Past News Items

Agored Cymru Celebrates New Package of Units

added on 15/07/2010

On May 19^th representatives from WAG, schools, further education institutions, the voluntary sector and Agored Cymru gathered to celebrate the launch of Agored Cymru’s Young People’s Participation (YPP) pack.

 Dafydd Baker, our 14 – 19 specialist explained “Agored Cymru has been working with the Welsh Assembly Government to respond to the accreditation needs of young people around participation, as well as to recommendations from the ESTYN report, “Having Your Say”.

WAG’s Jane Harries (from their Pupil Participation Project) worked with Dafydd and partners to pilot the pack. Jane added “the Young People’s Participation Accreditation Project formed part of the Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales Recognising Wider Learning 14-19 project.  For young people to be able to participate well, they must be supported and have access to training.  The aim of the project was to accredit this naturally occurring training.”

 Units and exemplar assessment materials were developed from Entry 3 level to Level 3, providing flexible opportunities for learners to have their participation work accredited.  The units have been mapped to the Children and Young People’s Participation Standards for Wales. 

 This means that young people gaining recognition will be speaking the same “participation language” allowing more effective and faster ways of working across sectors for the benefit of the young people they represent.

 This accreditation also supports national qualifications and agendas including the community participation element of the Welsh Baccalaureate, the statutory requirements for school councils, the national Youth Work curriculum statement for Wales, to name but a few.

 Dafydd added “this work has been part of our commitment and drive to meet the demands of the young people’s participation agenda and young people have been involved in piloting the accreditation and also in providing valuable feedback to improve the units and assessment materials and to make sure that they meet their needs.

 It was as a result of WAG wishing to address issues around the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which is an international human rights treaty that grants all children and young people a comprehensive set of rights. It came into force in the UK on the 15 January 1992 and Article 12 of the convention states that children and young people need to be at the heart of decision making where it affects them and this is where participation fits.”

Situations vacant

added on 01/07/2010

Creating qualifications and rewarding achievement for Wales

Agored Cymru, the awarding organisation offering a bespoke accreditation service to education, training providers and companies in Wales.

Applications are invited for the following post.

Principal Quality Reviewer
Salary Range: £31,472 - £34,875

This post could be based in either Bangor or Llanishen Offices or possibly home based.

The post may suit a job share.

The post holder will work within the Directorate of Quality, Standards and Regulation and will be responsible for managing quality assurance procedures relating to Agored Cymru awards and qualifications in centres across Wales, particularly those centres which operate through the medium of Welsh.

The ability to conduct business through the medium of Welsh is essential for this post.

For further information and an application pack please contact the Bangor Office Tel: 01248 670011 or email: recruitment@agored.org.uk

Closing date for receipt of applications:
4.30 pm FRIDAY, 30 JULY 2010.

It is proposed that interviews will be held during the week 9-13 August 2010.

The Welsh Honours List 2010

added on 21/06/2010

The Welsh Honours List 2010

 Congratulations to the following people, associated with Agored Cymru or its recognised centres who were recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours this year.

 OBE

 Mrs Mair Jones. For services to Further Education in Wales. (Bangor, Gwynedd) Chair of Coleg Menai Board.

 MBE

 Mrs Margaret Ann Jones. Head, YMCA Wales Community College. For services to Further Education. (Vale of Glamorgan, South Glamorgan). Head of the YMCA Community College

 Jane Harries.  For services to Young People in Wales and to International Peacework. (Bridgend) WAG

Credit in Action

added on 17/06/2010

Using Credit to Develop and Recognise Staff

YMCACommunity College, Cardiff based but operating throughout Wales, has used credit effectively for many years. They are the foremost centre in Wales delivering our new Youth Work Qualifications and in a recent conversation with Margaret Jones, the centre head, we realised how effective they are at using credit to its best effect.

Margaret told us that “Learners who enrol on the Agored Cymru Level Three Certificate in Youth Work are required to complete sixty hours of placement practice and engage in reflective practice.  To assist learners in their learning and enable them to develop reflective skills another of the course requirements is for learners to engage in supervision with either their line manager or another identified person.

To ensure a quality experience for the learner we specify that the person responsible for providing supervision should hold, as a minimum, a JNC recognised professional youth work qualification at level three, but more preferably at level four, and have undergone supervision training.”

Realising that it was unreasonable to ask practitioners to attend training, complete assignments and support the learner the College needed to look to a more integrated approach.

Margaret went on to explain “the College developed the assessment requirements alongside the role that a supervisor would undertake supporting a learner. The Supervisors’ training course has been especially successful; with requests for delivery for the development of supervisory skills for youth work staff in general.

Particularly pleasing has been the recruitment of people on the Supervisors’ course  who have, in the previous academic year, completed their Level Three Certificate in Youth Work and have a good insight into the issues that learners face.

The entry requirements for the Supervisors’ course are that learners must have a professionally recognised youth work qualification at level three, but more preferably at level four.  The College, having previously taught some of the prospective candidates on the Level Three Certificate in Youth Work, is able to identify which learners will make the best supervisors and are able to offer guidance appropriately.”

This approach is bringing benefits to all:

• with requests for delivery for the development of supervisory skills for youth work staff in general.
• recruitment of Supervisors from staff who have, in the previous year, completed their Level Three Certificate in Youth Work and have a good insight into the issues that learners face
• having previously taught some of the prospective candidates on the Level Three Certificate in Youth Work, the College is able to identify which learners will make the best supervisors and are able to offer guidance appropriately

 Andy Borsden, senior youth worker in the Vale of Glamorgan told us  “This development brings gains to all.  The Supervisors’ course provides a developmental opportunity for those completing their Level Three Certificate in Youth Work and learners on the Level Three Certificate in Youth Work report that supervisors coming through this development route are especially aware of the issues they face.”

 

 

Swansea Volunteers Recognised By The Queen With Prestigious Award

added on 09/06/2010

Local Aid “Buddies Project” based in Swansea has been announced as one of 103 UK volunteering groups to win this year’s The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

The prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others.  It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard.

“Buddies” has received the Award in recognition of the support they offer to children and young people age 8 to 18 with severe learning difficulties and challenging behaviour and their families, carers, siblings and young carers. The project is run on a Saturday from Friendship House and is aimed at developing social and independence skills as well as providing much needed respite. More that 70 young volunteer’s give up their spare time to help provide fun, choice  activities such as sports, arts and crafts, trips out, cookery and much more.

Winners of this year’s Award were selected from 341 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.

Local Aid will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in West Glamorgan MR D. Byron Lewis ESQ CStJ. FCA. at a special ceremony.  The group has also received an invitation for representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.Speaking of their success, Chair person Denise Inger from Local Aid said: “We are thrilled to have received this prestigious honour for the work we do within the local community this award is a great testimony to the hard work of the staff and volunteer who support “Buddies”.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Main Award Committee Chair and former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said,

“Outstanding volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind our communities together.  It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of Local Aid “Buddies”with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and help raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others.”

