sparqs Training and Support

Since the inception of sparqs in 2003 we have been training students throughout Scotland to build their capacity to improve and shape their learning experiences.

Over the years, we have developed and delivered a suite of training courses for students, institutions and their student associations, enabling students to engage with quality enhancement processes within their own institutions across Scotland.

Below is a brief overview of the list of courses we have been delivering this academic year, with particular reference to students and staff.

Course Representative Training

Each year, sparqs employs a team of students as Associate Trainers to deliver Course Rep Training in Colleges and HE Institutions throughout Scotland.

• Introductory level training provides newly elected course representatives with the key knowledge and skills required to be a class/course representative. Training can be generic or tailored to institution's individual mechanisms for student engagement and representation.
• Intermediate level training builds on Introductory level training by promoting a more proactive approach to representation and a focus on broader aspects of Quality Enhancement.
• End of year training offers course representatives the opportunity to reflect on their experiences over the academic year, consider how they plan to handover any ongoing concerns and effectively participate in the final student staff meeting of the year. NOW AVAILABLE! Please book by contacting sparqs office on 0131 622 6599 or info@sparqs.ac.uk.

Programme of support for College Student Govenors

sparqs offers a programme in conjunction with NUS Scotland called Supporting College Student Governors. Key issues, responsibilities of student members, the skills required to effectively perform the role, members' legal responsibilities and the main responsibilities of the Board itself are covered during a series of events and opportunities for support throughout the academic year.

Internal and Institutional Review Briefings - HEIs

sparqs holds briefing events in conjunction with QAA Scotland offered to HEI staff and student officers where appropriate. These events are a vital starting point for staff and student officers to be informed and prepared for the process of review.

Institutional Review Briefing - Colleges

Offered to student representatives, and the staff who support them within Colleges that are about to undergo their HMIe Review. The event acts as a starting point for information and preparation for the process of review.

Staff within Further and Higher Education

Staff workshops have been developed for both the Further and Higher Education sector to give staff information about effectively involving students in quality enhancement. These sessions can be tailored for each institution across Scotland. For more information or if you would like to book a workshop please email info@sparqs.ac.uk