Higher Thoughts
Youth unemployment: ‘A blight on our nation’s conscience’
It's hard to start 2012 in a glass-half-full state of mind, however optimistic you are generally. The economic climate is tough, and probably set to get tougher as the Government’s austerity programme bites deeper.
Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
A reduction in applications to university must not increase regional inequalities
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) has provided its first indication of undergraduate application rates to UK universities for next year.
Last updated 19 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
The consultation over higher education reforms contrast with change in schools
Everyone is gloomy about the coming months. After the wet and cold summer, the coolest since 1993, people feel powerless in the face of the cost of things going completely crazy – gas, electricity, food, rail fares, the list is endless.
Last updated 24 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Allowing market forces to join provision of mass education risks squeezing universities
As families across Cumbria prepare to see children leave for university – with many waiting with baited breath for August’s A-level results – the coalition Government has published its intentions for the future of universities.
Last updated 23 July 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Apprenticeships have served their time – but they’re still valuable tools for business
Cumbria is well on the way in its campaign, launched at the end of May by the National Apprentice Service, to create 100 new apprentices in 100 days.
Last updated 18 June 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Rebranded Department for Education has lost sight of children and families in need
Much chumminess accompanied the formation of the Con-Lib coalition Government a year ago. And this month the electorate punished the Liberal Democrats at the ballot box for being collaborators with the Conservatives in what the following morning even the Lib Dem leader, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, called “a return to Thatcherism”.
Last updated 21 May 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Universities and ‘Teaching Schools’
As the largest initial teacher education (teacher training) provider in the country the University of Cumbria has its ear particularly close to the ground as a number of new school improvement initiatives begin to take shape.
Last updated 21 April 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
‘No alternative’ bodes ill for hope for the future as cuts attack our youth services
Themba is the Zulu word for hope. It is also the acronym for ‘there must be an alternative’.
Last updated 19 February 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Seismic shifts mean future students will face a very different learning experience
The main deadline for University and Colleges Admission Service (Ucas) applications has closed for September 2011 entry, so it is a good time to reflect on the seismic changes presently facing those aspiring to be university students in the next few years.
Last updated 28 January 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Only way to fund higher education in the future seems to be increased contributions
Allowing universities to charge tuition fees was toxic from the outset.
Last updated 23 October 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
It is becoming more and more difficult to provide advice to our teachers of the future
The University of Cumbria provides lots of advice to potential students on careers in teaching, particularly now when year 13s are attending university open days and planning their applications for next year.
Last updated 25 September 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
It seems to me lifelong learning is alive and well... let’s hope it stays that way
I read a fascinating article recently on how Age Concern have developed an intergenerational version of Philosophy for Children in North Tyneside.
Last updated 24 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Heed the storm clouds on the horizon
Schools under the Department for Education have an enthusiast for US neoconservatism, Michael Gove, in charge. His legislation in the Queen’s Speech relating to academies and so-called ‘free schools’ is deeply ideological. Further and higher education are somewhat more fortunate.
Last updated 18 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Our Teacher Fellow Scheme is just one way we can work more closely with employers
For the last few years a key priority for many universities has been the development of effective ways of working more closely with employers.
Last updated 21 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
You now have the right to request time to train
With no great fanfare or eye-catching headlines a new legal right came into existence on April 6 which is of significance to the further education sector. It is the right to request ‘time to train’.
Last updated 2 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
We must remember that university students are adults and we all need to respect that
It is clear that parents, families and friends play a vital role supporting students as they go through university, whether this support is practical, emotional or financial.
Last updated 27 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
2010 could be a landmark year for education
In 1910 there were two General Elections and the year was dominated by the weather. One hundred years on and history looks as if it might repeat itself.
Last updated 26 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Resources must be targeted to where economic growth is likely
As the new year unfolds, planning in further education for the academic year 2010/11 is well underway, with targets and funding allocations due to be finalised by March 31.
Last updated 23 January 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Funding stability needed so universities can help the country out of the recession
Earlier this month the Government published its long awaited new framework for higher education (HE) in a document ‘ Higher Ambitions’.
Last updated 21 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
Joining the academic community – making a contribution to understanding the world
A few weeks ago thousands of excited and anxious, young and mature students arrived at the institution of their choice to embark upon a new phase in their life – as a university student.
Last updated 23 October 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk
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