. South Devon College s Mission is Inspiring its Community through Learning for all As such, its contribution to higher level skills and aspiration is particularly vital for the Torbay & South Devon area HE vision statement South Devon College is passionate about providing accessible, employment focussed and high quality Higher Education 1.3. The College aims to grow and adapt provision in particular to meet local needs in line with changing employment demand and expectations. 2. Background South Devon College 2.1. South Devon College (SDC) is a medium-sized general further education college. It was recognised by Ofsted in November 2008 as an outstanding college. The College received Beacon status in July 2009 and was one of the first colleges to be awarded the Investors In People (IIP) Gold kitemark, and was reaccredited with IIP Gold/Champion status in It predominantly focuses on serving the learning needs of Torbay and South Devon s 14-19, Higher Education (HE) and Adult learners In 2012/13 HE student satisfaction was 92%, placing SDC in the top 3 nationally of institutions with more than 100 students. The College regularly tops the South West comparison tables for Further Education (FE) student success and learner satisfaction and in 2012/13 was the top performing general further education/tertiary college in England for FE learners success rates In 2009/10, SDC was subject to a Quality Assurance Agency quality review (Integrated Quality Enhancement Review IQER). This review gave the highest level of assurance to SDC s Higher Education provision. A small number of recommendations were proposed, all of which have been implemented. 1

2 2.4. The College benefits from the nationally recognised, largest and longest-established regional partnership with Plymouth University. Academic Partnerships (the Faculty) educates over 6,129 students, runs over 400 live programmes and works 14 partner colleges across the South West Peninsula, and 2 international partners The College mainly attracts local higher education students, with some applications from further afield. In 2013 at South Devon College, non TQ postcode students accounted for 13% of HE first year students As a franchise partner college, South Devon College currently has 27 live programmes for recruitment in September 2014, including three at L6 leading to either BA or BSc (Hons). South Devon College enrolled 524 students in September Courses cover a range of curriculum areas which are pertinent to local economic needs Within South Devon, there is relatively low HE participation from local region learners compared to the national average. Increasing higher level skills in the area is a key priority too of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HofSWLEP) South Devon College Higher Education recent developments are well aligned to regional priorities specifically in the areas of the service sector and high tech. Working with local partners the College is developing plans for a training hotel and a high tech centre within the community of Torbay and South Devon. 3. Partnerships (Employers/Universities) 3.1. The College formally partners with a single awarding body, Plymouth University (PU). A new Academic Cooperation Agreement with the University was signed in April In the agreement, the College acknowledges that the HE programmes are courses of the University and that the academic responsibility for them is vested in the University's Academic Board. The College is obliged to provide suitably qualified staff to conduct and manage each approved programme in accordance with its definitive document and handbook. Students enrolled on the programmes have the status and rights of any other student of the University in relation to academic matters. 2

3 3.2. SDC has a co-sponsorship relationship with the University of Exeter in respect of the South Devon University Technical College (UTC) for year olds specialising in Engineering, Water and the Environment. The UTC will be based in Newton Abbot serving a broad catchment radius. Opening in September 2015, it will have 600 students at full capacity by The College has expanded rapidly over the past five years. It has significantly increased the number of higher education programmes and distinct pathways, including the provision of L6 awards. Overall numbers of students entering Higher Education nationally dropped by nearly 10% in 2012/13 whereas SDC had a much smaller 2% contraction in student numbers. During 2013/14 numbers increased to an all-time high for HE at South Devon College Year No. of Higher Education Students South Devon College, working in partnership with Plymouth University, continues to be ambitious to enable higher education growth locally and is actively developing new or updated pathways including Level 6 top ups including Animal Science and Creative Arts The Local Unitary Authority, Torbay Council, and its local economic development arm, the Torbay Development Agency (TDA), place particular emphasis on the growth of and retention of higher skilled talent in the local area to secure growth in jobs and economic improvement. Many Wards within Torbay have the lowest levels of participation in Higher Education. South Devon College attracts 50% of HE students who are from widening participation groups. 3

4 3.6. The College works collaboratively with a number of agencies to support the local economy, including the TDA and the HofSWLEP, as well as neighbouring local district councils and Devon County Council. 4. National Context: Funding, Numbers & Information 4.1. The 2012 Higher Education White Paper made significant changes to the way the sector will be funded. Until 2012/13 HEP s (Higher Education Providers) were funded via grant income from the HEFCE, and through a tuition fee loan paid by the Student Loans Company (SLC) Grant income varied depending on the price group of the course, with presently 4 groups: A for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences, B for Lab based sciences and Engineering, C1 for lower cost Sciences and Creative Arts and D for general management based qualifications. In 2013/14 fees for Full Time qualifications were 6, The two key proposals within the White Paper that particularly impact on SDC are: Moving the majority of grant income over to the student loan book, allowing any HEP to charge up to 9,000 as long as certain access conditions are met; Creating a more dynamic sector allowing for new HEPs to bid for direct control on new student numbers (a pool of 20,000 full time numbers) In May 14, South Devon College submitted an application to the Office for fair Access to review fees for 15/16 start. This reflected the excellent work that South Devon College currently undertakes in widening access, with the opportunity to safeguard this activity into the future Overall the context is one of the limitations on full time numbers but encouragement of part time and international growth subject to various constraints. However, at a national level there has been significant decline in part time take up. There is also significant interest emerging at a national level in the low numbers of higher vocational/technical students as opposed to traditional academic subjects. 4

5 4.6. With the increase of tuition fees, the Government is aware that students need a better mechanism to make informed choices. This has resulted in the required development of Key Information Sets (KIS) for all Higher Education courses The KIS contains information for prospective students on:- Fees; Accommodation prices; Student satisfaction; Destination and salary of previous students; Scheduled, independent and placements study on the course; Methods of assessment The Wider Information Set requires Higher Education providers to provide information on:- The Institutional Context; Information about aspects of courses and awards; Information on the quality and standards of programmes 4.9. The production of the KIS is the responsibility of the HEP that manages the data returns, and follows specific guidelines from HEFCE, which places some additional demands on the College but supports strengthened information, advice and guidance. 5. Meeting Local Need Last report was 2010 using 09/10 data 5.1. The Torbay Economic Strategy has identified key priorities under the objective of to create more full time and sustainable employment encouraging the growth of existing businesses and the creation of new businesses and social enterprise The priorities are: Driving business growth; Sustaining the core economy; Raising skills levels and creating opportunities for all and Nurturing the knowledge economy. SDC responds to these priorities through the College strategic aims Many of the emerging sectors in the Torbay and South Devon economy require graduate level skills, and at present Torbay lags behind its neighbours in the proportion of its population with qualifications at level 4 and above. In 2009/10, 24.2% of Torbay s working age population had level 4 qualifications or higher, compared with 30.6% of Teignbridge s and 41.2% of South Hams population. By 2020 graduates are expected to represent 37% of the Torbay workforce, fuelling the growth of the economy in high knowledge intensive sectors. To achieve this growth, an increasing supply of graduates is needed with skills in these areas. 5

6 5.3. The College s higher education curriculum provision maps well to the identified local priority sectors above and regular review and engagement will ensure that new needs and growth agendas are targeted for support. The 2014 Skills Summit at South Devon College took as its theme The benefit of graduate level skills in the workforce and sought to encourage local employers to consider recruitment and work placements Development of residential accommodation is a topic of regular consideration as to the potential benefits from a strategic investment in development of on campus residential accommodation for students. It is viewed that this could help sustain and expand participation, also attracting learners from out of the area for particular niche provision offered by the College. Whilst scale of any development would be a key element in the cost-benefit equation It is important that the College continues to evaluate potential demand and as appropriate takes forward development in this area to help support and stimulate the local economy, whilst continuing to invest in top quality resources for learners. Investing correctly in the right skills infrastructure and facilities will be of particular importance for the HofSWLEP and more local ambitions to be delivered The College also has a strong commitment to innovation and enterprise development and remains eager to collaborate with PU on joint agendas in this area with initiatives such as GAIN, the South West Energy Centre, marine developments and the emerging Plymouth City Deal, Training Hotel, High Tech Centre and the Brixham Environmental Laboratory (Astra Zeneca) offering opportunities. 6. Management and Quality 6.1. Overall responsibility for the management of HE programmes and monitoring of higher education standards lies with the Vice Principal and Deputy Chief Executive and the Head of Department Arts Humanities and Science. The Higher education provision is organised across 4 academic departments. Each is managed by a Head of Department supported by Section Heads leading their individual curriculum areas. The Higher Education Manager works across departments to ensure constant and compliant quality assurance, developments of higher education provision and maintenance of academic standards. The management of higher education strategy, quality assurance and performance is undertaken by the HE Strategy Group. Higher Education Leads support Section Heads and the Higher Education Manager in operationalising quality assurance of Higher Education, and lead on progression activity for internal students. 6

