HE Student Engagement Strategy 2013-2016

HE Student Engagement Strategy 2013‐2016

Ashton Sixth Form College Higher Education Student Engagement Strategy 2013‐2016

Introduction

The purpose of this strategy is to define our intentions and plans to involve and empower students in the process of shaping their learning experience, in their journey towards becoming autonomous, independent learners.

The College is committed to working with all students, either as individuals and/or as groups, to help them develop the skills and confidence to be actively involved in the organisation of their own learning and student experience, regardless of their mode of study, age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality or transgender status.

This strategy deals with student engagement in quality assurance, quality improvement and enhancement and the broader engagement of students in their teaching and learning and college life.

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Our Aims

Ashton Sixth Form College’s Higher Education Student Engagement Strategy has been informed by the Quality Assurance Agency’s Quality Code for Higher Education. The QAA’s Quality Code is the definitive reference point for all UK higher education institutions and sets out the expectations around academic standards and the quality of learning opportunities. This strategy sits within a suite of policies and strategies, including the HE Strategy 2013‐2016 designed to assure and enhance the quality of learning opportunities for HE students.

‘Student Engagement is the involvement and empowerment of students in the process of shaping the student learning experience, to inform the College’s quality systems with the purpose of improving the student educational experience for both current and future cohorts.’ The QAA UK Quality Code Chapter B5, Student Engagement.

The White Paper Students at the Heart of the System (Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, 2011) aims to use student choice as a major driver in shaping HE provision, and puts the quality of the student experience centre stage.

Therefore, building engagement and belonging within our student body is key ensuring and further developing the student experience. The capacity of students to engage and staff to offer an engaging experience must be developed, thus a partnership approach in which everyone is responsible for improving student belonging is essential. Also, early engagement is essential and must continue across the student life cycle.

Opportunities for Higher Education Students @ ASFC Student Engagement in Quality and Enhancement and in Broader College Life

2013/14

Pre‐entry to college:  Circulation of information about student representative system and important role in quality, embedded from pre‐course guidance, through enrolment and course information through to course induction.  Circulation of information regarding academic skills

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Term 1:  Completion of induction survey by all HE learners. Responses evaluated (Quality group) and actions emerging decided upon and communicated via Reps  Student Reps selected and embedded on all courses, Lead Rep appointment  Term 1 Module(s) feedback collected from all HE courses – repeated each module.  A place on the Governing Body allocated to a HE and Skills student.

Term 2:  Completion of HE specific survey based on NSS  Term 2 Module feedback collected from all HE courses as term 1  Equality, Diversity and Inclusion evening with Dr. Laurence Clark – Guest speaker and comedian

Term 3:  Completion of end of year feedback from all HE learners. Each Rep to gather feedback from learners via focus groups on HE experience to date and send report to Quality Group.  Responses to above evaluated (and published) at a course level and college level.  EE reports and actions sent to Reps, communicated, made available online.  HE student feedback and input to a revised HE specific welcome and induction guide (HE specific).  HE student feedback and input to a new HE induction presentation (with key messages from HE students for new HE students).  College responses to EE reports made available on line.  HE awards evening of celebration  Opening on Governing Body

Any stage of year, as required:  Student participation in the appointment of new HE staff  Circulation of information about enrichment events, can be led by students  Students to receive EE reports and actions, Reps communicate

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2015/16 – new, in addition to above

Pre‐Entry to College  Pre‐ course student supper. Organise and develop an event where students from all courses can meet socially prior to the start of their studies, giving them an opportunity to learn more about the college, how they can participate in Quality and Enhancement work and a chance to meet other new students.  Actions emerging from impact and reflections on above.

Terms 1 ‐ 3:  Introduction of a more structured/ formalized peer mentoring/buddy system for new learners (trialed in previous years)  Two formal meetings per year for Reps across all courses, package of training and support and expectations outlined. Qualification opportunity for Reps – Leadership.  Student Reps or other designated to attend HE Quality meetings with opportunity for items on the agenda.

Here at ASFC we are committed to developing and further strengthening the role of our student representatives and the wider student body in shaping the student experience. We believe that student engagement is crucial on an individual and collective level. We are passionate about working in partnership with students to improve the quality of what we do. This is all about delivering an excellent, personal experience for all our students and staff and fostering one HE community.

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