1. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin
25 November 2011 Issue 104
Feedback from AoC Annual Conference 2011
This year’s Conference was the biggest to date and feedback to date has been positive. I hope
that the colleagues from London Colleges who attended the Conference found things to interest
and inform them from the hundreds of sessions on offer. One session which seemed to go
down particularly well this year was a new one, the Policy Update session led by AoC Deputy
Chief Executive, Lesley Davies. As a result of the good feedback we’ve had on that session,
we’ve booked Lesley to come along and give a Policy Update at the Regional Forum on
Tuesday 13 March. We look forward to seeing as many Chairs and Principals (or their
Deputies) there as possible. But we hope to see you long before that, at one of our regional
forums or networks. If you’d like more information about them, the dates of forthcoming
meetings, who attends, what topics are on the agenda, please contact Rebecca Breen and sign
up if you like the sound of them.
Feedback from Marketing Committee
At the Marketing Committee meeting on 9 November the Committee received an update on
WorldSkills work. The overall marketing analysis will be available from AoC National in the
near future and AOC London Region are continuing with WorldSkills Legacy work.
The meeting also received updates regarding student recruitment and londoncolleges.com and
planned the Marketing Managers’ Network event on 8 December.
This event will focus on Colleges in their Communities and also intends to have a session
concerning improving 16-18 recruitment and IAG issues. There will also be an opportunity to
share case-studies and good practice. For further details please contact our office.
WorldSkills UK 2012
Competition entries for 2012
UK Skills staff are moving into the National Apprenticeships
Service office on Monday, 28 November to complete the
harmonisation process. Competitions are now branded as
WorldSkillsUK (WSUK) as opposed to UK Skills with the new
logo shown above. Entries for the next round of competitions will
close on 15 March, 2012 but you should keep an eye on the
worldskillsuk.org web site to check details. You can also phone
0800 612 0742 or e-mail enquiries@worldskillsuk.org
The competitions information session held at South Thames on Tuesday, 22 November proved
very successful. Carshalton College is celebrating winning the WorldSkills Games Development
Competition. The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, West Thames and
South Thames Colleges, who hosted the event, also competed and brought plenty of supporters

2. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 25 November 2011
with them. ‘This is hopefully the first of many
competitions with plans for concept art and level
design rounds next year. Prizes included
WorldSkills medals and exposure in the industry
plus a great achievement for students to add to
their CV’, says Maxine Alexander, Marketing and
Publicity Manager at Carshalton College.
We can also supply you with a copy of the
presentation on competitions given by Parisa
Shirazi from NAS to the Quality and Curriculum
Group in October. Please contact Rebecca Breen.
Photo credit: Carshalton College
WorldSkills UK 2012
Details of the WorldSkills legacy were presented by David Cragg from the Skills Funding
Agency to Principals both at the London event and at the AoC Conference last week. Planning
for the national competitions final to be held in 2012 has already started. Some of the staff who
worked for WorldSkills London 2011 are transferring into the new organisation taking
responsibility for running the event. Exact dates and the venue are yet to be announced, but it
will not be in London. All the additional activities such as showcasing and have a Go will be
part of the event, which will be about half the size of WSL2011. If successful, there will be a
similar event somewhere in the UK every year to serve as a showcase for Vocational Education.
Lastly, a quick reminder that Colleges can bid for capital equipment from WSL2011 and apply
for up to 50% of the cost in the form of a grant from the Skills Funding Agency. The offer is
about to be opened up more widely so hurry to take advantage of it! Details are available at
http://www.worldskills2011.com/equipment-sale
Times Education Supplement FE Awards: congratulations to London
Winners
Congratulations to the three London Colleges
that won TES FE awards this year.
Outstanding provider of the Year
Sponsored by LSIS
BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College, London
Outstanding Entrepreneurship in Learning and
Skills
Barking and Dagenham College, Essex
Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team
Sponsored by Wow! Marketing &
Communications Management Photo credit: Barking & Dagenham College
BSix Brooke House SixthForm College, London
Outstanding Estates Team
City of Westminster College, London
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3. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 25 November 2011
Shared Services Efficiency Innovation Fund (EIF) projects
As you are aware AoC is starting to share with the sector information on the EIF Projects. Part
of this remit has included developing material for the AoC National conference which is now
available on line for Colleges to view. Please go to the Shared Services web page to view:
eight case studies
two videos on individual EIF projects that were shown at the AoC National Conference
last week
the Shared Services research evaluation report.
London Skills and Employment Observatory evaluation
The London Skills and Employment Observatory (LSEO) is a central source of information,
research and data on all skills and employment issues for London. An evaluation of the
services it provides is currently being completed. The LSEO would like to interview
Colleges that are not currently using the website to discuss how the Observatory could be
developed to best meet their needs. If you would like to take part in the evaluation please
call Malen Davies on 0207 840 8336 or email malen.davies@cesi.org.uk.
London Skills and Observatory: http://lseo.org.uk/
Student Success Stories of the Fortnight
Uxbridge College Students in Channel 4 Comedy
Uxbridge College students have appeared in an episode of the Channel 4 comedy Pete Versus
Life, starring Rafe Spall.
One episode of the show, which is on its second season, included footage filmed at the
College’s Hayes Community Campus, including in the theatre. These facilities are normally
used by students on dance, drama and production arts courses, as well as for community
events.
The episode features a fashion show, and
around 20 performing arts students were
used as extras during filming.
One media student, Ben Eames, worked
with the production team on various
aspects of the project over the three days,
getting a real insight into the technical
elements of filming for TV.
Two hair styling students also worked with
the production company’s hair and make-
up department, with Katherine Wallis also
being used as an extra – styling hair - in the
filming of the backstage area of the fashion
show. Photo credit: Uxbridge College
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4. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 25 November 2011
Rachel Lane, Performing Arts Section Manager, said: “'There are so many opportunities within
Performing Arts and the qualifications we offer provide our learners with a fantastic head start
as well as a true insight into how the industry works.
“Uxbridge College presents great advantages for students in and around the area, and with our
location being so near to both Central London and Pinewood Studios, we have been able to
build good links within the film and television industry.”
Recent meetings
Date Event/meeting Attendees Agenda
8 Nov Meeting with KA Catch up meeting
Caroline Allen,
Orchard Hill College
8 Nov London Councils: KA The agenda included: policy/Consultations
Young People's update, 16-19 Funding and Programme
Education and Skills Consultation, YPES Vision and Strategy
Board meeting Consultation, YPES Indicative Budget 2012 -
GLA ESF Proposed Youth Priorities and
Learner Voice.
10 Nov LSIS Seminar at KA Discussions on: emerging perspectives
Croydon College about the role and purpose of FE and skills
in the evolving context of greater freedom
and devolution, the implications of different
visions and purposes within the regional
and local context, the implications for LSIS
services and consider how LSIS might
support sector leaders in realising these
future roles and purposes, inform LSIS’s
strategic planning, including identifying
further development, prototyping, research
and evidence needed to support the sector
into 2012 and beyond.
10 Nov Meeting with KA, JS Discussion about potential workshop for
Graham Robb, Youth London Colleges on the youth justice
Justice Board system and how to improve communication
about ex- offenders re-entering education
and training
11 Nov Business manifesto JS Discussions held in order to find out what
for the next Mayor of the priorities for the candidates should be in
London, breakfast on tertiary education, employment and skills.
Education, With the education sector facing once in a
Employment & Skills generation funding and policy changes;
youth unemployment being a contributory
factor to the London riots; and restrictions
on student immigration getting tighter, this
policy area is expected to play a significant
part in the forthcoming mayoral election.
11 Nov The future direction KA Discussions included: streamlined funding,
on funding for the need for change – Education Funding
Further Education Agency, Wolf, Raising the Participation Age
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5. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 25 November 2011
Colleges : KPMG and funding simplification, New 16-19
event funding formula and a view from the sector.
14 Nov Meeting with Jen KA Discussion on Skills London 2012 and how
Delderfield Skills London Colleges can get involved
London 2012
15-17 Nov Annual Conference, KA, JS, RB AoC Annual Conference.