 

More than 850 groups around the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, over the eight years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

For details of all this year’s Award winners and information on how to nominate a group, visit www.direct.gov.uk/thequeensawardforvoluntaryservice, where a nomination form can be downloaded.

Swansea Volunteers Recognised By The Queen With Prestigious Award

added on 09/06/2010

Local Aid “Buddies Project” based in Swansea has been announced as one of 103 UK volunteering groups to win this year’s The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

The prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others.  It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard.

“Buddies” has received the Award in recognition of the support they offer to children and young people age 8 to 18 with severe learning difficulties and challenging behaviour and their families, carers, siblings and young carers. The project is run on a Saturday from Friendship House and is aimed at developing social and independence skills as well as providing much needed respite. More that 70 young volunteer’s give up their spare time to help provide fun, choice  activities such as sports, arts and crafts, trips out, cookery and much more.

Winners of this year’s Award were selected from 341 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.

Local Aid will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in West Glamorgan MR D. Byron Lewis ESQ CStJ. FCA. at a special ceremony.  The group has also received an invitation for representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.Speaking of their success, Chair person Denise Inger from Local Aid said: “We are thrilled to have received this prestigious honour for the work we do within the local community this award is a great testimony to the hard work of the staff and volunteer who support “Buddies”.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Main Award Committee Chair and former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said,

“Outstanding volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind our communities together.  It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of Local Aid “Buddies”with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and help raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others.”

 

More than 850 groups around the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, over the eight years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

For details of all this year’s Award winners and information on how to nominate a group, visit www.direct.gov.uk/thequeensawardforvoluntaryservice, where a nomination form can be downloaded.

Situations vacant

added on 04/06/2010

Creating qualifications and rewarding achievement for Wales.

Agored Cymru the awarding organisation offering a bespoke accreditation service to education, training providers and companies in Wales. 

Applications are invited for the following vacancies within the company’s office in Llanishen, Cardiff.

Senior Manager Qualification Development

(Post 1)  (Salary Range : £35,725 - £38,561)

The post holder will be a Senior Manager within the Directorate of Business Development and will be responsible fordeveloping qualifications and products to meet the needs of learners in Wales.

Business Development Officer 

(Post 2)  (Salary Range : £26,085 - £28,920)

The post holder will work within the Directorate of Business Development and will be responsible for delivering on the marketing plan with an identified customer base and working proactively with centres to promote the take up of Agored Cymru products primarily in South East Wales.

For further information and an application pack please contact the Llanishen Office Tel:02920 747866 or email: recruitment@agored.org.uk  clearly stating the job role and number of the post. 

Closing date for receipt of applications:

4.30 pm, FRIDAY, 18 JUNE 2010.

It is proposed that interviews for both posts will be held on 12^th or 13^th July 2010.

added on 18/05/2010

Ring Fenced Funds for Adult Skills

Colleges have recently received the following guidance from WAG. A number of centres a have expressed concern that  they are finding it difficult to answer learner’s needs without accessing Agored Cymru’s local units.

The guidance states:

"To ensure that training and skills delivered are relevant to employers and the workplace, institutions are advised that the ring fenced funds for adult skills may only be deployed for the delivery of work-related qualifications at level 2 or above in the National Qualifications Framework.  General education qualifications, such as GCSE or A level qualifications, or Access to HE qualifications may not be delivered via this funding component.  Furthermore, any qualifications delivered must be listed on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) or National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means that generic qualifications are also excluded as they do not appear on the QCF or NQF databases."

 

Don’t forget our band of QCF  units available to you on the NOCN website

They can be accessed here (http://www.nocn.org.uk/qualifications/qcf-qualifications).

Free Workshops: Essential Skills and Supporting Quality

added on 01/04/2010

These were originally advertised for Llandudno and there was a very high interest.Book here immediately to confirm your place

Building Partnerships for the Future

added on 02/01/2010

9th February 2010, Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod

To reserve your place on the AGM event – Building Partnerships for the Future or to receive additional information please e-mail Gemma Pritchard

Please note: Closing date for all bookings is: Friday, 29 January 2010

All Wales meeting to review progress with Grading the HE Diploma

added on 01/01/2010

All Wales meeting to review progress with Grading the HE Diploma

Thursday April 29th 2010.

MRC, Oxford Road, Llandrindod Wells, 10.30am to 3.00pm

Access providers, external verifiers and HE admissions tutors are invited to this event to discuss progress and issues relating to grading the Access to HE Diploma.

Click Here to book

Innovative training helps manufacturer boost staff morale during the recession

added on 29/12/2009

When a world-leading automotive component manufacturer saw the recession rob one of its UK based factories of almost half its sales overnight, it needed some innovative solutions fast. Using funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s ProAct programme, which is designed to help companies in Wales to up-skill during the downturn, manufacturer Kautex with support from Cardiff University developed a groundbreaking skills course which had impressive results on employee morale.

Kautex, part of the Textron Group, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive components. It employs over 4,500 people in 15 countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Its Hengoed plant, near Caerphilly in South Wales, specialises in manufacturing screen wash and headlamp cleaning systems, and is the company’s R&D headquarters for these products. The firm supplies to the globe’s leading car makers including Toyota, Nissan, Land Rover, BMW, Audi, SAAB and Volvo.

The company developed the course with Cardiff University and 1st Solutions Training because it could not find an existing course that met its specific requirements. The 10-day course called Automotive Industry Awareness (AiA) which is accredited by OCN (Agored Cymru), takes an in-depth look at the workings of the automotive industry and is designed to help staff develop a holistic understanding of the automotive industry, from the customer order, through to scheduling management, ordering from suppliers, product design, quality control, finance, process engineering and customer expectations. So far 150 staff have successfully completed the course.

Jonathan Jones explained the course has improved working relationships. He said: “Because the course helps staff to see the big picture they feel more enlightened and less suspicious of management decisions. It’s helped to alleviate some anxiety and uncertainty about the future. I would recommend ProAct to other companies. It’s been a big help to us at a very challenging time and has helped us manage our cash flow, retain staff, and improve employee confidence, knowledge and morale.”

For the full article go here, if you are interested in accrediting you company training please contact Huw Jones

Agored Cymru Congratulates Centres for achieving prestigious National Training Awards

added on 07/12/2009

Agored Cymru are delighted that four of our centres have achieved the prestigious National Training Awards (NTA) that identify and celebrate organisations and individuals that have achieved outstanding business and personal success through investment in training. The NTAs receive entries from all sectors, industries and areas across the UK.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board developed a Community Nutrition Education Programme due to statistics showing children in Gwent were living in poverty and at risk of poor dietary intake.  Community Dieticians Caroline Bovey and Susan Barry delivered a standardised food and nutrition course to staff that are in a position to influence young people. 
Interlink, the county voluntary council for Rhondda Cynon Taf supports over 600 voluntary organisations and groups with advice, information and training.  Interlink developed its innovative Routes to Recovery (R2R) programme to help people to manage their recovery.  It supports people with mental ill-health to set goals in order to volunteer, train or obtain employment.
Deeside College won the National Training Award for benefits to employees and the wider community from their apprenticeship training programmes.  Since 1993 Deeside College has delivered apprenticeship training to a total of 657 Airbus employees who have successfully completed apprenticeships and have moved on to various roles in the core Airbus workforce.
Jude Butcher, qualification development coordinator at Agoriad Cyf has acquired new skills in the field or learning development to land her current role that helps disabled people find work.  Since then she has helped develop a successful employment training programme called ‘Agor y Drws’ or Open Door. 
Winning a National Training Award is a wonderful achievement which raises the profile of the organisation and its work .  Training ensures the centre remains competitive, productive and positive.  For individuals involved it  enhances, transforms and builds confidence.
Well done to the winners and finalists of the National Training Awards 2009, all their encouraging stories of hard work and accomplishment inspire all of us.

New awarding organisation developing qualifications for needs of Welsh learners launched at the Senedd

added on 06/11/2009

A new qualifications awarding organisation made in Wales for Wales, was launched this week at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay by the Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.
Agored Cymru, the first new awarding organisation in the UK approved by the examinations watchdog – Ofqual will develop qualifications to meet needs and priorities of learners in Wales, helping individuals from all walks of life access the benefits of learning.

Agored Cymru will develop qualifications for a range of learners who need a flexible and customised curriculum to help them succeed with their learning. In particular Agored Cymru seeks to make a difference to individuals, who may have had, or are having difficulty engaging with traditional learning.
The units will assist learners, in schools or in communities, to ;achieve credits which they will be able to use as building block towards a qualification. These will support them in returning to learning, improving their vocational and basic skills and help them to gain employment.

At the launch event, which attracted scores of education professionals from throughout Wales, Agored Cymru ‘s chief executive officer, Janet Barlow explained the need for an awarding organisations specific to Wales. She commented:
“The needs and priorities of Wales and Welsh learners are different, and as such we need to build qualifications that reflect those differences.

We are currently developing tailored qualifications that will compliment aspects of the unique Welsh curriculum, including a new suite of qualifications recognising the significance of bi-lingualism in Wales- Welsh in the workplace, Welsh for families and a proposed new qualification in Welsh culture. “

In providing flexible learning qualifications for learners ; in Wales, Agored Cymru will respond to the national and regional education and training agenda, working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government and Sector Skills Councils. Michelle Creed, Director, Wales for LLUK, spoke at the event about the work Agored Cymru has been doing with the sector to develop new qualifications in Youth Work to meet the different standards in Wales.
“Welsh language learner of the year 2009, Meggan Lloyd Prys, who now teaches on Welsh for adults courses, also spoke at ; the launch event and welcomed ; these developments Meggan has completed over 100 College Network Wales credits, which will now be offered via Agored Cymru.

To view our photo gallery go here.
See Agored Cymru on the list of Ofqual Recognised QCF Organisations here

Wales – Culture and Heritage Qualification

added on 26/10/2009

Agored Cymru is currently assessing the demand for a QCF (Qualification and Credit framework) qualification relating to Wales – Culture and Heritage. This qualification could be utilised independently or compliment the existing Welsh Language provision and will be available bilingually. The qualification will respond to both the "One Wales" document and the Learning Pathways 14 – 19. The process of developing this qualification is in its investigative stage and we would welcome your comments via our questionnaire.

Click here to view questionnaire.

Caerphilly County Borough Council Goes for “Direct Claims Status”

added on 19/10/2009

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Community Education department recently supported 14 members of staff in gaining their Internal Verifiers qualification.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s plan is to gain Direct Claims Status (DCS) from Agored Cymru within the next 12-18 months. This will enable them to “sign” off Agored Cymru awards and claim credit.

Senior Community Education manager Lyn Travis said “I am thrilled at the response of staff to the training offered and the commitment and enthusiasm that they showed in order to gain the award. Their contribution toward helping the department get direct claim status will improve the speed at which we can process learner awards, reward learner success and distribute certificates of achievement”.

Director of Quality Jo Fowler added “It is very heartening to see a recognised centre showing this level of commitment to quality. I wish Caerphilly well in the future”.

If you would like to know more about achieving direct claims status go here, or the AIVs course please go here

Free Resources and Material

added on 12/10/2009

Free Resources and Material
Have you accessed NGFL Cymru? If you haven’t, you are missing a huge amount of support material and teaching ideas. If you are a regular user of NGFL you will find many recent developments including:

Medical Terminology – allowing students to improve their understanding of medical conditions, procedures and equipment, as well as providing a background to basic anatomy.

http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/eng/irf109

Childcare and Education - This resource supports the CACHE Child Care and Education level 2 specification and is also suitable for other courses within Health and Social Care.

http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/eng/vtc_-_post16_-_cache

Office Administration Vocabulary – Covering levels 1 and 2, students can select which range of letters they wish to revise, or a random selection of 20 words. Students can then hear the word, used in context, and have to select the correct word from a choice of 4. A 'listen again' feature is also available. http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/eng/irf38-office-skills-spelling-level1  (This is the additional resource to the original spelling activity at http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/eng/irf38-spell-the-word-level1 )

For more news go to the recent NGFL update here

Agored Cymru Job Opportunity

added on 03/09/2009

Professional Development Manager Salary Scale: £31,472.81 - £34,875.28

Agored Cymru (formerly OCN Wales) supports learning and widens opportunity by recognising achievement through credit based courses and qualifications

We currently have a vacancy for a full time Professional Development Manager to be based in Bangor or Cardiff (job share considered).

As Professional Development Manager you will develop and lead a programme of professional development for Agored Cymru recognised centres.

You will need:

• An understanding of Credit Based Learning, the CQFW and QCF
• Knowledge of assessment and verification
• Experience of planning and delivering training.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle

For further information and an application pack please contact val.jones@agored.org.uk.

Deadline for completed applications:

4.30 pm Friday 18 September 2009

Interviews will be held on Thursday, 29 September in the Cardiff Office.

Cynon Valley Crime Prevention successful in Gaining Convergence Funding

added on 08/07/2009

OCN Wales are delighted that Cynon Valley Crime Prevention will be using our new Step Up Award to deliver their huge new programme. Step Up offers a tailor made solution for young people in need of an alternative curriculum. It is also approved for use with young people between the ages of 14 and 19 and carries school performance points. For more information on Step Up and to find out if Step Up is for you Click here

The Western Mail reported

Vince Price, Project Director of Cynon Valley Crime Prevention Association, said: “The £4m project, Pupils Understanding Problems in their Locality, will provide extra support for more than 2,000 young people in South Wales, affected by issues such as bullying, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour, in order to develop their skills and prepare them for the workplace. It will also offer them the chance to take part in community projects benefiting their local areas.”

