14-19 Learning Pathways 

The University of Wales, Newport is committed to supporting the Welsh Assembly 14 -19 Learning Pathways. It has over the past 2 years made effective inroads in terms of partnership working, curriculum development, and instilling an entrepreneurial culture. The excellent practice of First Campus and the Schools and Colleges Liaison team has paved the way for CCLL to employ a full time 14 -19 Learning Pathways Coordinator to supplement and support this work.  As a Higher Education Institution, the University has embraced The Welsh Assembly Governments directive on 14 -19 Education and will continue to strategically maximise our strengths and activities in all sectors to achieve our aspiration of leading the field in 14 – 19 provision. 

The following key points are evidence of the good practice that currently exists at the University of Wales, Newport. This good practice is mapped out below against the institutional objectives:

*A provider of an excellent student experience  – The University is committed to providing  flexible curriculum at level 2,3,4 in partnership with Coleg Gwent and it 14 -19 Learning Area Network partners. Teaching and Learning has been successfully implemented at level 2,3 in media, animation, and music technology with the Torfaen and Newport Learning Area Networks (LAN’S)

Non accredited short courses have been delivered in Business & Entrepreneurship, Sports and Exercise Science, Fine Art and Contemporary Art in Medium of Welsh to pupils from Newport and Torfaen

Accredited 10, 20 and 40 credit modules at level 4 are planned as a pilot project. (Jan 09 – Mar 09) This project is in collaboration with the  School of Art Media and Design, working with 16 -18 yr olds from Torfaen

*A magnet for enterprise – The University has secured capital and core 14 -19 funding from Learning Area Networks. This funding has been used to:

Create a state of the art Media Suite to support the current and future teaching and learning needs of 14 -19 yr old students. This was a collaborative project supported by the Torfaen and Newport Learning Area Networks

Create opportunities for 14 -19 year old learners to access teaching and learning at the University Campus

*A source of excellence in learning and teaching – 14 -19 yr olds from Torfaen and Newport have worked alongside world recognised artists and professional sportsmen

Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllw have worked on a Welsh Medium project with Peter Finnamore World renowned Artist to supplement their A level studies and provide them with a University tutorial experience

Pupils from Newport and Torfaen have worked on a Sports and Healthy Lifestyles project in partnership with the  University and the Newport Gwent Dragons

*A hothouse for creativity – The University has identified the need for a Newport Learning Academy of Higher Education. This innovative concept will provide teaching and learning opportunities for 16 -19 yr olds from the Greater Gwent Learning Area Networks to access a wide and varied programme of Level 4 modules from across each of the Academic Schools within the University. The Academy is still in planning stages with a start date of Sept 09, but with a structure and organisation illustrated on page 

*An agent for social change and inclusion – The University has recently changed its mission statement to reflect the changing needs of Higher Education. The Welsh Assembly 14 -19 Learning Pathways agenda has clear symmetry with the new University mission. The introduction of Level 4 modules, for ‘Gifted and Talented’ 16 year olds reflect an innovative approach to inspire and enable individuals to succeed through innovation in high quality learning, research and enterprise (Level 4 modules planned for Jan 09)

*An engine for regeneration- The 14 -19 Learning Pathways are designed to raise the skill levels of young people thereby addressing the low skill/no skill deficits which characterise the disadvantaged areas of SE Wales.

The 14 -19 Learning Pathways Coordinator delivered    a presentation/paper titled “14 -19 Education within Higher Education” at the University of Wales, Newport.
CCLL, Regeneration Conference Oct 08 

The University has identified the need to provide teaching and learning opportunities in subject areas that will add value to the local economy. The demand areas are in  media, business, sports, and engineering

*A force for health and wellbeing  - The University has worked closely with pupils from the Torfaen & Newport Learning Area Networks on workshops lecturing on health, sport and well being in partnership with the School of Health and Social Sciences

*A hub for collaboration – the University is represented at the Executive Strategic Committees within the Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Monmouthshire Learning Area Networks. The University has recently been invited to attend the Learning Area Network in Blaenau Gwent.  The CCLL 14 -19 Learning Pathways Coordinator is the Chair for 2008 – 2010 Torfaen Learning Area Network.

For further information contact Tom Croke (01633) 432997  Email Tom.croke@newport.ac.uk