7 6.2. SDC is seen as a particularly strong partner from its focus on excellent and consistent quality and the overall student experience, confirmed by QAA reviews, student feedback, performance and progression. 7. Celebrating success and achievements 7.1. Higher Education at South Devon College continues to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its students and staff. 2013/14 observed the inaugural Research Showcase, involving over 30 final year students and staff, presenting their research, alongside key industry and academic speakers disseminating current thinking in key sectors aligned to curriculum offer Each year the University of Plymouth Students Union (UPSU) holds its prestigious Student & Staff, Teaching & Representation (SSTAR) Awards. South Devon College Staff & Students received a total of 90 nominations, with 32 different members being nominated, with staff winning in categories of Career Development, Inspirational Teaching and Innovative use of Teaching Methods. In addition to these awards, Catering Services at South Devon College were recognised for Outstanding Customer Services South Devon College led, as part of a joint bid with University of Plymouth Student Union and other partner college on a National Union of Student funded project on engaging students into improvement strategies on key areas for developed from the National Student Survey. As part of this project students submitted project bids for the development of communal green space and communication on assessment and feedback As part of South Devon College s commitment to staff development and the increasing growth of Level 6 programmes, the College has supported seven staff working towards Master s or PhD s during 13/14, in addition to supporting staff undertaking a range of CPD activity and conference participation in targeted areas. 8. Conclusion 8.1. The College is strongly committed to supporting the ambitions of local stakeholders for more higher skilled people in the local economy. Working with Plymouth University, the Torbay Development Agency and other partners we will continue to expand high quality progression pathways, particularly in higher level technical vocational areas. 7

8 8.2. Join up with the high tech sector, innovation and science and technology development is presently very key to the area and presents and exciting potential opportunity to transform the local provision within our Assisted Area The table beneath (Annex 1) sets out the mapping of our Higher Education Aims with our whole College strategic aims. Further tables outline opportunities and developments (Annex 2) and a further mapping to Plymouth University Strategy 2020 (Annex 3). 8

9 Annex 1 College strategic Aims and alignment of Higher Education Aims:- 1. Increase the number and range of learners, sustaining our inclusive approach 1.1. To work within a annually updated admissions policy for Higher Education which supports the enrolment of students who are able to complete their programme of study 1.2. To provide a breadth of high quality HE courses and qualifications, including L6 top up 1.3. To provide an outstanding experience to all HE students 1.4. To offer affordable HE to our community through value for money, and supportive bursary packages 1.5. To increase the number of L6 top up Bachelor Degrees aligned to growth in Foundation Degrees To grow areas of niche development in line with SDC s core competencies 1.7. Working with Office for fair Access, to develop a coherent strategic approach for widening access, supporting students success and increasing progression activity 2. Enable learners to aspire and succeed, in a safe and supported learning environment 2.1. To strategically develop our approach to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 2.2. To work with PU to ensure the maintenance of academic standards in Higher Education 2.3. To work in collaboration with students in developing learning and assessment approaches that meets and enhances students opportunities 2.4. To enhance our curriculum content, through targeted programme level activity focussed on employability and developing the HE student experience 2.5. To strengthen support for HE students, before, during and after they graduate 2.6. To monitor students attendance and achievement, and implement strategies to support students at risk 2.7. To listen to students, collect feedback and work 9

10 in partnership with students to respond enhancing their learning experience To support all students, with specific awareness of non-traditional HE students with academic development, within and outside of their formal teaching environments To embed digital literacy into our HE curriculum and student development To engage students in a partnership of learning, that is informed by professional practice, research and scholarship To operate equitable, valid and reliable processes of assessment and recognition of prior learning To make scrupulous use of external examiners To have procedures for student complaints To provide opportunities for students to engage with peers, academics, and industry to disseminate research activity, contributing to body of knowledge within that subject domain 3. Sustain inspirational teaching, learning and assessment practice 4. Actively support employers, skills and economic growth 3.1. To provide students with an engaging and inspiring learning experience 3.2. To peer review teaching and learning as part of a continuous quality cycle 3.3. To provide timely formative and summative feedback to all students 3.4. To provide a supportive tutorial structure 3.5. To deliver above sector average contact hours to students reinforcing value and supporting student attainment 4.1. To provide students with real work experiences through engagement with employers enhancing the outcomes of their programme 4.2. To safeguard the delivery of learning opportunities when working with other organisations 4.3. To embed employability and enterprise across HE curriculum 10

