Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Lifelong Learning Network

BBCSLLN Legacy Document

Posted on July 14, 2011

Hi All,

The legacy document is now available as an e-book please see link below

http://www.progressiontohenetwork.org.uk/resource-centre

Thanks Heatha

Heatha Gregory

IAG and Learner Support Co-ordinator

Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull

Lifelong Learning Network

Cambrian Hall, Brindley Drive, Birmingham, B1 2NB

Tel: 0775 182 3936

      0121 604 1000 ext 2661 

      www.bbcslln.ac.uk   

Press Release - 2011 BEST Awards – Faculty of Health Winner -an LLN funded

Posted on May 31, 2011

In 2010, as part of its Innovative Curriculum Development Project strand, the Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Lifelong Learning Network funded the development of a module in Dementia Care, to be accredited and delivered at FE/HE Levels 4 and 5, in partnership with the Birmingham Care Development Agency and Birmingham City University. 

In April 2011, the University launched its inaugural BCU Employable Students (BEST) Awards.  Catharine Jenkins, a senior lecturer in Mental Health Studies was nominated by the faculty and has won the award in category 1:  ‘Excellence in developing students’ employability and entrepreneurship through innovative curriculum activities or assessments’

Cathy worked to establish excellent educational opportunities for staff currently employed in both Care and Nursing Homes linked to Birmingham Care Development Agency. The course is specifically targeted at front line care staff, who are least likely to get access to educational opportunities, which enhances their employability and develops their approach to changes in practice and self development.

The module has now been delivered three times and has received excellent student and employer feedback indicating that the course is having a positive impact in both improving the care that service users receive and also enhancing the working lives and experiences for the staff undertaking this course.

 “The work which Cathy has undertaken shows innovative practice, commitment to the widening participation agenda and, most importantly, we have had positive feedback indicating lasting impact on practice. Students gain academic credits, confidence and enhanced job satisfaction and can use their learning to support career progression.” Victoria Clarke, Head of Department, Mental Health and Learning Disability

BBCSLLN Summer Conference

Posted on April 8, 2011

This event to be held on Thursday 23rd June 2011 at the Hawthorns Conference Centre, West Bromwich Albion Football Ground  from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This is your invitation to the BBC&S Lifelong Learning Network  Summer Conference, which will be co-sponsored by the Black Country Partnership for Learning.

The event is designed not only to give participants a strategic overview on perceptions of the current situation regarding developments at the F/HE interface and potential for continuing widening participation for vocational learners, but also workshops illustrative of the LLN’s successes this year and the legacy for handover to partners in 2011/12.

As promised, the conference will be launched by Professor Caroline Gipps, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton with an introductory perspective on the potential future of HE and widening participation in the emerging climate.  Other speakers will include:

 Professor Mary Carswell, Pro-Vice Chancellor for learning and teaching  academic quality assurance and enhancement at Birmingham City University

• Yvonne Perry , HEFCE Regional Consultant, who will look at strategic considerations of emerging Government Policy at the HE and FE interface
• Stewart Towe, Hadley Industries and Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership in the Black Country
• Victoria Waite and David Norman, HEFCE Policy Advisers  for Widening Participation and HE in FE  

Afternoon workshops will include practical developments focusing on F/HE Modular Developments, Higher Apprenticeships, Student Networks  and curriculum developments in Care and Construction which we anticipate will interest a wide range of partners  and  will enable you to celebrate the joint work within the Network over the last 5 years.

To book a place on the conference, please contact Pam Willock  0121 604 1000 ext 2660 or 0121 212 9205 or by e-mail at p.willock@ucb.ac.uk by Thursday 12th May. We look forward to hearing from you.