Birmingham
22 Nov Meeting with KA, JS Discussion around issues of shared interest
Michael Burke, Ken for London Colleges
Linvingstone's
campaign team
Future meetings
Date Event/meeting Attendees Agenda
28 Nov Meeting with Skills KA Agenda to be confirmed
Funding Agency
Chief Executive and
key London
stakeholders
28 Nov Meeting with Joy KA Discussions on ESOL and potential
Merccer and Chris DCLG/UKBA funding.
Hedges, Home Office
29 Nov Meeting with Michael KA First meeting with new Principal
Wheeler at Hillcroft
College
29 Nov Meeting with Mark KA Regular catch up meeting.
Hilton, London First
1 Dec AoCLR Regional AoCLR Agenda includes funding updates from SFA,
Committee meeting YPLA and NAS and updates from the AoC
Board, Governors’ Council, Marketing
Committee, AoC London, AoC Procurement
Manager and Podium.
5 Dec Meeting with Rod KA Discussion about sponsored event for London
Baker, Barclays Colleges in February 2012
5 Dec AoC London College AoCLR Review of checklist issued summer 2011 led by
Checklist review consultant Peter Smith
meeting
6 Dec Meeting with Steve KA Catch up meeting
Dowbiggin, Capel
Manor College
6 Dec AoC WS Portfolio KA Discussions on WorldSkills London 2011 and
Group legacy activities for the sector
8 Dec Seminar on refugees KA Discussions include the following: sharing the
and post-16 education findings of the research; considering how to
support refugees and asylum seekers to access
learning; identifying policy issues that the
Refugee Council can seek to address through
advocacy work; shaping the guidance produced
as part of the project for learning providers and
individuals wishing to participate in post-16
education.
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6. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 25 November 2011
Events and Dates for the Diary
 Looking back to inform the future: Ofsted's Annual Report and a new inspection
framework for 2012 - Tuesday 6 December 2011, Prospero House, London.
www.aoccreateevents.co.uk/aocofsted2011
 AoC London College Checklist review meeting with Peter Smith- Monday 5 December
2011, AoC London head office. For more information please contact Rebecca Breen:
Rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk
 Marketing Managers Network Meeting, Thursday 8 December. For more information
please contact Judith Smyth: judith.smyth@aoc.co.uk
 AoC London Principals’ Forum: Thursday 12 January, 3-5pm, Hackney Community
College. For more information please contact Rebecca Breen: Rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk
 AoC London Heads of Student Services network meeting: Tuesday 7 February, 10am-
1pm, AoC Offices, Stedham Place. For more information please contact Rebecca Breen:
Rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk
 AoC London International meeting: Tuesday 21 February, 3-5pm, Ealing, Hammersmith
and West London College. For more information please contact Rebecca Breen:
Rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk
 AoC London Head of Sport network meeting: Thursday 23 February, 2.30-5pm, AoC
Offices, Stedham Place. For more information please contact Rebecca Breen:
Rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk
 AoC London Regional Forum: Tuesday 13 March, 4-6pm, Venue tbc. For more
information please contact Rebecca Breen: Rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk
Policy and other documents
GLA news
Student inventors can help make London greener with Mayor's £20,000 Low Carbon Prize
Mayor meets London's next young entrepreneurs as he calls on business professionals to join
Team London
Boris launches Culture Squad 2012 – new apprentice producers scheme
Boris Johnson launches inquiry into London schools
Mayor recruits Team London volunteers to take the Classics into classrooms across the capital
London's school kids 'get set' to watch a feast of London 2012 sport
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7. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 25 November 2011
If you wish to contact the AoC London office to give feedback on this bulletin, to request
additional information where we have offered it, or to provide suggested content for future
issues, please email Rebecca Breen.
Kate Anderson Judith Smyth
Regional Director Executive Manager
kate.anderson@aoc.co.uk judith.smyth@aoc.co.uk
Rebecca Breen Cyheme Bilouta
Regional Coordinator Team Administrator (part-time)
rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk cyheme.bilouta@aoc.co.uk
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