Update on sparqs' workplans 04 Dec 2020
sparqs’ new workplans, running from October 2020 to March 2021, are designed to build on the early successes across the sector in supporting student rep systems to ensure students are central to shaping the sector’s response to the pandemic. Thanks to… Read More
Our SESN informal catch-up on 15th December 2020 is open to book! 04 Dec 2020
Our Student Engagement Staff Network will have its last meeting of 2020 on Tuesday 15th December from 3.00pm until 4.30pm. This short pre-Christmas gathering will reflect on the past term, look ahead to the new year’s challenges and opportunities, and allow informal chat… Read More
New sparqs resource: course rep briefing on assessment 04 Dec 2020
As a result of COVID-19 and the move to blended learning, many institutions have changed the way that they assess students; from removal of exams completely and replacement with summative assessment, to changes in practical demonstrations and the introduction of… Read More
'Talking Student Engagement' Interview with Dr Luke Millard 04 Dec 2020
In this interview, we talk to Dr Luke Millard, Dean of Teaching and Learning at Abertay University. He began this role in July 2020, and previously worked at Birmingham City University where he led activities that focused on academic staff… Read More
‘A Toolkit for Effective Learner Engagement’ – a new sparqs/EdS resource for Scotland’s colleges 09 Nov 2020
sparqs and Education Scotland are delighted to launch a new Toolkit for Effective Learner Engagement to support student engagement in Scotland’s colleges in this ‘recovery year’. The resource is aligned to, and intended to be used alongside, the new Education Scotland… Read More
sparqs' resources for recruiting course reps online 09 Nov 2020
sparqs has been working with institutions and students’ associations to deliver course rep training. Some institutions have struggled this year to fill all course rep positions, especially where recruitment is taking place online, and asked sparqs for help. We have therefore… Read More
'Talking Student Engagement' Interview with Ian McCartney 09 Nov 2020
In this interview, we talk to Ian McCartney, Clerk to the Board of Management at Perth College UHI – a role which he started in summer 2019. Ian comes from a students’ associations background, having spent over twenty years in… Read More
Our NEON meeting on 24th November is open to book! 09 Nov 2020
Bookings are now open for the next meeting of our National Education Officers' Network (NEON) on Tuesday 24th November 2020 from 10.00am until 12.45pm. NEON is designed to be a space for officers to network and work on issues together in a cross-sector capacity.… Read More
SESN on 18th November 2020 is open to book! 09 Nov 2020
Bookings are open for the next full meeting of our Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN), taking place on Wednesday 18th November 2020. The agenda has been designed to be responsive to the issues that continue to arise following the shift to a blended… Read More
October's NEON is open to book, plus save the November date! 23 Sep 2020
Bookings are now open for the next meeting of our National Education Officers' Network (NEON) on Wednesday 7th October 2020, from 10.00am until 1.00pm. NEON is designed to be a space for officers to network and work on issues together in a… Read More
Monitoring the diversity of course reps: 2020 update 23 Sep 2020
We are pleased to offer institutions across Scotland the opportunity to join our project to help monitor the diversity of course reps during the coming academic year. Establishing the diversity of course reps across Scottish universities and colleges is a valuable… Read More
That's Quality! 2020 events roundup! 23 Sep 2020
Over the Summer we held our annual induction events for college and university student officers. The focus of both events was the impact of COVID-19 on the quality landscape for education officers. It was fantastic to have so many enthusiastic… Read More
Do you need support with Course Rep Training? 23 Sep 2020
If you are still working out how to deliver training to your reps this year, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if sparqs can be of any help, even if you don’t usually use our training under normal circumstances. Our… Read More
SESN on 1st October is still open to book, and save the next date! 23 Sep 2020
The next meeting of our Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN) is still open to book, on Thursday 1st October 2020, from 3.00pm until 4.30pm. The network usually meets three times each academic year. However, in the meantime, and throughout the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we… Read More
'Talking Student Engagement' Interview with Matt Crilly 23 Sep 2020
In this interview, we talk to Matt Crilly, the new President of NUS Scotland for 2020-21. A student of History at the University of Strathclyde, Matt went from being a class rep, to a faculty rep and finally to President… Read More
New sparqs' resource: Suggested questions for course reps: COVID-19 edition 26 Aug 2020
We are pleased to launch our new resource, Suggested questions for course reps: COVID-19 edition, designed to help course reps gather crucial student feedback during the ongoing health crisis. As we come to the beginning of a new academic year, partnership-working… Read More
SFC Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability 26 Aug 2020
In June of this year, the Scottish Government called on the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to undertake a review considering how best the SFC and the sector can fulfil its mission in securing coherent provision in post-16 education. The review… Read More
Our online SESN informal catch-up on 1st October is now open to book! 26 Aug 2020
Bookings are now open for the next meeting of our Student Engagement Staff Network (SESN) on Thursday 1st October 2020, from 3.00pm until 4.30pm. The network usually meets three times each academic year. However, in the meantime, and throughout the ongoing… Read More
Reminder: sparqs' 2020-21 Course Rep Training is open for bookings! 26 Aug 2020
A reminder that bookings are now open for sparqs Course Rep Training during 2020-21 ....for delivery from week beginning Monday 14th September 2020 onwards. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, this year's training has been developed in an online… Read More
Meet our Associate Trainer team for 2020-21 17 Aug 2020
We are delighted to introduce our excellent team of student Associate Trainers (ATs) for the coming academic year. The team includes two newly-recruited trainers and five returners from previous years, including one trainer who is returning for her fourth year… Read More
