News
Wednesday 23 January 2008
University's agricultural courses hailed
Agriculture, horticulture and animal care vocational courses at Nottingham Trent University have been praised for providing students with the relevant skills to meet industry needs. The University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences has been singled out in an Ofsted post-16 good practice survey published today.
Dean of the School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences, Professor Jenny Saint, said: “We are delighted to be mentioned in this report. It highlights our excellent skills development which is relevant for both industry and for preparing learners to thrive in this sector; as well as giving them the opportunity to progress to our higher education courses.”
The School, based at the University’s Brackenhurst campus, offers opportunities for students of all ages to study BTEC courses in agriculture, animal management and horticulture, alongside those in horse management, rural tourism, woodland management and countryside management – all of which courses can be studied full- or part-time. In addition, a range of practical skills courses are available, leading to recognised professional qualifications appropriate to employment.
Ofsted inspectors made more than 100 visits to institutions to identify good practice in vocational education and training. Agriculture, horticulture and animal care was one of five areas surveyed.
It was found that the best departments had strong links with industry, and their learners had developed vocational skills to a high standard, with learning closely related to the operational demands of the workplace.
The majority of the teachers and lecturers were subject specialists, with considerable industrial, technical and vocational experience. This played a crucial role as their first-hand knowledge helped students to apply theory to practice, develop technical and practical competencies as well as the wider skills valued by employers.
Teachers and lecturers’ subject specialisms, combined with inspiring and engaging teaching, were key factors in maintaining students’ interest and progress. Activities such as practical exercises and demonstrations, group work, talks by visiting speakers, industry visits and entry into skills competitions helped to motivate and encourage students and raise standards.
Collaboration with employers and businesses also helped institutions to gain sponsorships or donations of products, tools, equipment and the use of workshops.
Some institutions went further to tailor their provision to meet the needs of employers by providing training on company premises, broadening the curriculum to offer additional vocational qualifications relevant to students’ future employability or providing courses in specialist areas.
A key feature across the five vocational subject areas was the high achievement and retention rates. The best institutions worked hard to ensure this through prior assessment of prospective students’ abilities and by providing taster sessions. Students were placed on appropriate courses at the correct level and understood their target grades.
Teachers and lecturers were also alert to the performance of individual students and effective systems were in place to identify and support students who were at risk of falling behind. Students who required extra work to achieve higher grades were well supported.
In all of the institutions surveyed, good or excellent resources and facilities were provided, enabling students to gain practical experience in using the latest industry standard equipment.
Good leadership and management of the curriculum were evident in the best provision. Well led departments and day-to-day management of teaching, combined with a strong focus on students’ achievement and effective self-assessment, helped to raise standards.
Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education, Children’s Services and Skills, said: “Ofsted's surveys of good practice in post-16 education and training highlight and share the very best in a vocational area. These reports provide examples of varied and effective ways of focusing on raising standards in education and training, and enabling progression into employment.”
She added: “The best colleges in each vocational area had common features. They all had strong links with industry and related classroom learning to the demands of the workplace. They worked hard to ensure high achievement and retention rates. And continuous assessment of students ensured individuals were placed on the right courses, set appropriate targets, and identified for support when at risk of falling behind.”
ENDS
The five good practice reports can be found on the Ofsted website or are available from the GNN office number below.
Issued on behalf of Ofsted by GNN East Midlands – for further information call Jo Sheppard on +44 (0)115 971 2781.
For further information please contact Dave Rogers, Nottingham Trent University Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782 or Therese Easom, Nottingham Trent University Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774.