“We are delighted to receive the Convergence funding. Through the activities of this programme, youngsters will improve skills such as effective communication, teamwork, problem solving and IT. These activities will link directly to the aims and objectives of the respective Community Safety Partnerships, and the strategic three-year Children’s and Young Peoples’ Plans in each unitary authority area. It will also enable a key number of participants to gain Open College Network Step-Up qualifications.”

Click here to view original article

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OCN Sponsored by Prestigious Pharmaceutical Giant

added on 08/07/2009

Peter George of Novo Nordisk made a very welcome visit to OCN’s AGM on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 to present a cheque in the sum of £10,000 to Mark Dacey, Chair, and Janet Barlow, Chief Executive Officer. The cheque will go towards funding for the National Leadership and Innovations Agency for Health (NLIAH) to support the accreditation of Credit for Patients (C4P) units.

There is funding to train staff in using the credit for patients’ curriculum. OCN also support bespoke free half day updates in Assessment and Internal Verification processes for staff new to OCN Wales.

Peter George currently works as a Customer Relations Manager with the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, where he has worked for 33 years. Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk employs more than 27,000 employees in 81 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession, and society.

The Units

The curriculum units have been approved for use for patients by the NLIAH curriculum governance panel, and meet QCF standards. There are currently 17 units available in chronic conditions with more in development.

OCN would be pleased to hear from any other patient educators who might wish to accredit learning for other chronic conditions or enablement.

To access funding for patient education units please contact the training manager at your nearest OCN Centre. This may be your local NHS Trust, LHB, FE College or voluntary sector provider. If you need help with this please contact Sue Saunders

Agored Cymru Credits for Welsh Learner of the Year 2009 Competitors

added on 08/07/2009

Meggan Lloyd Prys moved from Ohio in 2006 to Rhiwlas near Bangor. Amazingly, after only three years in Wales Meggan uses her language skills every day as a classroom assistant in a primary school in Llanfair PG, Anglesey. She also teaches Agored Cymru (formerly OCN) accredited Welsh Units to adults in adult education classes.

Meggan with the ‘Marged Jones’ trophy and Llew Moules-Jones of Agored Cymru

Meggan, 29, started learning Welsh at a summer school in 2006 on the day she arrived in Wales three years ago. She has achieved Agored Cymru (formerly OCN Wales) credits, with over half at level 3.

After meeting her husband Cynog on an MA course she was following in the States she moved to Wales. Just a month after arriving here, she took her marriage vows in Welsh.

On winning the prestigious Learner of the Year Award Meggan said "It's a really special competition because it shows people are able to learn to a high standard and live and work through the medium of Welsh". Meggan also won £300 and a fabulous trophy (see picture) in memory of the author Marged Jones of Bala who died at the beginning of the year.

ZOE MORAG PETTINGER

Born in Fareham, Hampshire.

We are delighted to congratulate Zoe Pettinger who made the final of the Welsh Learner of the Year at the National Eisteddfod. English born Zoe has set an example to native Welsh people by achieving over 60 Agored Cymru (formerly OCN Wales) credits in Welsh language.

Zoe studied Drama and English at Aberystwyth University in 1992. Zoe worked as a dancer in a show that was mainly in Welsh which made her decide to learn the language.

It was October 2005 by the time she started her Welsh lessons in Aberystwyth, and went on to study a higher education diploma in Welsh studies in Lampeter, as well as complete a Wlpan course.

In 2006, she decided to become a Welsh tutor herself. She now teaches adults Welsh Agored Cymru units at Trinity College, Carmarthen, and continues to use Welsh through drama and dance for children and adults.

Zoe learned Welsh with her mum who was terminally ill with cancer. Zoe said "Mum started to learn Welsh with me because she thought it would provide some support, and she saw how much it was inspiring me. She passed away in October 2007“.

Zoe took some of her Mum’s Welsh notes as inspiration to the Welsh Learner competition at the National Eisteddfod in Bala.

New posts available within Open College Network Wales

added on 27/04/2009

Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Director of Quality, Standards and Regulation

Salary Range for both posts: £41,020 - £45,454

OCN Wales has vacancies for the above posts to head two new Directorates.

OCN Wales is the leading organisation offering a bespoke accreditation service to education and training providers in Wales and is currently seeking to become an Awarding Organisation to develop Qualifications to meet the needs of learners and providers in Wales. OCN Wales has two offices located in Bangor and Cardiff.

The Director of Finance and Corporate Service will lead and integrate the strategic planning for Finance, MIS, ICT, HR and Resourcing and will be based in the Bangor Office.

The Director of Quality, Standards and Regulation will lead the strategic management of external and internal quality to meet regulatory requirements and support the enhancement of quality. This post could be based in either of the two offices and will require working across the whole of Wales.

The ability to conduct business through the medium of Welsh would be a distinct advantage for either role.

For further information and an application pack please contact Irene Roberts Tel: 01248 670011 or email: irene.roberts@ocnwales.org.uk .

Closing date for receipt of applications: 5.00 pm 11 May 2009

Interviews will be held on 21 / 22 May 09

Access Units & Grade Descriptors Now Available

added on 24/04/2009

The lists of units and grade descriptors are now available. Please click here to download the Access Grading spreadsheet from our website. These grade descriptors must be applied to the units that they relate to - they cannot be varied. Please see www.accesstohe.ac.uk/avas for full guidance on the grading process.

If you have any questions, please contact Alan Smith, Access Co-ordinator, alan.smith@ocnwales.org.uk

OCN Units and Listening to Pupils are Keys to Success

added on 24/04/2009

Pontarddulais Comprehensive School achieved seven level one grades at its recent inspection. Commenting on the high rate of success achieved by the School, John Radford, Headteacher said that it was attributed, to the staff and governor’s insistence on creating a curriculum which is valid and relevant to its pupils. Go here for further information.

The Deloitte Employability Initiative with NOCN Enhance the employability of your students: free CPD for your staff

added on 21/04/2009

Deloitte are continuing to expand their highly successful and innovative model for delivering employability skills training to young people, which successfully develops the attitudes and behaviours that are needed for entry level employment and beyond.  Over 60 FE Colleges are already involved across the UK. The objectives of the project have been endorsed by the UKCES, LLUK and the AoC.

Go here for further information.

Diary marker

added on 21/04/2009

What? - Annual Conference – ‘Partnerships in Practice’
When? - Wednesday, 18 November 2009, 10.00am to 3.00pm
Where? – The Imperial Hotel, The Promenade, Llandudno, North Wales

We are busy finalising the programme for our Annual Conference.  Details coming soon…

To register your interest email conference2009@ocnwales.org.uk

Giving Credit Where It's Due

added on 01/04/2009

New moves towards credit-based qualifications across most of Britain, promises to transform opportunities for learners. 

The Western Mail published an article on this, for the full story click here.

Inspire Tutor Awards

added on 31/03/2009

We are delighted that an OCN External Verifier and Basic Skills Steering Group member, Judith Archer from Caerphilly, has been named Wales’ Tutor of the Year in this year’s Inspire Adult Tutor and Mentor Awards.

Judith, who was also the Basic Skills Tutor of the Year, received the awards in a special ceremony at Llanhilleth Miners Institute, Blaenau Gwent, hosted by BBC Wales presenter Claire Summers (Thursday, 19 March 2009) recognising the cream of the profession.

The awards are organised by NIACE Dysgu Cymru, advocates of adult learning in Wales, to celebrate the commitment, knowledge and communication skills that inspire adult learners every day across Wales.

Students say Judith has not only improved their quality of life through her teaching, but has inspired them to continue learning throughout their lives.

Judith has also made a major contribution to OCN Wales, helping to develop policy on its Basic Skills offer as well as developing units and support materials.

Judith said: “Working with adults with basic skills needs is one of the most satisfying areas in teaching. Adult learners are enthusiastic and willing to learn. They often have a lot more skills and experiences to offer than they realise.”

Judith’s students say she makes them feel special. Her classes are always fun and interesting and she has the ability to gently coax the best out of all her students helping them overcome learning barriers in their lives.

Other winners with links to OCN Wales included Linda Gant from the Welsh College of Horticulture who won the Community Learning Wales Tutor of the Year. Linda uses a range of OCN units in her community based art classes.

Jeff Amor, from Pontypool, uses OCN units as part of his work with the WEA to deliver TUC training; we offer our congratulations to Jeff who won our own OCN Tutor of the Year Award.

The Edexcel Voluntary Tutor of the Year went to Sue Bartle, who works for SNAP Cymru, using OCN units to help parents of young people with special educational needs.

In all there were sixteen awards with a further seven tutors who did not receive awards being highly commended. Congratulations to all!

Judith Archer

Janet Barlow, Jeff Amor and Claire Summers

OCN Wales Annual General Meeting

added on 23/02/2009

Tuesday, 10 March 2009 (10.30 – 3.30 pm)

The AGM will be held at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod (arrival at 10.00 am for a 10.30 am start).

All member organisations will be invited to attend. Papers will be circulated to Heads of member organisations by the middle of next week.

If you require further information please contact Irene Roberts, Operations Manager.

Inspire Learning Award Nomination Deadline Extended

added on 16/02/2009

NIACE are able to announce a deadline extension of one week. This means they will accept nominations sent before, or on Friday 20th February.

Every nominated adult receives a certificate of nomination (giving providers an opportunity to arrange a local presentation and/or press story) and those who win go on to the national ceremony which is in Bangor University Great Hall on 7 May. All winners (and a limited number of their family members) have their travel and accommodation paid for by NIACE Dysgu Cymru. The event is high quality and a tremendous opportunity for learners' to gain recognition for their efforts and for providers to demonstrate their commitment to engaging adults in, and progressing them through, learning.

All winners' stories are featured in the Press and PR campaign during ALW, in order to reach similar adults who have had/are currently going through similar issues around learning. Without fail, the stories identified are truly inspirational, hence the name of the awards system.

The form can be found on www.learnersweek.org.uk

Delivering the Promise

added on 12/02/2009

Thursday 19 March 2009

Marriott Hotel, Mill Lane, Cardiff. CF10 1EZ

This conference is hosted by the Welsh Assembly Government, Department of Children Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Qualification & Curriculum Division.

The Key Note speech will be delivered by Mike Clancy, Director Qualifications Curriculum and Learning Improvement Group.

Click here for more information.

Bulletin

added on 05/02/2009

New Bulletin issued today 05/02/09 'Unit Review Project Bulletin, February 09'

Bulletin

added on 05/02/2009

New Bulletin issued today 05/02/09 'ESOL Bulletin, February 09'

Specialist Readers Needed

added on 05/02/2009

We are currently looking for specialist readers to contribute to the unit library review process in the following subject areas:

• PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
• CHILD DEVELOPMENT/CARE
• HOSPITALITY & CATERING
• TRAVEL & TOURISM
• CONSTRUCTION
• ENGINEERING & DESIGN
  

The role of specialist readers is to identify:

• Duplication of units
• Unit not meeting current quality standards
• Units where the credit level or value is inappropriate
• Subject areas that are out of date

Reviewers are then asked to make suggestions about whether units should be approved with no changes, amended or deleted.  Where units have been proposed for deletion, the reviewer is further asked to recommend appropriate alternative units.  Payment is based on the number of units reviewed

If you are interested in further details about this aspect of our work please contact Jeanne MacInnes, Unit Library Project Manager, jeannemacinnes@yahoo.co.uk attaching a brief CV detailing your knowledge and experience in the sector. 

Access to Higher Education Conference

added on 26/01/2009

‘Applying Grading to Access to Higher Education’

Date: Thursday 19 March 2009

Venue: Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells

Time: 10:00 am - 3.00pm

Click here for more information.
Click here to book.

New Literacy Units for Providers Working in the 14 – 19 Sector

added on 22/01/2009

The National Development Programme (NDP) for Young People was set up as part of the Basic Skills Strategy for Wales and is aimed at young people aged 14 – 19 who have low levels of literacy and numeracy and who are at risk of disaffection or exclusion. 

As part of their remit the NDP have developed and published a range of resource materials that can be used by practitioners who work with young people aged 14 – 19.  For further details go here.

Inspire Adult Learner Awards

added on 14/01/2009

Deadline Friday 13 February 2009

We want to recognise the commitment and excellence of Learners in Wales as part of Adult Learners Week.        

Click here for more information.                           

2009 Queen’s Birthday Honours

added on 08/01/2009

OCN Wales are delighted that a number of people we work with have achieved recognition in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The recipients are

Professor David Allan Warner, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea Metropolitan University, who received a C.B.E. (Commanders of the Order of the British Empire) for services to local and national higher education

(Swansea)

Professor David Llewellyn Adamson of the University of Glamorgan for services to Regeneration in Wales (Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taff)

Glyn Hywel Jones, Principal, Pembrokeshire College for services to Education and to Training in Wales (Narberth, Pembrokeshire)

Congratulation to the three of you and to anyone else we might have missed!

Bulletin

added on 16/12/2008

New Bulletin issued today 16/12/08  ‘External Verifier Bulletin, November 08'

Bulletin

added on 12/12/2008

New Bulletin issued today 12/12/08  'Garden Design Qualifications Bulletin'

External Verifier required for TUC Provision in Wales

added on 02/12/2008

We are currently looking for an External Verifier for the N/OCN provision delivered in Wales.  There are currently 4 centres approved to deliver TUC provision: Coleg Gwent, CHWEA (North Wales), WEA(S) and Bridgend College.  If you have experience of working with Trade Union provision, have at least 1 years experience  as an External Verifier and are interested in this all Wales role and would like further information please contact Anne Lewis as soon as possible anne@ocnwales.org.uk or 02920 741078.

Deputy Minister’s Speech

added on 27/11/2008

For those of you unable to attend the conference we have included a short (3 minute) excerpt of the deputy minister’s speech.                   

