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Cross-sector collaboration: An education system for everyone

Independent schools are, and will continue to be, expected to do more to support state schools – for example, sponsoring academies and free schools – but let’s not forget the partnerships that many state and independent schools have already embarked on. Here John Aguilar, principal at Padworth College, explores free schools and the resources and ideas that schools from both sectors can share to the benefit of all

“At Padworth College we see the free school movement as a very positive initiative as we believe it will create a bridge between independent and maintained schools which, historically, has been a challenging relationship.

This provides an opportunity to share ideas and areas of expertise by teaming up on project work, or even teaching collectively. For example, we would be able to offer a cultural awareness programme to partnering schools in order to provide an experience that their curriculum does not offer.

At the same time, we would welcome the opportunity to offer subjects or areas of specialism from partnering schools to our students in order to transfer skills and knowledge.

I do believe that it is time for the different school systems in our country to have a better understanding of each other and to come together to share ideas and resources

The main objective would be to work collaboratively for the benefit of the students, widening their horizons and enriching their education.”

http://independentleader.co.uk/cross-sector-collaboration-an-education-system-for-everyone/

See also: Three independent schools share their enriching experiences of working in partnership with other schools

University of Southampton is the first Russell Group University to officially recognise the IB career-related Programme

The University of Southampton is the first Russell Group University to make an official admissions policy statement for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP). This is in recognition of how the programme prepares its students for university and its value within the UK education system.

The university’s statement follows a large increase in the number of applicants applying to the university with mixed qualifications. Offers for CP students will be based on the equivalent of three full A Levels, irrespective of the total combined value of the qualifications taken.

Nicky Stecker-Doxat, Education Policy Development Manager, University of Southampton, said: “The University of Southampton welcomes over 6,500 international students from more than 135 countries, and we therefore recognise the value in an internationally recognised curriculum. Due to the flexible nature of the CP, we decided to review our admissions policies and selection criteria to ensure that these remain appropriate, and more importantly that there is no disadvantage to our applicants.”

The CP combines a career-related qualification (for example a BTEC), with at least two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, and the unique CP ‘core’, which consists of a reflective project, a foreign language, a community project, and personal and professional skills.

http://ie-today.co.uk/Article/university-of-southampton-introduce-admissions-policy-for-ib

See also: IB Schools