After a thorough review of Higher Education at Bolton College, which took place from 24th to 26th March 2014, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) has now confirmed that their report will commend the College for the enhancement of its student learning opportunities.
The enhancement of learning opportunities sits at the heart of quality standards for Higher Education therefore to receive a commendation for this sets the College well above UK expectations. Learning opportunities made available to higher education students at Bolton College include the significant integration of work-based learning into course delivery, in addition to a structured schedule of tutorials which ensures that positive progression is achieved.
The QAA visits both universities and colleges every five years in order to review the quality of higher education provision. The full report for Bolton College will be published in June.
Sharon Marriott, Director of Adult Learning and Higher Education at Bolton College, said: "We are absolutely delighted to achieve such positive recognition from the QAA for the quality of our higher education courses. Receiving this commendation is particularly pleasing because the new review model relies heavily on the views of our students, and we are proud that our students have praised us so highly."
Lesley Groom, Higher Education Co-ordinator, added: "The QAA has confirmed that the report is likely to highlight additional areas of good practice within Higher Education at the College, including 'vocationally relevant programmes that make use of employers to enhance the student experience'." An example of such a programme is the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, which is awarded by the University of West London. This two-year course requires the students to undertake a 200-hour hospital placement during each year, and ultimately leads to registration with the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust (HPSET).
Terri-Ann Worrall, who lives in Bolton and is currently studying the Foundation Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism, commented: "I'm really enjoying my course. It's part-time, so I get to spend one day a week at College and one day a week at a children's hospital. The tutors are extremely supportive and I love my placement at the hospital!"
Marie Gilluley, Principal of Bolton College, said: "We know that students achieve on our higher education courses, but it is fantastic to receive this endorsement from the higher education regulatory body. It demonstrates the extent to which we value our learners."
