Principal’s Update
New Government of Jersey & Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Minister of Education, Inna Gardiner, for her unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts in advancing education, particularly in the domains of early years, inclusive education, and community engagement. Her commitment has been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and socially responsive learning environment.
Inna Gardiner has played a pivotal role in championing initiatives that have not only supported the foundation of early years education but have also strengthened our commitment to inclusive learning practices. Their leadership in community work, alongside the Social Recovery Programme, has significantly contributed to the positive impact we’ve had on the broader community.
We take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for Inna Gardiner’s tireless work and wish her continued success in her future endeavours.
Now, as we welcome the new Minister for Children and Education, Connétable Richard Vibert and Assistant Minister with responsibility for Education, Rob Ward, we look forward to forging a collaborative partnership and continuing to deliver excellence in further and higher education. Let us also welcome the opportunity to enhance community engagement with the Professional Studies Centre and Adult & Community Education through lifelong learning opportunities. We are excited about the prospect of working together to achieve the objectives outlined in the Skills Actionable Agenda.
Rob Moy, Deputy Principal for and on behalf of SLT.
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T&C Review (Teachers)
Over the past few weeks, the College Leadership Team has been working in collaboration with CYPES Leaders, Unions, HR Business Partners, and School Heads to review the Teachers and Lecturers Terms and Conditions. The review is working towards aligning the Lecturers’ and Teachers’ T&Cs and has been broken down into the following working groups:
- Core Hours of Work, Workload, Inset Days
- SA Points
- Notice Periods / Workforce Stability / Mobility and Flexibility
- Pay and Remuneration
- CPD/ Career Path, ECT, reemployment after retirement
- Corrections and Updating/Custom and Practice/Rationalise and Simplify
We will keep you abreast of all developments, and if you have any questions or queries about the review, please direct them to your Line managers in the first instance.
The Highlands College Foundation is on the Cusp of Promoting Le Catillon Coin Hoard Grant
The Le Catillon II Coin Hoard, discovered by local amateur metal detectorists in 2012, was acquired by the Government of Jersey in 2021. £250,000 was specifically allocated to help fund scientific and educational research into the hoard by staff, students, and alumni of Highlands College, as well as for research by any third party in Jersey or from overseas wishing to further investigate this historic discovery. In September 2023, the Highlands College Foundation was selected to administer this grant.
David Lord, Chairman of the Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm: “This is a unique opportunity for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts to delve into the mysteries of the Le Catillon II Hoard. We are excited to invite applications from those who can contribute to the scientific and educational understanding of this significant historical find.”
Quality Update
This week the Quality team has been busy conducting Progression Boards. We hold these with individual Heads of Department and Co-ordinators to get a good overview of the progress of each full-time student in the college. The Quality team focuses on students who are dropping down or might need additional interventions to ensure success. Thank you to all curriculum staff who have contributed towards the Progression Board by updating RONAs and reviewing student progress. It has been amazing to hear about all the support and interventions different departments are putting in place to ensure all our students succeed.
Learning and Innovation board
We held the thrice annual Learning and Innovation Board last week. The purpose of this board is to report on the college’s overarching progress with students, we consider attendance, retention, learning support requirements, Student Life numbers, UCJ, activities in the Quality calendar and activities taking place in teaching and learning. This board provides a good overview for the Governors as well as SLT.