Preston College wins prestigious Beacon Award
Staff and students celebrated at the news that Preston College has been awarded the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award for Efficiency through the Effective Use of Technology in Further Education and Skills. The College was announced as winner of the award, sponsored by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), by John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning at the AoC Annual Conference in Birmingham.
The college was given the award for its Innovation and Excellence Unit which was set up to develop emerging technologies and support an engaging and innovative approach to learning. Central to the success of the project is the college's commitment to staff development which uses student consultants and peer expertise to support the successful use of new technologies.
The college has introduced and embraced a range of innovative technologies like iTunes U, which provides downloads of educational content from top universities across the world, and 3D technology. All of this has had a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning with overall success rates predicted to rise above 90%.
The Beacon Award puts Preston College among the best training providers in the sector and marks it as a leading College for technology and innovation in learning.
Matt Fawcett, academic director at Preston College said: "We're delighted to win the award and be recognised for the hard work and innovation that we are working hard to embed across our entire curriculum.
"At Preston College we use the latest technology and innovative practices to ensure that our learners get the best experience from their studies. By engaging and training staff and students, we have made technology and innovation second nature across the College and there are some excellent examples of its use in lessons.
"The innovation and excellence unit supports and develops teaching and learning that is innovative, enterprising and of the highest quality. Assessment is designed to consistently challenge and support learners in achieving high standards whilst developing the skills that employers require. The Innovation and Excellence Learning room within the College that provides a first class environment in which staff and students can embrace technology and make use of resources such as 3D cameras and projectors.
3D technology allows us to further students' learning, for example, sports students studying physiology can now take a 3D tour through the human body.
"The College was the first in England to have a presence on iTunes U and we have shown that we are leading the way in innovation across the sector. To be presented with a Beacon Award is one of the highest accolades that a college can receive, and we are extremely proud that our achievements have been recognised in this way."
Markos Tiris, Head of Teaching and Learning at LSIS and sponsor of the award, said:
"Technology has the potential to transform and enhance many aspects of everyday life, and education is no exception.
"LSIS is delighted to be sponsoring the award which recognises organisations that have strived to harness the power of technology to change the way they work, teach, learn and operate their business."
Roger Marriott, AoC Beacon Awards Chief Assessor, said:
"I am consistently impressed by the excellent quality of the work that colleges are producing; their efforts provide exemplary support for learning to a wide range of students across the UK.
"The sector's commitment to addressing the needs of students and the high standards of work displayed by colleges during our assessment visits was outstanding. Through this award programme the AoC is highlighting best practice, innovative development and continuous improvement; it is a showcase for Beacon colleges that others can look to for help, inspiration and encouragement."
Chair of the AoC Beacon Awards, Dame Patricia Morgan-Webb, said: "These awards serve to highlight and celebrate the achievements of colleges and the impact they have on the lives of students, their families and the wider college communities.
"As Chair of the National Steering Group it is a privilege each year to be among the first people to learn about the new and creative ways in which colleges are meeting the challenges of this tough economic climate through responsive collaborative approaches to engaging with students and developing the curriculum to meet the needs of individuals and businesses alike; all of which are underpinned by strong and supportive leadership and management.
"I should like to congratulate all of this year's winning colleges and encourage them to really make the most of this opportunity to celebrate their achievements and invigorate the sector as a whole through the dissemination of their outstanding teaching and learning practices."
The AoC Beacon Awards are now in their 18th year and are awarded each year to UK colleges who capture and celebrate the positive impact they have on their students, staff and communities.
Preston College will host a local celebration event in the New Year and will be presented with their Award by John Hayes MP, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning at a national presentation ceremony due to be held at Westminster on 8 February 2012.
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