News archive

• Student Network Sussex - July Newsletter
  11 Jul 2008

  The latest newsletter from Student Network Sussex - containing news and views from students, and student focussed information - can now be found on their website.
• EL2 caught on camera
  4 Jul 2008

  Two short films capture the flavour of the issues and technologies being discussed by practitioners in education and e-learning at our Exploring e-Learning Technologies event on 03 June 2008
• Anne Colbourne iPod winner
  3 Jul 2008

  Anne Colbourne was the lucky winner of an iPod Touch, after her name was selected from all those completing a questionnaire as part of the Sussex Learning Network student study.
• Learning Opportunities in Sussex: our new booklet
  2 Jul 2008

  Hot off the press our new Learning Opportunities booklet provides information and advice about higher education for vocational learners and those who advise them. Order your free copies today!
• Information about day 3 - Learning from practice (26 June)
  17 Jun 2008

  This day brought together practitioners and local employers and included a debate about what the skills agenda. Conference summary and photos coming soon!
• Information about day 2 - Learning from research (25 June)
  17 Jun 2008

  This conference brought together over 50 researchers with an interest in practitioner research into vocational learning. Conference summary and photos coming soon!
• Information about day 1 - Learning about the 14-19 diplomas (24 June)
  2 Jun 2008

  The new diplomas for 14-19 year olds will be available from September 2008. These are and will remain a controversial topic. Conference summary available soon!
• The Brighton Factor: New graduates and their local labour market
  28 May 2008

  Just over 3,000 final year students from the University of Sussex were contacted to find out about their thoughts about their time at university, their expectations and plans for when they finished their courses and whether they anticipated staying on in Brighton and Hove upon graduation.
• University Vocational Awards Council - Newsletter
  28 May 2008

  UVAC release the latest edition of their bi-monthly newsletter
• Exploring e-Learning Technologies - 03 June 2008
  18 May 2008

  Following the highly successful Exploring e-Learning Technologies event in February, there is a further opportunity to gain hands on experience of a range of e-Learning technologies on 3 June.
• THREE BY THE SEA - 24, 25, 26 June - SLN Annual Conference
  29 Apr 2008

  The third SLN Annual Conference had something for everyone with an interest in vocational learning - employers, practitioners and researchers. Thanks to all who came and contributed to its success!
• Sussexroutes - progression agreements online
  27 Apr 2008

  Sussexroutes is a groundbreaking online tool enabling learners to search over 200 special agreements supporting progression into and through higher education in Sussex.
• Curriculum, Curriculum, Curriculum
  26 Apr 2008

  SLN Foundation Degree Symposium 2008. Copies of the two keynote presentations and photographs from the day are now available.
• Creative media event - 29 April 2008
  22 Apr 2008

  A networking event in Haywards Heath for all those involved in the creative arts and new media field. Curriculum leads and specialists are particularly encouraged to attend. Find out more!
• Never say never!
  17 Apr 2008

  As seen in the Argus: come along to this SLN sponsored event on 22-23 April to find out more about developing your knowledge, skills and earning power. Read full article.
• Lifelong Learning Networks will help to increase opportunities for vocational learners
  14 Apr 2008

  An interim report published on 11 April 2008 by HEFCE shows that Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) will help to gradually improve the progression opportunities for vocational learners.
• Cheers to Angela's success
  8 Apr 2008

  Angela Kirkpatrick is the winner of the Foundation Degree Learner of the Year Award 2008, sponsored by Student Network Sussex. Watch the videos and find out more...
• Financing Your Future - Aimhigher leaflet
  7 Apr 2008

  Trying to work out how much going to university or college is going to cost can be daunting. Take a few minutes to read this new booklet – it can help you work out how much financial help you could get from the government and universities and colleges in Sussex.
• SLN The challenge for admissions - 21 May 2008
  20 Mar 2008

  Do you work in FE or HE in Sussex? To find out all you need to know about progression agreements locally, and see the new online progression tool in action, book now to attend this event.
• Angela Kirkpatrick wins FD Learner of the Year Award 2008
  14 Mar 2008

  Angela is studying at Plumpton College on her final year of a Foundation Degree in Wine Business.
• Students explore Second Life at Sussex
  12 Mar 2008