Bulletin

added on 25/11/2008

New Bulletin issued today 25/11/08  ‘Basic Skills Bulletin, November 08'

Financial Literacy course to help adults

added on 25/11/2008

Working in partnership with Basic Skills Cymru, OCN Wales has announced a Financial Literacy course to help adults with their handling of money. The Western Mail published an article on this, for the full story click here.

OCN Wales welcomes greater flexibility for learners announced by Minister

added on 14/11/2008

A huge step forward is being taken for vocational learning today with the announcement that the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) will be implemented in Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
The new framework offers learners the opportunity to build up qualifications, based on a modular approach. The learner can bank bite sized chunks of learning to build up to an overall qualification. So, if a learner has to take an unplanned break for learning - having to drop out of a two year course after a year - the learner will still have formal recognition of the learning he or she has done to that point.

For the full press release click here.

Nominate an Outstanding Mentor or Tutor for an Award

added on 29/10/2008

The Inspire Adult Mentor and Tutor Awards are open to people who have been involved in adult learning provision in Wales for at least three years.

Nominations are invited from ALL sectors of adult learning provision - statutory or voluntary, formal or informal, training or education and different modes of study including distance learning. Nominations for fulltime and part-time mentors/tutors are welcome.

Deadline for receipt of Tutor and Mentor awards nominations is: 14 November 2008

www.niacedc.org.uk

Minister praises OCN for visionary development in recognising learning in a flexible and responsive structure

added on 20/10/2008

Over 150 people attended the OCN Wales conference in Cardiff on 9 October, opened by John Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Skills.

Full conference report to follow.       

Bulletin

added on 17/10/2008

New Bulletin issued today 17/10/08  ‘Unit Review Project Bulletin, September 08'

Bulletin

added on 17/10/2008

New Bulletin issued today 17/10/08  ‘Unit Review Project Bulletin, October 08'

Practical Course in Community Development

added on 17/10/2008

OCN Wales is delighted to announce a first for Wales! Nine learners from a variety of Community First Partnerships in North Wales recently achieved NOCN Level 3 Certificates in Community Development Work through the community development organisation Sylfaen and the YMCA Community College.

The qualification caters for anyone who is directly engaged in community development work, and wishes gain a qualification as well as extend his or her current knowledge and skills. In addition to community development workers it also caters for the increasing and diverse range of people employed in related occupations whose practice now includes community development work. These include amongst others, workers in health and social care, education, community safety, environmental development, childcare, leisure services and regeneration.

The qualification provides quality training, which is relevant and accessible, giving learners understanding of the nature of different communities of locality, identity and interest and the communities in which they live and work. It also gives them skills to enable communities to identify their needs, to work collectively with those communities, support communities and engage people in community development.

The qualification complies with the requirements of the National Occupational Standards in Community Development Work. A working group of professionals from different sectors, including voluntary and community groups, further education, higher education and the OCNs, oversee the development and relevance of this qualification.

Bulletin

added on 16/10/2008

New Bulletin issued today 16/10/08  ‘Unit Library Review Bulletin, June 08'

Conference - CREDIT is working for Wales

added on 10/09/2008

The purpose of the conference is to showcase the innovative development of OCN provison responding to/supporting Vision into Action and the Skills that Work for Wales strategy and action plan.

Keynote speech John Griffiths AM, Deputy Minister for Skills.

Click here for more details.

Professional Development Programme

added on 20/08/2008

OCN Wales is pleased to announce the launch of its 2008/09 Professional Development Programme.

The Professional Development Programme offers

• an extensive range of training courses to new and existing provider organisations
• delivery by highly experienced specialists within further, higher, community and work based education
• venues across the various regions of Wales

A comprehensive calendar of scheduled courses can be accessed here.

OCN Wales also offers a bespoke training service to providers for a minimal charge

• at the provider's own premises
• for groups of 8 or more delegates whether tutors, trainers, administrators or managers

Please click here to see the full range of opportunities in our current brochure.

From August 2008 you can book online via the events page of this website. Please forward all enquiries to events@ocnwales.org.uk.

Bulletin

added on 19/08/2008

New Bulletin issued today 19/08/08  ‘External Verifier Bulletin, Summer 08'

Are you interested in part-time or seconded work opportunities for 08/09?

added on 03/07/2008

OCN Wales will have a range of opportunities for staff with current experience of the FE sector in the following areas:

Curriculum Development – generic skills and in particular curriculum expertise in

• Basic skills
• ESOL

Strategic Quality Assurance

There are also vacancies for Quality Reviewers, and External Verifiers for Welsh for Adults and other subjects through the medium of Welsh

If you are interested in discussing these exciting opportunities please send a CV and details of your availability to Anne Lewis by the end of July.

Unit Library Review – Update June 2008

added on 30/06/2008

As you will be aware the Unit Library Review has now been underway for over 18 months. We are extremely grateful for all of the responses received so far from providers and verifiers and for your continued support for the review. The review is proving to be a very complex and time consuming process!
We have recently received a number of queries about the review process and now seems an appropriate time to both clarify the process and give you an update on progress.
Read more...

Annual Quality Assurance Report

added on 30/05/2008

The second OCN Wales Annual Quality Report aims to give an overview of the position regarding QA standards and improvements within the organisation.
                                              
Click here for the full report.

What you can do - not what you can’t do.

added on 17/05/2008

“Education should be about what you can do and not what you can’t do” says Maxine Pittaway, winner of the 2009 Department for Children, Schools and Families Award for Enterprise in the prestigious UK Teaching Awards.

 

Maxine, head at St Christopher’s School in Wrexham for the last sixteen years bubbles with enthusiasm and new ideas.

 

The School (the largest special school in Wales) uses a wide range of accreditation, particularly Agored Cymru units to support and encourage learners. Maxine said “it all started from that seed – the belief that education should be about what you can do and not what you can’t”.

 

The school introduced an entrepreneurship and business policy to offer pupils opportunities for work experience. This approach was borne out of Maxine’s frustration that the pupils would be condemned in the workplace for floor sweeping and tea making duties because they had attended a special school. The Stockwell Grove school has it’s own Charity Shop, Hair and Beauty Salon, Café, Fairtrade Shop, Garden Furniture and Car Valeting businesses, which are all open to the public and run by the pupils.

 

This has been achieved by investing in staff training. A member of staff having been trained in hair and beauty, as an assessor and then as a teacher – the pay off – former pupils returning to the school to work in the hairdressing salon and the café.

 

Pupils are encouraged to achieve and learn purposefully. The curriculum is constructed to include a range of learning to give the students confidence to address personal needs and acquire the essential skills to understand the world of work whilst also giving them access to vocational skills accreditation.

 

Opportunities to gain qualifications and units are woven into the academic year to ensure that all learners’ achievements are recognised, whether they are following a full qualification or being recognised for additional units.

 

The school team are constantly striving to improve opportunities for their pupils and argue that there should be qualifications available at levels E1, 2 and 3 to recognise the achievement of ALL learners. The team at the school are embarking on their latest venture which will be to introduce the NOCN “Step Up Award” into the curriculum.

Bilingual IT Units and Assessment Material

added on 09/05/2008

We now have available (here) an exemplar set of bi-lingual assessments for a suite of Information Technology units at Entry Level, Level One, Level Two, and Level Three. These have been prepared for us by Coleg Menai and comprise complete assessment materials for Entry Level and Level One and selected assessment exercises for Level Two and Level Three.

In addition to the assessment materials the package acts as a teaching aid and contains valuable guidance and help sheets for the learner.

As well as providing a valuable and usable bilingual assessment resource it is hoped that it will act as an exemplar for the development of bilingual assessment materials in the future, and that it will encourage others to develop similar material.

Situations Vacant

added on 01/05/2008

Quality and Curriculum Manager (South West Wales)
Starting Salary: £30,841

Are you a talented communicator?
Do you have experience of developing curriculum at a senior level?
Are you interested in leading a team to expand credit based provision in South West Wales?
Would you like to join a dynamic, successful organization?

OCN Wales (Cardiff office) is looking for a pro-active and enthusiastic curriculum development specialist to lead a team to expand its business in South West Wales.

The Quality and Curriculum Manager (SW) will be highly motivated and willing to travel extensively in South West Wales. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have worked for Awarding Bodies or in a qualifications regulatory environment. Being able to speak Welsh would be a distinct advantage.

For details about applying for this exciting opportunity please contact Judith Baglow Tel: 02920 741066 or e-mail: judith@ocnwales.org.uk

Work Based Learning Pathways in Wales

added on 30/04/2008

SkillsActive, in partnership with OCN Wales, will be able to award level 2 credit for work experience placements for the first time as part of the Work Based Learning Pathway (WBLP) pilot in sports management, leadership and coaching from September 2008.

“SkillsActive is the first Sector Skills Council to use the materials developed as part of the CQFW project and OCN Wales is delighted to be involved in the piloting of these materials in a Work Based Learning Pathway.” said Anne Lewis, Deputy Chief Executive, OCN Wales. 

For full article click here

Bulletin

added on 28/04/2008

New Bulletin issued today 28/04/08  ‘External Verifier Bulletin, Spring 08’

Invitation to Tender for the development of a 'suite' of assessment materials relating to ESOL

added on 27/03/2008

Specialist staff in ESOL provision have recently completed the development of 28 single credit units at 5 different levels (Entry 1 – Level 2). The units have been mapped to the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum and to the NOCN ESOL in work qualifications.

Tenders are invited to develop a package of exemplar assessment materials relating to the single credit ESOL units that can be used across the OCN Wales network. The materials would be made available to all providers via the website.

For further information on the tender process click here

Bulletin

added on 28/02/2008

New bulletin issued 28/02/08: ‘Accreditation and Certification of your Organisation’s In-house Training’

Bulletin

added on 28/02/2008

New Bulletin issued today 28/02/08  ‘Support material’

Situations vacant

added on 21/02/2008

NOCN is seeking a Chief Executive to lead NOCN through a period of consolidation, and further growth, to develop and build on our strong commitment to quality and responsiveness to market needs. Further information about the post and the application process can be found at the micro-site listed in the advert, www.nocnsupportlearning.co.uk.

Third Annual Access to Higher Education Conference

added on 21/01/2008

Keynote Speaker:

Ms Julie Lydon, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) University of Glamorgan

All interested in Access to HE are invited to attend: there is no charge for attendance at this conference.

For more information please click here.

OCN Wales Annual General Meeting

added on 14/01/2008

Tuesday, 26 February 2008 (10.30 – 2.00 pm)

The AGM will be held at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod (arrival at 10.00 am for a 10.30 am start).

All member organisations will be invited to attend. Papers will be circulated to Heads of member organisations towards the end of January.

If you require further information please contact Irene Roberts, Operations Manager.

Holiday Season

added on 19/12/2007

Both Bangor and Llanishen offices will close at 12.30 pm on Friday, 20 December 2007 and re-open on Wednesday, 2 January 2008.

Newsletter – Autumn 2007

added on 20/11/2007

2006/07 was a busy year for OCN Wales with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Open College Network and the launch of the Access Diploma in Wales. Both were an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that Wales has made to the development of OCN and Access courses and to the wider credit agenda. A report of these conferences is available on the web site.

The newsletter is now available on the Documents page.

Roger Tovey

added on 19/11/2007

It is with great sadness that we post this news item about the death of Roger Tovey, company secretary of OCN Wales. Roger first became involved with the OCN when he was seconded from West Glamorgan LEA in April 1989 to be the first Development Officer for SWWOCAC where he worked with Hywel Francis and later Mike Thomas in establishing the OCN for West Glamorgan and Dyfed. He had been involved with OCN ever since then in a number of capacities as a Board member, Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee and most recently as Company Secretary of OCN Wales.

Roger was until his retirement in 2004, Manager of Adult Education and Guidance at Neath Port Talbot Lifelong Learning Service. An adult learner himself he worked in adult education for nearly 20 years. In a farewell article published in Adults Learning he summed up his commitment to accreditation and credit. “I offer no apologies to colleagues who hold a different opinion but I believe that accreditation is the way to salvation since it offers the Welsh Assembly Government …the quality assurance and learning outcome measure they are seeking to provide evidence of value for money. Disengaged adults are not afraid of credit; it is the cultural problem of helplessness learned since schooldays that is the major personal barrier to progression…. (The use of credit) is more likely to provide motivation to excluded groups as learning can be perceived as having a purpose in their lives rather than an activity enjoyed by others.”

Roger will be greatly missed by staff and Board members at the OCN.

Summer Review Meeting

added on 15/10/2007

Once again the summer review meetings were an invaluable opportunity for us to meet staff and to address a number of issues that you raised. A summary of the issues raised and our response is now available here.

First OCN Wales Annual Quality Assurance Report

added on 29/05/2007

The first annual OCN Wales Quality Assurance Report has been approved by QAC and the Board and is available here.

The aim of this report is to:

Identify issues and trends relating to Quality Assurance
Evaluate the impact of changes to procedures/systems
Report on performance in relation to Service Standards

Subsequent reports will allow the continuous improvement of both service to providers and provision itself. The report is an honest attempt to identify both strengths and issues with the provision.

Invitation to Tender

added on 29/03/2007

Invitation to tender for the development of a ‘suite’ of units and assessment materials relating to Welsh Culture.

For further details click here.

First Certificate for ConvaTec

added on 01/03/2007

Congratulations to Roberto Miotti who was presented with an OCN Wales certificate marking his achievement of 15 level three credits, at ConvaTec on Wednesday 24th January.

Roberto is the first to achieve certification since ConvaTec, which manufactures specialist wound dressings and medical supplies, started to use OCN Wales to accredit its in-house machine operator training programme at its Deeside manufacturing plant.

As well as being a first for ConvaTec, we regard the presentation as significant because it marks the first certificate to be awarded by OCN Wales for credit achieved through a company in-house training scheme, where the company is fully registered as a centre in its own right. ConvaTec have been meticulous in all aspects of their preparation, but particularly so in the robust quality assurance systems they have developed for the accreditation of their training programme. We hope to see the experience gained through working with ConvaTec used to develop similar schemes with other companies in the future.