11 4.4. To develop Short Course and CPD offer for industry utilising SDC unique resource 4.5. To align curriculum offer to new developments including Devon Studio School, the South Devon UTC, South Devon High School and the Training Hotel 4.6. To work with PU and other partners on innovation, employability and graduate retention initiatives 4.7. To lead developments of regional and national importance such as the Energy Centre 5. Sustain financial strength and resilience whilst investing in the present and the future 6. Maintain and expand outstanding accommodation, learning technologies and resources adopting sustainable approaches where possible 7. Sustain and further develop our high performing learning culture 5.1. To provide good governance and strategy to Higher Education to enable it to grow sustainably 5.2. To ensure HE provision is self-financing and resources are sustained to meet student needs and expectation 5.3. To seek to attract funding support for investment to expand higher education, facilities and resources 6.1. To sustain high quality local campus premises at SDC 6.2. To ensure that HE students are provided with the resources appropriate to their studies, with students engaging in these decisions 6.3. To provide access to learning resources at the appropriate level and in sufficient volume to enable students to achieve 6.4. To provide a consistent VLE experience for students 7.1. To maintain a robust annual quality cycle, with midyear checks on quality, performance and student engagement for all courses 7.2. To strategically, annually report on the health and quality of programmes 7.3. To achieve targets for participation, learner success and progression 8. Enable staff to 8.1. To employ, retain and support appropriately 11

12 professionally develop, aspire and succeed 9. Be an outstanding and inspirational College at the heart of its community. qualified staff to teach and support HE 8.2. To provide those staff teaching and supporting HE with appropriate and relevant development opportunities 8.3. To support scholarly activity and professional practice to maintain and enhance academic standards on all programmes 9.1. To work collaboratively with all stakeholders and particularly support growth in higher skills for the benefit of the local area 9.2. To be proactive in partnership working on LEP, and employer higher skills and sectoral needs and priorities 9.3. To provide accurate information about Higher Education Provision at South Devon College, which is accessible and in a format that is easy to understand 12

13 Opportunities and Developments (inc. curriculum structure, developing models, value for money. Use if technology/distance learning/part time) Annex 2 Opportunities & Developments College Response New Developments: South Devon University Technical College (UTC) The UTC offers an opportunity to strengthen progression pathways for young people, encourage aspirations for engineering and science careers and retain more local graduates. The specialist pathways of Engineering, Water and the Environment are reflective of the new and emerging technologies that will form the basis of science and technical based careers within the region in the coming years. It will also compliment the Marine UTC established by Plymouth University and other partners. The College s developing relationship with Exeter University will further enhance its science and technology based curriculum through closer partnership work around the fields of advanced manufacturing, science, water technology and renewable technology. This will further enhance the students higher education experience. Devon Studio School Training Hotel Employability Initiatives Further targetted partnership development in the key sector of Health & Social Care working with Torbay Hospital will encourage further progression at higher levels, complementing the SDC range of engagement and provision. Development of curriculum offer within the training hotel including at Foundation Degree and apprenticeship levels. The College is the lead partner in the South Devon Enterprise Partnership which delivers an extensive programme for all College learners, including HE, and local schools as part of National Enterprise Week/Global Entrepreneurship Week in November each year. The College in 2011 became accredited as part of the National Enterprise Academy. Delivery at levels 2 & 3 and of an Enterprise Apprenticeship is likely to lead to further developments of HE level. 13

14 The College in line with Border Agency licence will seek to expand International recruitment through developing relationships with agencies that provide contacts with emerging countries, and through partnership working with PU. International Developments The College has recently forged strong links with the Chaoyang District Education Committee, Beijing, China. Chaoyang district is firmly established as the main commercial, political, cultural and educational centre of Beijing and as such this developing partnership offers unique international and cultural opportunities and experiences for both South Devon and Chaoyang students who wish to pursue higher education pathways which encompass or are enhanced through international links. In addition the College will seek to develop its international recruitment profile in response to the high demand from South East Asia to offer graduates Higher Education routes which embody traditional UK and western cultures and values. Exchange programmes are planned for and it is anticipated that these programmes will form the springboard for future developments. The College is developing strong partnerships with China and America. Maximise Internal Progression of existing L3 students The College will have in place a designated Engagement Coordinator with responsibility for internal progression. SDC will seek to align L3 courses with Foundation Degrees. The HE management team have developed a timeline of active engagement with y1 &y2 L3 learners and the adult community. KIS Representing Value Curriculum Model (value for money) The College believes that the Key Information Set will allow SDC to showcase the excellent value Higher Education at SDC represents. The development of the new HE website will allow students to gain a full understanding of the data behind the KIS. This will be a key development. The Higher Education curriculum model ensures maximum learning opportunities whilst recognising student s needs for part time employment. This will be kept under regular review. 14

