Walsall EBP - Achieving Success Together

Partnership News - Autumn 1999 - Issue 7

Top Quality and That's Official!!

Following the production of a portfolio of evidence and a visit from external assessors Walsall EBP recently became the tenth EBP in the country to gain the National EBP Quality Assurance Award. The assessors commended Walsall EBP for its:

- Vision and leadership - at all levels in the EBP;
- Strategy Implementation - particularly marketing the benefits of involvement to local businesses;
- Brokerage role between the partners;
- Quality of programmes and services offered.

Gaining the Award is further confirmation of the progress which Walsall EBP has made in the last four years and provides a firm foundation for further developments including the introduction of partnership activities specifically aimed at improving the Government's priority targets of:

- numeracy and literacy levels in primary schools;
- key skill levels;
- re-engagement of disadvantaged and disaffected pupils.

Employer Conference a Resounding Success

The annual Walsall EBP Employer Conference continues to go from strength to strength with the 1999 HSBC sponsored event again attracting a record number of delegates. Entitled 'Investing in Young People' the Conference demonstrated the mutual benefits to employers and young people that come from involvement with education business activities.

Following presentations in the main hall delegates were able to attend a series of workshops/presentations which highlighted employer investment in young people through their support of the following EBP activities:

- Certificate of Achievement
- Disadvantaged Pupil Support
- 'Maths at Work'
- Walsall Town Centre Trail
- Walsall Construction Project
- Year in Industry

Pupils were involved in all of the workshop sessions and their contributions were particularly well received by employers.

Engineering Roadshows

Two day Engineering Roadshows have recently been held at Frank F Harrison Community School and Alumwell Community School.

Parma Kanda from the University of Central England Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology is seen helping an Alumwell pupil to develop an electronic circuit using one of the latest techniques.

Trevor Bowler from the engineering training section at Performance Through People is pictured helping pupils with their soldering activity at the recent Frank F Harrison event.

As a result of Carver's presence at the Frank F Harrison roadshow a year 10 student made contact with the company and arranged to spend two weeks of her summer holidays in their design office.

Young Engineers' Challenge 1999

Organised by Walsall EBP the University of Wolverhampton recently hosted the final of the Walsall Young Engineers' Challenge, and all of the teams produced creative designs that made the judging process very difficult.

The challenge - to design and make an entertaining automata - was set by the University's Centre for Design and Technology Education, and judged by their staff members. After an exciting day spent at the Dudley Campus, where students also showed off their designs to a group of visiting American teachers, the winners were Shelfield School (14 - 17 age group) and Queen Mary's Grammar School (aged up to 13).

If the Cap Fits!

Jamie Barnes from Birchills CE JMI School proves he is ready for fire-fighting, on a visit to the Blue Lane West Fire Station as part of the National Power 'Maths at Work' numeracy project.

'Thanks for Organising a Great Week, EBP!'

Over 30 teachers have completed 5 day placements through the Holiday Bursary Scheme organised by Sue Lane, Walsall EBP's Teacher Placement Officer.

Helen Whitehouse from Park Hall Infant School chose to spend her five days at different venues including George's Music Shop, a recording studio and with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Helen is planning to use her placement experiences and contacts in her role as music co-ordinator at the school.

Other placements saw teachers spending time in a wide variety of environments including: arts, farming, leisure, media, manufacturing and sport.

WISE Bus

Pupils from Queen Mary's High School for Girls are seen enjoying the science and engineering tasks on the WISE bus when it was hosted recently by South Staffordshire Water plc. Activities aboard the bus included: pneumatics, cad-cam and electronics, and were enjoyed by girls from several different Walsall schools.

Typical comments heard included: 'It has given me a different understanding of technology' and 'Engineering isn't just for boys!'.

Technology Tree

Pupils from Harden Primary and Rough Hay JMI Schools have recently visited the NEC to celebrate 10 years of the Technology Tree in the Midlands, and its launch nationwide, thanks to Walsall EBP.

The project links a primary school with a local engineering company who then set a task or project for the students to complete.

The pupils, together with representatives from their link companies, Kepston Ltd and HUF UK Ltd, exhibited their projects along with over 40 other schools.

Budding Architects

The Walsall Construction Project recently organised a series of architectural workshops as part of its contribution to National Construction Week. Pupils from Alumwell, Blue Coat and Shelfield secondary schools and Butts and St Patrick's primary schools were involved.

Based at the Crossing at St Paul's in the centre of Walsall, each workshop began with a visit to Walsall's New Art Gallery to view its structure and design. The youngsters then devoted their time to creating replicas of the Art Gallery structure under the watchful eye of consultant architect Nigel Frost whose enthusiasm throughout the four days was infectious. The results were extremely impressive with the pupils clearly enjoying themselves and at the same time learning a great deal about architecture and construction techniques.

Walsall Education Business Partnership co-ordinated the workshops on behalf of the Construction Industry Training Board.

Work Experience Works

Two employees at HSBC Bank are proof that work experience really does pay off for both pupil and employer.

Lorraine Collins undertook work experience at HSBC in Brownhills in 1994 as part of her GNVQ Advanced Business and Finance course. She found employment at the Walsall branch until she was promoted last year to Customer Service Officer at Aldridge.

Clare Bywater had a similar work experience in Brownhills whilst studying for her A level Maths and Business Studies courses at Shire Oak School last year. She has since been employed at the branch in Great Barr and has recently started studying for her banking exams.

Thank You McDonald's

Walsall EBP was delighted to present Valued Partner Certificates recently to McDonald's Restaurants in appreciation of their work with Walsall Junior schools.

