September 2002

Cinderella To Success - Hard Work and No Magic Wand

John Harwood, Chief Executive of the Learning & Skills Council, and Annette Zera, Principal of Tower Hamlets College addressed managers at the ACM debate, sponsored by the TES. The welcome and introductions were conducted from the Chair Ian Nash, FE Editor of the TES.

John Harwood opened the debate by thanking ACM for hosting this event and commenting on the excellent benefits given by ACM to its members within the area of personal professional develop-ment. He hoped that this would prosper and expand in the near future.

The story of Cinderella was told with the role of fairy stories being likened to role models: learning; communication; and values plus expectations. It could be presumed that there is a Cinderella story in our culture - this is not true and should not be true. There may be a concern that there is a Cinderella mentality, but this needs to be left, to enable us to move on. The “Cinderella” sector does not fit with our FE sector today. The positioning of the FE sector, particularly in the press, needs to have parity with other sectors. The route we must now take is to move away from the symbols of the Cinderella story. Many people these days work in different communities compared to where they live. We must equip everybody for life, have a balanced education system, with learning in whatever guise being rewarding and satisfying, meeting the needs of learners. It was proposed that we need to look beyond our immediate problems and challenges.

Annette Zera contributed to the second part of the title to this debate. This began by there being a perception and feeling at present concerning “ trust and confidence”. Perhaps “failures” are hugely exaggerated. FE is seen as not doing well enough, leading to mistrust in FE to change structures and systems. If hard work is to be recognised and be successful, then a shift in structure and systems is needed. It was suggested that hard work and success be focused on people, process, pay, but there are no magic wands.

The second part of the session focussed on value - added and how it can advance the FE agenda. John Harwood was pleased to hear about the work being done in the sector.

The whole of the session was lively and informal with references being made to other fairy stories! References too were made to the 1944 Education Act and what we have or have not done that was envisaged to overcome obstacles. There is now a need to push the vision forwards and change attitudes and beliefs outside our sector.

Ann Wardall
ACM Council Member

NORTHERN IRELAND SEMINAR

David Hunter, Chief Executive of FENTO, will lead a seminar on key issues in Northern Ireland: the implications for managers on Monday 14th October 2002 in Belfast. David will discuss the review of further education, likely mergers and possible central-isation of services.

The seminar will be interactive and participative in style enabling colleagues to engage in debate and dialogue with the speaker. To book your place contact Emma Icke at emmaicke@acm.uk.com or by telephone on 0116 275 5076.

Delegate fee is £60 for ACM members and £80 for non ACM members.

ACM (WALES) AUTUMN CONFERENCE in association with Fforwm

Friday 15th November 2002
Vale of Glamorgan Hotel (close to M4)

COLLEGE INSPECTIONS 2002 - 2004
will you need to know about making the grade?

The conference will focus on the new ESTYN common framework for inspections. Key speakers will include:

Lesley Virgin, Head of
Quality, ELWa

Liz Kidd, Head of
Inspection Division, ESTYN

Further information will be sent to all ACM members in Wales and college staff development officers.