Chris Carr column

Cumbria deserves centre of excellence and that’s what we aim to provide here

The last year has been a momentous and exciting one as Newton Rigg became part of our Askham Bryan College family.

Last updated 19 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Changes to the university fees system should help to increase participation

As the University of Cumbria welcomes new and returning students, the higher education sector finds itself on the brink of major changes that will affect how universities receive their funding and the implications this will have for students.

Last updated 24 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Make sure you learn to be flexible as the future is certain to be uncertain

You can never plan the future by the past, said that very famous Anglo-Irish thinker and politician Edmund Burke. He lived in amazing times, favouring the American Revolution and opposing the French one.

Last updated 18 June 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We have the keystones in place to deal with what changes come in in future

As my time at the University of Cumbria draws to a close, I can reflect on a tumultuous year: In the higher education sector in general and the university in particular, it felt as if every time we turned a corner in our progress, there was another major hurdle to be overcome.

Last updated 21 May 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Education and skills – the basis of growth

Eric Pickles, the Communities and Local Government Secretary, announced recently that there will be a new national network for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) brought together by the British Chambers of Commerce.

Last updated 21 April 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It’s not enough for opinions to be heard – they must shape decision-making too

A key part of my role is to act as a champion for children and young people.

Last updated 25 March 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It could be that it is youngsters who pay the price for keeping on-street parking

Guarding the purse strings and ensuring our taxes are spent properly are always key factors for public bodies but they appear even more pertinent now as the axe hangs over many family and children’s services.

Last updated 19 February 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Awe-inspiring spaces will ensure 2011 is a great year for education in Carlisle

January 4, 2011 will be a date I remember for as long as I live.

Last updated 22 January 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

With student fees set to rise, university must plan its provision with great care

The last few months have been eventful for all in the higher education (HE) sector. We had a time of anticipation and speculation prior to the publication of both Lord Browne’s report and the Government’s spending review which followed a week later.

Last updated 20 November 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Golden Apple awards remind us all in education that what we do matters

I am delighted that the shortlisted finalists for the Golden Apples Awards – the first CN Group Education and Learning Awards – are showcased in this issue of learning.

Last updated 23 October 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We’re working towards a common goal – improving the life chances for youngsters

It’s the start of a new academic year and I’m proud and happy to say that we’re in a really strong position.

Last updated 25 September 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Pride in young people’s achievements and best wishes for all of their futures

Congratulations to all our young people on their achievements this year.

Last updated 25 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

In these times of uncertainty, we have to remember why we do what we do

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”

Last updated 24 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Poor standards of literacy and numeracy won’t be helped by government cutbacks

I recently attended a multi-agency training event focussing on how to exercise leadership across and within collaborative partnerships.

Last updated 22 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We must use the best people in the field to create world-class schooling for all

We have been part of continuing education reform since the 1980s with 1997 onwards marking the moment of the most significant step change ever in the pace and focus of reform.

Last updated 27 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Ensuring all of our children receive the same learning opportunities is essential

Social inclusion and emotional well-being may sound like the latest buzzwords but ensuring all our children have the same opportunities to learn, achieve and enjoy and feel part of their school and community is not a fad.

Last updated 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Times are hard but be positive because support and help are available locally

New Year is traditionally a time for people to take stock and look at how they can make positive changes. Many will be thinking about their jobs, and wondering what the future holds for them.

Last updated 23 January 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Remember, having a degree gives you a financial premium in the jobs market

Perhaps we shouldn’t have been too surprised a few weeks ago when an old spectre reared its head in the world of education.

Last updated 21 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How politics and passion will shape our educational landscape for years to come

Virtually everyone you ever talk to has a view on education and training. Some are more knowledgeable than others, whereas for a few their entire belief system about learning is based on their own personal experience which may now be a collection of memories decades old.

Last updated 17 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

There’s more reason than ever to spend on student fees during this recession

An important element of government education policy for the last 11 years has been that it is in the interests of the country, and in the interests of a larger proportion of our population than hitherto, to continue in education beyond the minimum age when education is compulsory.

Last updated 19 January 2009
Published by http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk