SLEEC is a joint project between sparqs and NUS Scotland. Issues explored through SLEEC have included the updating of the quality arrangements, Public Information, Key Information Sets and Student Partnership Agreements.
At its most recent event in February 2012, SLEEC encouraged participants to explore three key areas; Widening access and your institution, Employability and Jobs, and Technology and Modernisation. Participants also discussed issues relating to:
- Public Information and Student Partnership Agreements.
- National collection of student satisfaction data in colleges.
- Articulation and advanced entry.
- Non-recognised qualifications in colleges.
For each topic the students were asked what is going on currently at their institution, what they can do locally, and what needs to happen nationally. There was a huge range of conversation where students identified that there needed to be adequate support for all students and their needs, less lectures and more interactive seminars with reliable, accessible technology and peer learning for both students and staff. It was expressed that there is a mismatch between the skills that graduates need and the skills they actually graduate with, along with the desire to have more work experience as part of their studies. It was also noted that some developments should happen in colleges at a national level and HMIE reviews may be a good starting place for this.
SLEEC has three main elements which are shaping policy, supporting education campaigns in students’ associations and providing resources. The campaign provides opportunities for students to gain the knowledge and skills to influence what is happening on big education issues. This includes sharing ideas and good practices, but also provides support to help associations engage with their own representative structures and students on national and local issues.
sparqs looks forward to exploring these issues and more with NUS Scotland in the coming months.
For more information contact Megan McHaney, sparqs Development Advisor, at Megan.McHaney@sparqs.ac.uk
