Western Vocational Lifelong Learning Network
Institutions
University of Bath (lead); University of Bristol; University of the West of England, Bristol; Bath Spa University; University of Gloucestershire; Open University South West; Royal Agricultural College and further education colleges.
Contact
Steve Dear, University of Bath in Swindon, Oakfield Campus, Marlowe Avenue, SWINDON, SN3 3JR, e-mail s.j.dear@bath.ac.uk, tel 01793 328821
Web-site
Award
£3.8 million
Period of funding
September 2006 - August 2011
Summary
The Western Vocational Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) serves the northern sub-region of the South West, including Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Swindon, and extending to Salisbury and Bridgwater. Seven higher education institutions and their associated colleges form the core partnership.
The aim of the LLN is to broaden access to vocational higher education at all levels by increasing progression into and through a range of learning opportunities. This aim includes the re-engagement of older learners.
The key strategies focus on:
agreeing and extending progression mechanisms, notably progression accords and pathways, across the network and publishing them within an interactive database that relates learners’ experience, qualifications and aspirations to opportunities
developing new curriculum ownership arrangements centred on subject strands in order to respond to training needs, ensure geographical coverage, and fill skills and progression gaps
commissioning an enabling curricula that facilitates the progression opportunities that will be made available to vocational learners, including the sharing and extension of innovative teaching and learning practice.
Last updated 10 June 2008