15 Increase growth of part time/distance learning L6/Post Graduate Teacher Training Shell Programmes (APL) Distinctive PT Provision - South West Energy Centre - CPD Quality Focus Working with 6 th Forms New Provision Enhancement of Provision There is currently no Student Number Control for students studying part time. Development of discrete PT offer in designated curriculum areas Development of CPD offer linked with Blended provision and Stretch and Challenge agenda. The College has two L6 awards, with a further one starting in Sept 14, two further applications are in progress for 15 start The Teacher Training provision is recognised as a potential area for further growth. The College will be promoting the bursary schemes for English, maths and SEN teachers. It is a full time DET programme, planned for 2014/15. Shell programmes are generic programmes that can be tailored by the student or institution to meet a requirement. A key area for growth is Leadership and Management for the public sector. This area is of potential development for the Business/Service Sector L6. Prior to 12/13 PT tuition fee loans were not available. Which was previously a barrier for students engaging in PT HE study. In addition to infilling on FT programmes, SDC will pursue distinctive PT offer in key sectors within Torbay, specifically linking with the South West Energy Centre and the HGI Tech Industry. The focus of this distinctive provision will draw on Hi-Tech focussed modules and part time provision based on the existing Engineering and Computing Technology offers. Additionally BEMS related modules will also be developed. The College will further embrace the relationship with 6 th forms and undertake taster events, as well as support with UCAS and student finance information and guidance. Active promotion is ongoing. New provision is developed through strategic alignment within the local economy, provision at L3 and core competencies that SDC has for niche development. Provision is approved internally through a committee structure, prior to external approval. SDC will continue to enhance the HE provision through strategically driven initiatives, eg. Responding to student views and surveys, engagement industry to support employability, providing enhancement funding for curriculum for employment lead initiatives, developing an employability and research fund for students. 1. Risks/Threats (Changes in funding/control of student numbers/competition) 15

16 Risk & Threats Only one partnership with Plymouth University Student/Parent/Employer Perception A possible perception of a sub degree linked to FD s and a lower class of institution as a HE in FE College as opposed to University Entry qualifications e.g. GCSEs College Response The College is pleased with its positive working relationship with Plymouth University. However it is aware that it is exposed to ongoing reduction in SNC. SDC is happy to offer PU first refusal of provision, and will maintain and develop relationships outside of the PU where appropriate in the best interests of learners. The campus is viewed as a major strength equivalent to many university campuses across the country, and the College s general reputation is very strong. SDC will continue to develop its brand focussing on applied studies and employability. Offering Full Cost GCSE s for applications who do not have GCSE in Maths and English Fee Setting/Part-time competition Plymouth University reputation declines Physical capacity of University Centre limits growth Restricted student social experience Nationally recruitment for 12/13 reduced by 9%. Aspects of this are explained by the peak during 11/12. SDC has seen an increase in applications by 8%. The College will continue to review closely and respond accordingly. Continue to collaborate to ensure best practice across the academic cooperation partnership. Consider further HE expansion onsite /former Bookhams land or elsewhere and seek funding support. SDC SU to continue working with course representatives to further develop a student experience 16

17 Annex 3 Mapping of South Devon College Strategic Framework with Plymouth University Strategy 2020 Plymouth University Ambitions Plymouth University Supporting Ambitions South Devon College Strategic Aims Excellent learning in partnership with students World-class research and innovation Raising aspirations and driving engagements Achieving resilience, sustainability and effectiveness Empowering our people Building on our reputation and growing brand Delivering through digital literacy Enhancing our learning, living and working environment 1 Increase the number and range of learners, sustaining our inclusive approach 1.1, 1.2, 1,3, 1,4, Enable learners to aspire and succeed, in a safe and supported learning environment 2.2, 2.3, 2.7, , 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 2.12, 2.13, , 2.3, 2.6, Sustain inspirational teaching, learning and assessment practice 4 Actively support employers, and economic growth 5 Sustain financial strength and resilience whilst investing in the present and the future 6 Maintain and expand outstanding accommodation, learning technologies and resources adopting sustainable approaches where possible 7 Sustain and further develop our high performing learning culture 8 Enable staff to professionally develop, aspire and succeed 9 Be an outstanding and inspirational College at the heart of its community. 3.1, , , 4.2, , 4.5, , 5.1, 5.2, , , , 7.2, , 8.2, ,