Present to see Roberto presented with his certificate by Robbie Heginbotham the ConvaTec Plant Director, were Philip Davies (ConvaTec Learning and Development Manager), Martin Trevelyan-Jones (Quality and Curriculum Manager OCN Wales), Pauline Hooper who worked with ConvaTec to develop the units for their framework, and other members of the training and production teams.

Roberto (left) is seen in the picture with Robbie Heginbotham from ConvaTec.

February Newsletter

added on 28/02/2007

The February Newsletter is now available here. This Newsletter introduces the new look for OCN Wales which will be used for future publications.

Additional hard copies will be circulated to all organisations shortly.

Invitation to Tender

added on 20/02/2007

Invitation to tender for the development of a set of units and assessment materials relating to Environmentally Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC).

For further details click here.

Inspire Adult Learner Awards

added on 07/02/2007

OCN Wales is sponsoring an award to be presented at the NIACE Awards Ceremony on 24 May and 2 other awards to be presented at the OCN Conference on 22 May, being held to celebrate 25 years of the OCN movement.

Nominations can be made for individuals, families and groups in a number of categories including Welsh learner, community learning, basic skills, workplace leaning, learning and health and learning and the environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to get recognition for the achievement of OCN learners and we hope that we will receive a good field of nominations.

Nominations close on 24 March 2007. To download a nomination form click here.

Access to Higher Education Annual Conference 2007

added on 29/01/2007

The Conference is a joint event between QAA and OCN Wales to launch the Access Diploma which starts in September 2007.

For further details click here.

Congratulations

added on 29/01/2007

Congratulations to Janet Scicluna who has been named as the UK's top business adviser for 2006 by the Institute of Business Advisers. Janet is a Quality Reviewer and Moderator in the South East region, where she shares her experience and skills with a range of organisations.

Access Focus Day – 8 February 2007

added on 26/01/2007

Thinking of higher education but don’t have the qualifications or confidence to apply?

Access to HE courses are specially designed for those people who want to study for degrees or Higher National qualifications, but who have few or no qualifications. The Access qualification can be used as an alternative entry qualification to ‘A’ levels and BTEC National Diplomas.

This year there are 2800 learners who are working towards an Access to HE certificate in subjects such as Art and Design, Biological and Environmental Studies, Business Studies, Criminology, Health Studies and Nursing, Humanities, Information Technology, Law, Leisure and Tourism, Psychology, Social Studies, and Youth and Community Work. Both full and part-time courses are available, with day time courses timed to allow parents with school-aged children to drop them off and to collect them after school. Some colleges have crèche facilities for those with younger children.

All 21 Access to Higher Education providers in Wales have joined together to arrange an Access Focus Day on 8 February.

Details will be available from Access Coordinators at the individual colleges, WEA(S) and University of Wales Newport. Prospective learners are welcome to contact or call in to meet their local Access course providers for further information.

Access to HE providers in Wales

Tender for the production of case studies

added on 11/01/2007

Tenders are invited to collect case studies for incorporation into promotional material to illustrate the range, diversity and flexibility of credit based provison and how it supports progression.

Click here for the full document

For further information contact: Judith Baglow

Unit Review Project - pilot results in

added on 01/01/2007

The results of the pilot phase of the Unit Review Project are in. To find out about the project, the pilot and about how you can contribute visit the Unit Review project page.

2006-07 Charges

added on 09/10/2006

Click here for further details on 2006-07 fees. Please contact Heledd Williams for additional information.

Invitation to tender for research project on the appropriateness of Access to HE courses in Wales

added on 06/09/2006

Tenders are invited to undertake the above research project to run over a period of 18 months with the final report to be delivered in April 2008.
For details, click here
Completed tenders to be returned to Judith Baglow by 7 October 2006

Relocation of Southern Office

added on 18/08/2006

The relocation of the southern office to Llanishen will have been completed by Wednesday, 23^rd August 2006

The new address for any future correspondence is:

Open College Network Wales
1 / 2 Purbeck House
Lambourne Crescent
Cardiff Business Park
Llanishen
CARDIFF
CF14 5GJ

Please note NEW telephone number : 02920 747866

Please bear with us as we may not be able to respond to your enquiries as quickly as we normally would during the week 21 – 25 August.

Learner Registrations

added on 10/08/2006

In the last OCN Wales Newsletter (June '06), we introduced a new facility for Providers: the ability to upload learner registration files securely on this site. We explained the reasons for this development and stated that the current email service would be ceased on the 1st August pending a successful pilot. The keener among you will realise that this date has passed! This doesn't mean that the pilot was unsuccessful, on the contrary; we were very pleased with the results. The idea behind the original 1st August cut-off date was so that we could start the 06-07 registrations with uploaded files only, but we clearly receive few if any registrations for the new year in August. This being the case, the new cut-off date will be 1st September.
Please note that this change in no way affects the type/format of file that you currently send us. Any questions should be directed toward Peter French or Matt Stanley.

New Projects

added on 24/07/2006

OCN Wales invite tenders to undertake 4 short term projects:

1. Development of a bespoke Internal Moderation system for small providers. Click here.
2. Investigate the potential use of OCN accreditation for ‘in house’ company training schemes. Click here.
3. Development and production of generic publicity materials for Access to HE provision. Click here.
4. Development and production of exemplar bi-lingual assessmentmaterials for IT units and to support Curriculum Cymreig. Click here.

If you are interested in tendering for any of the projects please submit the following details to the Anne Lewis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer by Thursday 24th August 2006.


Details of relevant experience/background.
Action plan detailing the stages and completion date of the project.
Projected costs for the project

Successful applicants will be contacted by the beginning of Sept.

Newsletter

added on 13/06/2006

We have just produced the second newsletter for this academic year which contains lots of information about such things as new products, charging for the 2006-2007 year and changes in governance.

New Office in Bangor

added on 22/03/2006

From 23^rd of March 2006, the Bangor office of OCN Wales will have new premises on Parc Menai, just a stone's throw from the previous location. All correspondence for the North Wales Office should be sent to this address. The local phone and fax numbers remain unchanged.

3-4 Ash Court
Parc Menai
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 4DF

OCN Wales Conference 2006

added on 01/01/2006

OCN Wales will be holding its second conference on 21 March at the Metropole hotel, Llandrindod. Key note speakers will be John Graystone, Chief Executive of Fforwm and Steve Babbidge, regional director, OCN south east region and member of QAA’s Access and Recognition Licensing committee.

The conference will be of interest to all those working with the OCN – Access to HE providers and admissions tutors, FE colleges, adult and community, voluntary sector, employers and private training organisations. There will be a number of specialist workshops and opportunities for informal networking.

Programmes and Forms
Programme
Booking Form
Workshop Booking Form
Access Programme
Access Booking Form
Access Workshop Booking Form