  From role play in mental health to helping catch drug dealers - Sussex students have been exploring how Second Life can be used to create interactive learning experiences.
• Foundation degree symposium events for 2008
  11 Mar 2008

  SLN Foundation Degree Symposium: next twilight session 15 May 2008, Work based learning and Foundation degrees: what works and what doesn't Places available book now!
• New higher education centres to broaden provision
  5 Mar 2008

  A new DUIS consultation titled, 'A new "University Challenge"' aims to open up significant new opportunities for developing new centres of higher education in towns and cities.
• The Future for Lifelong Learning: An Independent Commission of Inquiry
  5 Mar 2008

  A new briefing has been released from an independent commission looking at the future of lifelong learning.
• HEFCE to provide 105 million pound to expand employer engagement courses
  27 Feb 2008

  HEFCE will provide at least £105 million over the next three years to support the development of courses where the cost is jointly shared by the individual, the state and the employer.
• 10 percent of Level 3 qualifications now achieved through vocational routes
  27 Feb 2008

  The LSC have reported that the proportion of 16 to 19 year-olds achieving Level 3 qualifications via vocational routes has risen from 3.5% to 10.1% compared to this time last year.
• Employers could gain significant new powers to shape higher education degrees
  27 Feb 2008

  A leaked government paper suggest that they will be devoting the bulk of extra university funding over the next three years to degrees jointly designed and funded by employers.
• Learning Opportunities in Sussex
  21 Feb 2008

  "Learning Opportunities" provides information and advice about higher education and includes ‘ask an adviser’, a Personal Planning Pack, information sheets and much more. Now including information on careers.
• Northbrook College HE provision commended
  21 Feb 2008

  The Quality Assurance Agency has commended Northbrook College Sussex for its higher education provision on assessment, achievement and on evaluation.
• Foundation Degree Marketing Study Released
  15 Feb 2008

  Papworth Research & Consultancy, commissioned by the Sussex Learning Network, have carried out a study assessing the effectiveness of various approaches to the marketing of foundation degrees in Sussex, and exploring other potentially effective marketing techniques.
• Collaborative Training Centre events
  13 Feb 2008

  From 'Practical marketing for business' to 'Automotive air conditioning'. The CTC at the University of Brighton have released a list of short courses for 2008.
• Employer-accredited training announced
  11 Feb 2008

  QCA's announcement allows commercial companies the ability to award nationally accredited qualifications to employees.
• Record number of students gain university places
  18 Jan 2008

  Recent UCAS figures show a record 5.8% increase in university student places, which includes a proportional increase in mature students and those from lower socio-economic groups.
• A new skill is high on new year wish list
  18 Jan 2008

  A nationwide study shows that learning a new skill is high on the wish list of achievements for nearly a quarter of Britain’s adults this year
• Cambridge Pre-University qualification goes national
  17 Jan 2008

  The exams watchdog is preparing to back a controversial alternative to A-levels designed to prepare an academic elite for university, it is claimed today.
• Student Network Sussex - New Articles
  16 Jan 2008

  A series of new articles have been added to the Student Network Sussex website. These include work placement experiences and an update from last year's award winner.
• 'Flashers' win Curriculum Team quiz
  20 Dec 2007

  The e-Learning Team, Aimhigher's Liz Allen, and Health & Social Care's Chris Taylor formed the winning team 'Flashers', scooping the prize at the SLN Christmas Quiz. Find out more...
• SLN launch FdSc Rangiferine Studies
  17 Dec 2007

  A class of 12 elves have enrolled onto this year's vocational higher education course in Reindeer (Rangiferine) Management. Supported by a KTP programme and S.Claus Ltd. Find out more...
• SLN e-Learning Event - 13 February 2008
  11 Dec 2007

  This event offers some 'hands-on' opportunities for interaction with a number of innovative learning technologies, an introduction to the free OpenLearn study materials. A few places left!
• Funding Boost for Higher Level Skills in the Workforce
  5 Dec 2007

  Government announces new funding, rising to at least £50 million a year by 2010-11, to support innovative ways for Higher Education to work with employers to meet their skills needs.
• UVAC: Work Based Learning - Excellence in Practice
  4 Dec 2007

  UVAC have released a special edition of their newsletter, which focuses exclusively on the presentations, discussions and outcomes from the annual conference.
• UniStats Website Launched
  4 Dec 2007

  Unistats is the official website launched to help learners compare subjects at universities and colleges in the UK. Find out more...
• Creative arts and new media networking lunch
  19 Nov 2007

  Meet colleagues and share experiences on employer engagement and facilitating learner progression agreements.
  29 November 2007
• Do you use OU course materials in your teaching?
  14 Nov 2007

  Do you want to? The SLN e-Learning Project is running a Workshop on re-mixing open content materials
  4 December 2007.
• Sussex Foundation Degree Learner of the Year Award 2008
  14 Nov 2007

  If you are a Foundation Degree student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to your learning, then you should be entering the Spring Awards now! Nominations closed
• Success of new Diplomas dependent on future of A Levels
  12 Nov 2007

  "The government has to be clearer about whether A Levels and GCSEs are to be included in the Diploma framework or whether they will be run parallel to it."
• SLN publishes second year review
  8 Nov 2007

  The SLN has published a review of its second year of activity, highlighting key areas of development and progress against the delivery plan 2006-08.
• e-Learning project puts Sussex on the map
  7 Nov 2007

  SLN e-Learning project puts Sussex on the map of Open Educational Resources. e-Learning team members participated in the Open University's recent OpenLearn Conference.
• Proposals invited
  6 Nov 2007

  SLN invites proposals for student research project as part of its overall evaluation
• Facilitating learner progression in Sussex
  2 Nov 2007

  A launch event for learner progression in Sussex in hospitality, travel, tourism and retail education featuring presentations and a reception.
  19 November 2007
• SLN launches new Research zone - find out more
  31 Oct 2007

  The Research zone includes details of the current research projects, as well as a repository of completed research reports and publications; facts, figures and statistics, and labour market information.
• New Diplomas welcomed, while A-level review postponed
  26 Oct 2007

  Organisations from across the education sector broadly welcomed the introduction of the 14-19 Diplomas and the government's postponement of the review of A-levels to 2013.
• Tackling troublesome knowledge
  24 Oct 2007

  'Threshold concepts’ and ‘troublesome knowledge’ were explored by the e-learning team in a very successful workshop at the University of Sussex.
• SLN launches new Employer zone
  18 Oct 2007

  The SLN has launched its new Employer zone, packed with useful information, case studies and fact sheets about vocational higher education.
• Opening doors to higher engineering
  17 Oct 2007

  "I wanted to obtain a qualification that would open doors to higher engineering positions and provide a real career progression path." Read more
• Demand for shorter, taught courses rises
  17 Oct 2007

  'Demand for shorter, taught courses and more professionally-orientated postgraduate qualifications has risen', the Financial Times suggests, in an article examining the long-term decline in PhDs.
• Discover blogs and wikis!
  4 Oct 2007

  The SLN e-Learning project team is developing a range of resources, the first of which is now available. Discover more about blogs and wikis in our Open Learn webspace.
• Free online ordering for leaflets, bookmarks, pens, bags and more...
  1 Oct 2007

  The SLN online shop has opened for business. Order your free SLN products here to support your institution or event.
• Postgraduate Certificate in E-Learning Design
  19 Sep 2007

  If you're a trainer looking to move into e-learning, or an e-learning designer wishing to extend your knowledge and fill in any gaps, this course is for you...
• Unionlearn launch careers advice line
  19 Sep 2007

  Free learning and careers advice line launched, in partnership with learndirect, at the TUC Congress in Brighton.
• Chichester College - 'Principal of the year'
  19 Sep 2007

  The principal of Chichester College, Dr Richard Parker, has been named 'Principal of the year' in a national awards ceremony.
• Report sheds light on higher level skills needs
  19 Sep 2007

  A new report by StepAhead Research into employment & skills in the Gatwick Diamond has been launched.
• Universities minister calls on universities to offer more part-time degrees
  17 Sep 2007

  The government has urged universities to increase the number of adult students by offering more evening classes and part-time degrees.
• Closer ties with the world of work
  13 Sep 2007

  John Denham, the Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills, is expected to announce a big expansion of evening classes, weekend courses and part-time degrees for adults in higher education.
• Professional development in Health and Social Care
  3 Sep 2007

  Exciting opportunity for lecturers to gain experience of e-learning communication technology
• Forthcoming event: Exploring e-learning with the SLN
  3 Sep 2007

  Join the e-Learning team in the Creativity Zone, University of Sussex, on 2nd October in an interactive workshop exploring the potential of e-Learning.
• Report on university 'non-courses' branded academic snobbery
  25 Aug 2007

  Universities groups criticise report released by the Taxpayers’ Alliance which argues that hundreds of university degrees are ‘non-courses’ and a waste of public money.
• 'Training is key' in choice of graduate employer
  23 Aug 2007

  Graduates rate training and development more highly than the salary they will be paid, a poll suggests.
• Embrace Leitch or lose out to FE, sector warned
  25 Jul 2007

  THES article suggests that 'skills revolution' poses dilemma for universities.
• Apprenticeship: A key route to skill
  24 Jul 2007

  "Apprenticeship: A key route to skill", published by the House of Lords Select Committee on Economic Affairs.
• Implementing the Leitch Review of Skills in England
  19 Jul 2007

  "World Class Skills: implementing the Leitch Review of Skills in England" is the Government’s response to the independent Leitch Review of Skills.
• A third of prospective students will live at home
  18 Jul 2007

  Almost a third of young people starting at university this autumn intend to stay in their family home to avoid getting into debt, a survey suggests.
• House of Lords debate skills and the careers service
  18 Jul 2007

  A debate was held in the House of Lords on 28 June 2007 on skills and the careers service.
• First LSC skills campaign newsletter released
  18 Jul 2007

  The Learning and Skills Council release their first skills campaign newsletter.
• Graduate jobs rise, but pay is down
  10 Jul 2007

  The job market for graduates continues to remain buoyant - but there are signs in some areas that starting salaries are declining, research suggests.
• Brown targets work skills
  9 Jul 2007

  A DfES departmental revamp reflects the focus of the Leitch Report, with the creation of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
• The Changing Landscape of HE in FE: An International Perspective
  2 Jul 2007

  Notes and presentations from the ESCalate event are now available.
• Underpinning learning, teaching and assessment with pedagogic research
  2 Jul 2007

  An event on 19 October will showcase some of the ways in which colleagues at the University of Brighton and partner colleges are using pedagogic research.
• Special arrangements for Sussex learners
  28 Jun 2007

  Organisations across Sussex sign up to supporting local learners to progress. Latest: SLN Board approve first SVPA agreements
• Engaging senior managers in the skills agenda
  28 Jun 2007

  Engaging senior managers in an active dialogue about the skills agenda has been identified as a priority in a recent report on employer engagement and higher level skills in the South East
• QAA launches new diploma
  28 Jun 2007

  A new nationally-recognised, diploma qualification will be available to all who successfully complete an Access to Higher Education course.
• Personalised learning plans in LLNs
  8 Jun 2007

  A HEFCE report presents the outcomes of a study designed to help LLNs to develop good practice in personalised learning plans.
• Report identifies land-based studies are strategically important to the nation
  8 Jun 2007

  HEFCE commissioned an independent review of land-based studies courses to identify any mismatch between supply and demand.
• Places available on courses across Sussex
  18 May 2007

  Whether you’re looking to get qualified, make a career change or want to get on in work, there’s something to suit you.
• 32 percent of graduates look for employment leading to a professional qualification
  16 May 2007

  The UK Graduate Careers Survey 2007 produced in association with The Times has been released.
• Second Life - what is it all about?
  15 May 2007

  The 2007 Eduserv Foundation Symposium focused on Second Life. This is your opportunity to find out what it's all about and assess its relevance for your teaching.
• Learning Together Project - evaluation
  11 May 2007

  An independent evaluation of learning programme for the community and voluntary sector in Sussex has been released.
• SLN e-Learning Conference - follow up
  9 May 2007

  With over 110 participants and a tangible buzz in the air, the event was a great success. Use our wiki to contribute your feedback and to find out more!
• Foundation degree symposium - follow up survey
  3 May 2007

  We are offering you the chance to continue to build on the work begun at the symposium. Workshop summaries and photos are now available. Please complete our online survey!
• Plumpton College open day
  25 Apr 2007

  Plumpton College open day will showcase courses from floristry to metalsmithing; agriculture to wine production. Saturday 12 May 2007, 10am-5pm
• SLN Annual Conference 2007
  25 Apr 2007

  See the summaries, materials and photos from each of the seven conferences.
• SLN e-Learning Conference - News update
  25 Apr 2007

  The SLN e-Learning Conference on the 9 May 2007 now includes visits to the Creativity Zone at Sussex University.
• LLN National Forum - curriculum workshops
  25 Apr 2007

  Curriculum specific workshops organised by the Lifelong Learning Networks National Forum
• Catherine's star performance
  3 Apr 2007

  Catherine Roberts from Northbrook College Sussex wins the SLN sponsored Foundation Degree Learner of the Year Award 2007
• Does communicating online facilitate learning?
  21 Mar 2007

  Upcoming SLN communication project compares the use and effectiveness of different online communication tools.
• SLN e-Learning Conference - now booking
  8 Mar 2007

  A programme for the SLN e-Learning Conference on the 9 May 2007 has been released. Use our online booking form to reserve your place now!
• New consultants appointed to Arts & New Media
  7 Mar 2007

  New consultants are engaged to work within the SLN Arts & New Media curriculum area, drawing in a range of expertise in specific subject areas from institutions across Sussex.
• Vocational HE applications in Sussex up by 871
  1 Mar 2007

  UCAS applications for Foundation Degrees and HNDs in Sussex increase by 871.
• Are top-up fees driving rise in popularity of vocational courses?
  21 Feb 2007

  Vocational courses are continuing to rise in popularity, but does this mean students are choosing courses more with their heads than their hearts?
• Increasing fees could bring increasing expectations for careers advice
  21 Feb 2007

  With the introduction of higher fees, students and parents are chasing the best deals for everything, including better support from careers services.
• Emphasising vocational skills achieves widened participation
  21 Feb 2007

  Guardian higher education summit shows that widening participation and involving under-represented groups are most likely to be achieved by emphasising vocational skills.
• Delivering world class skills in a demand led system
  14 Feb 2007

  DFES and LSC seek views on the proposed reforms required to deliver the adult skills, employer skills and 14-19 challenges.
• One in three adults return to learning
  14 Feb 2007

  New research from the Learning and Skills Council shows that 35% of people choose to return to learning as adults.
• Award for Sussex vocational marketing campaign
  14 Feb 2007

  Central Sussex College wins national marketing award for its part in marketing an innovative scheme for school leavers.
• February newsletter for LLN practitioners
  14 Feb 2007

  The latest newsletter from the Lifelong Learning Networks National Forum.
• Seminar reveals breadth and diversity of SLN activities
  9 Feb 2007

  SLN curriculum leads present an update on activities at SLN Board seminar.
• Sussex learning and labour market profile released by the LSC
  7 Feb 2007

  The report provides an analysis of the socio-economic profile, labour market and skills supply and demand in Sussex
• Vocational student short-listed for national film award
  7 Feb 2007

  Northbrook College Sussex student Adam Rencontre was short-listed for the prestigious prize while studying for a First Diploma in Media.
• HEFCE release key statistics on foundation degrees
  7 Feb 2007

  The report covers the trends in student numbers, the characteristics of programmes, attributes of students, students' feedback, progression and qualification rates and progression to further study.
• A higher education means 20-25 percent higher earnings
  7 Feb 2007

  A new report from Universities UK, the vice-chancellors’ umbrella body, today highlights the economic benefits associated with higher education qualification attainment.
• Providing higher education style experience for 16-19
  6 Feb 2007

  The QCA have provided guidance on how the use of HE modules can enhance the development of higher-level skills needed for success in HE and beyond.
• Symposium: Foundation Degrees five years on
  1 Feb 2007

  A symposium on 20 April for all those in Sussex with an interest in foundation degrees. Fully Booked
• Fostering closer working: SLN and Aimhigher Sussex
  30 Jan 2007

  Sussex organisations collaborate to focus on improved delivery of services for vocational learners
• SLN funding available for practitioner research projects
  24 Jan 2007

  SLN offers funding for research into the experiences of vocational learners and those who support them. Applications closed
• Success for vocational students at Central Sussex College
  24 Jan 2007

  Students from Central Sussex College successfully complete Level 4 City & Guilds Higher Professional Certificate in Technical Salon Management.
• Vocational A levels and university entry: is there parity of esteem?
  24 Jan 2007

  New Higher Education Policy Institute report considers the relationship between vocational and academic Level 3 qualifications.
• Universities call for clarity over employer-backed degrees
  17 Jan 2007

  Academics remain confused about the government's plans for "employer demand-led funding", which Education Secretary Alan Johnson expects to generate an extra 15,000 student places.
• Learning at work: learning what works in Sussex
  17 Jan 2007

  Innovative approach to SLN annual conference, to be held on 20 and 21 June 2007.
• Plumpton students set to ride to success with help of new technology
  17 Jan 2007

  Vocational learners studying equine courses at Plumpton College are benefiting from an exciting new resource. The simulator horse will help those learning to ride, as well as offering new opportunities for research.
• Vocational degrees blurring the boundaries between universities and colleges?
  17 Jan 2007

  Two students studying higher level vocational courses, one at a further education college and the other at a university. Described as 'different but equal', are they really equal, and what is the difference?
• Are you an employer who has benefited from higher education?
  10 Jan 2007

  Have you used higher education to develop your workforce and business? Has higher education helped you develop your knowledge, career or skills?
• The challenges for shaping the future of Access to higher education
  10 Jan 2007

  Access as a dynamic and innovative force for progression - regional OCN conference looks to the future of vocational education and training. 21 March 2007, London.
• SLN prize draw winner provides vocational training
  20 Dec 2006

  An entry level qualification with Re:Fresh could be the first step on the path to qualifying with an honours degree from a university in Sussex.
• Students wanted for new consultancy projects in Sussex
  18 Dec 2006

  A new series of projects, funded by the SLN, will create new resources (including a website and newsletter) for vocational students in Sussex.
• Season's greetings from the Sussex Learning Network
  13 Dec 2006

  The staff of the Sussex Learning Network would like to wish you season’s greetings and a happy new year!
• SLN Delivery Plan 2006-08 now available online
  13 Dec 2006

  The new Sussex Learning Network delivery plan is now available for download. The plan sets out the SLN's aims and commitments for the period 2006-08.
• Successful launch event highlights the challenge ahead for the SLN
  6 Dec 2006

  Over 70 partners from across Sussex joined the SLN to launch its delivery plan 2006-08 at an evening reception on 28 November.
• Sussex Downs College wins Beacon Edge Award
  6 Dec 2006

  The Multimedia team at Sussex Downs College has just been presented with a Beacon Award for Practical Teaching and Practical Learning.
• Lord Leitch publishes review of long term skills needs
  6 Dec 2006

  Employers should drive the UK's skills agenda to ensure the country can remain economically competitive in the decades to come, the Leitch review recommended on Tuesday.
• HEFCE Consultation: higher education in further education colleges
  6 Dec 2006

  HEFCE launch a consultation seeking views of: the role of HE in FECs, strategic development of provision, proposals for centres for HE excellence in colleges, funding and relationships.
• Universities boss blasts vocational degree critics
  30 Nov 2006

  "Far from being 'Mickey Mouse', these new degree courses are actually meeting the needs of industries worth billions of pounds a year to the UK economy"
• Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education Released
  24 Nov 2006

  "progression to higher education can be problematic for those with vocational qualifications, and there is a need for these qualifications to be viewed and utilised more positively."
• Lifelong Learning Networks National Forum
  24 Nov 2006

  Creating a national resource for the exchange of ideas and good practice in the LLN community: the LLN National Forum launches its website and holds its first conference.
• Sussex Foundation Degree Learner of the Year Award 2007
  24 Nov 2006

  If you are a Foundation Degree student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to your learning, then you should be entering the Spring Awards now!
• Research Seminar on the work of the Sussex Learning Network
  24 Nov 2006

  Pete Odgers and Conor Sheehan are leading the SLN’s work on Travel, Tourism and Retail. They are holding a Seminar on 29 November to tell colleagues about the implications of their work.