Breaking the Exam
Constrictions
click on the headings below to read more.
click on the headings below to read more.
A Network for Change
The College
'networks' its tutors as experts in their fields from
the local community, nationally and internationally,
giving the students enthusiasm, context and
tangibility. We also have an increasing interest from
teachers who are aware that many subjects can all too
easily become sterile and dry due to serious time
pressures and over specialisation and wish to take
part in this 'network for change'.
A Learning Quest
The college
attracts motivated students locally as well as
nationally and internationally and recommends the
two-year course. The first year being a foundation
course leading to a more independent research project
in the second year.
The course is well balanced with practical and theoretical content in all subject areas. The fundamental approach throughout the two-year programme is to promote a holistic learning quest. In particular there is a conscious fusion of science and art (a Chemistry project may work with the connections between chemistry and music - the number relationships between atomic weights and musical intervals - a Drama project may be integrated with mask making.)
Subjects are studied through a series of thematic projects - each of which is multi-disciplinary and cross-curricular - focusing on topics such as:
Environmental Science, Rough Science, Community Projects, Science and Technology, English/Creative Writing, combined with Storytelling and Drama.
The course is well balanced with practical and theoretical content in all subject areas. The fundamental approach throughout the two-year programme is to promote a holistic learning quest. In particular there is a conscious fusion of science and art (a Chemistry project may work with the connections between chemistry and music - the number relationships between atomic weights and musical intervals - a Drama project may be integrated with mask making.)
Subjects are studied through a series of thematic projects - each of which is multi-disciplinary and cross-curricular - focusing on topics such as:
Environmental Science, Rough Science, Community Projects, Science and Technology, English/Creative Writing, combined with Storytelling and Drama.
Accreditation
Students
produce a portfolio of project work, which is
accredited by the Open College Network, a national
innovative accreditation body with a high focus on
quality assurance.
Nothing new!
John Ruskin
wrote in 1867 -"that every youth in the state - from
the King's son downwards - should learn to do
something finely and thoroughly with his hand, so as
to let him know what touch meant and what
craftsmanship meant. Let him once learn to take a
straight shaving off a plank, or draw a fine curve
without faltering, or lay a brick level in its
mortar, and he has learned a multitude of other
matters which no lips of man could ever teach him."
It is to this end that the College strives to succeed
by ensuring the bridge between the phases of
adolescence and adulthood through the practical and
intellectual relationship that sustains healthy
individual development, whilst helping the young
person to find their place in the wider world.