Ofsted and the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) have teamed up to share examples of good practice in vocational teaching and learning with a new set of case studies.
Ten best practice examples, in which workplace-relevant skills were key, were released today having been handpicked by a panel of experts, including members from the Commission on Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning (CAVTL), Ofsted, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and the Institute of Education, in London.
Among the case studies (fully listed below) are ‘Theatrical, special effects, hair and media make-up training: Leeds City College’ and ‘Using technology creatively to develop students’ understanding: Hull College’. They are freely available on the Ofsted website.
They were compiled in response to a CAVTL report, called It’s about work, which focused on excellent vocational teaching and learning and identified underpinning design and delivery processes.
Ofsted director of FE and skills Matthew Coffey said: “We were keen to trial an innovative approach to identifying good practice case studies and we have been pleased to work with CAVTL and the ETF on the development of these case studies.
“I would encourage vocational teachers, trainers and leaders in all types of providers to take a look at the case studies and the practical resources they include, and to consider how they might adapt them to their own contexts.”
Frank McLoughlin, CAVTL chair and City and Islington College principal, said: “We greatly appreciated Ofsted’s interest in further exploring some of the key dimensions of excellent vocational teaching and learning.
“I hope these case studies will shine a light on some of the genuinely world-class provision within our vocational education and training system, and encourage us all to learn with and from each other as we continue to raise the status and improve the quality and impact of vocational teaching and learning.”
David Russell, ETF chief executive, said: “Our role is to enhance the professionalism of the education and training workforce. Enabling colleagues to learn from each other’s practice is at the heart of our approach.
“We are delighted to be working with Ofsted, sector partners and the organisations showcased in this publication. Sharing widely great examples of excellent and innovative practice is a simple but effective way we will help the sector to improve outcomes for learners and employers.”
Case studies available from Ofsted and the ETF
1. Learning from the best: Excellence in Hospitality and Catering at Exeter College
2. Theatrical, special effects, hair and media make-up training: Leeds City College
3. Developing an entrepreneurial culture: Barking and Dagenham College
4. Realism in motor vehicle and motorsport training: Barking and Dagenham College
5. Engaging employers in designing a vocational curriculum: Bridgwater College
6. Outstanding collaboration with employers: Foxes Academy
7. Using technology creatively to develop students’ understanding: Hull College
10. Hands-on practical training in upholstery and soft furnishings: Wendy Shorter Interiors.
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