Moyra Curtis, McDonald's Senior Field Marketing and Communications Executive visited their restaurant at Bescot to receive the award alongside Store Manager, Mike Blake-Butler. This followed a successful partnership with Mossley JMI in the National Power 'Maths at Work' numeracy project.

On the same day a Valued Partner Certificate was also presented to Rob Wilding, Manager of McDonald's Willenhall for involvement in the same project with Albion Road Junior School.

Information Update

Change is taking place in all walks of life, not least in the world of education, with new initiatives being regularly announced. We hope that this 'Information Update' page will keep employers up-to-date with those changes in education which are most likely to affect their companies directly.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Walsall is one of 15 Local Education Authorities nationally who are piloting a new scheme, from September 1999, to pay an allowance to those young people who stay on at school or college post-16.

The aim of the pilot study is to:

- test the extent to which a financial incentive improves post-16 participation/achievement levels;
- help with decisions about a possible national scheme;
- test administration systems.

EMA provides weekly financial assistance (maximum £30-£40 per week) to students during term time and each student is eligible for a maximum of 2 years. Entitlement depends on:

- student living within the Walsall LEA area;
- total parental income;
- student not being in Year 12 already;
- student entering a full-time course of study leading to an approved qualification up to and including
  level 3.

If you would like an information sheet giving more details then give Claire Coles a ring here at Walsall EBP on 01922 424200.

Right to Time Off for Study or Training

As a further part of the Government's drive to see as many young people as possible stay on in learning, including those already in jobs, a new employment right came into force across Great Britain from 1 September 1999. Employees aged 16 or 17, who did not achieve at least level 2 whilst at school (generally measured as five GCSEs at grades A* to C), now have the right to study or train for approved qualifications, with the support of their employer.

For more information contact Chris Gibbons at Prospects Careers Services on Freephone 0800 132796.

Prospects Careers Re-focus

In common with other careers services across the country Prospects Careers Service has recently re-focused its activities to directly assist those in greatest need. Those students with special needs, at risk of 'dropping out' or who are just unclear about their career path will be identified and targeted for extra support. An important change is that Prospects' staff will keep in contact with young people, once they are suitably placed in a positive destination that is further education, training or employment.

Prospects is keen to continue with its commitment to each student but, under the new arrangement, at a level appropriate to achieve successful career development.

For more information contact Carol Jones at Prospect Careers on 01922 636333.

Numeracy Hour

The Literacy Hour was introduced into primary schools twelve months ago to address concerns about basic literacy levels amongst younger pupils. Similar concerns about numeracy levels have resulted in all primary schools, from September 1999 having to deliver a daily hour of directed numeracy activity with all of their pupils. An extensive training programme has been delivered in recent months to prepare teachers for this new challenge and topics to be covered include problem solving and mental arithmetic.

'Learning to Succeed' White Paper

As part of its ongoing review of education the Government recently published a White Paper entitled 'Learning to Succeed' in which it set out its plans to reform the structures for education and training for people over the age of 16, other than higher education. The proposals are far reaching and include plans to replace the Training and Enterprise Councils and the Further Education Funding Council with a national Learning and Skills Council by March 2001.

Extensive local and national consultations are taking place to determine the final shape of the new network, the areas of responsibility and the communication and funding lines.

Next Issue

If you are involved in any education/business link activity that you think could be featured in a future edition of 'Partnership News' please give Elizabeth Richardson a ring on 01922 424200.

New Team Members

Welcome to the following new team members!

Claire Coles, EBP Administration Assistant, has been with the team since October. Her role is varied, but focuses largely on the work experience and practice interview programmes.

Tony O'Callaghan is the EBP's newest Co-ordinator, and will be responsible for the Certificate of Achievement and Practice Interview initiatives, designed to help prepare students for their future working lives.

Both appointments have helped during the absence of Sheila Ellis. Sheila has been resting in recent months after surgery to remove a cerebral tumour. We are pleased to report that she is recovering well, and sends greetings to all those who have sent good wishes.

Single Regeneration Budget

In recent years Walsall has submitted bids to the Government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) programme and has successfully gained funding through SRB 2 (1996) and SRB 4 (1998) for different areas of the borough. Many of Walsall EBP's programmes are funded by SRB and those currently operating are:

- SRB 2 - Learning for Lifetime Development

Key performance 1998/99:

- SRB 4 - Raising Key Skill Attainment Levels

Using 'Successmaker' IT to raise attainment levels

Accrediting IT competency at 16

Developing 'out of school' learning opportunities

Key performance October 1998 - March 1999:

These projects have enabled Walsall EBP to work in partnership with local schools and companies to develop and provide activities which help to raise the motivation and achievement levels of pupils.

Stop Press

SRB Success

It has recently been announced that Walsall's SRB 5 bid has been successful and Walsall EBP will be delivering activities which are designed to:

a) Raise Key Skill Attainment Levels
b) Raise the Profile and Image of Engineering/Manufacturing with School Pupils

New Technology College

Joseph Leckie Community School has been successful in gaining Technology College status with assistance from Walsall EBP. Its bid focused on improving examination performance through updated technology and IT facilities.

Funding Success

DfEE has recently awarded funding to a Walsall project which is designed to give more young people access to the local Museums and Art Gallery. Walsall EBP will be organising the Teacher Placements which are a key feature of the project.

Walsall EBP On-line

You can now e-mail Walsall EBP at the following address: info@walsallebp.co.uk Individual team members can be contacted by using their first initial and surname followed by the address e.g. erichardson@walsallebp.co.uk

Keep in touch!

Walsall EBP is supported by the Black Country Learning and Skills Council, Advantage West Midlands and the Government's Single Regeneration Budget

© Walsall EBP 1999