Double whammy as College is shortlisted for prestigious national awards

We’re delighted to announce that @BordersCollege has received two nominations for the annual CDN (College Development Network) Awards – one of the most prestigious awards in the sector.

In the first category of ‘Essential Skills’, the College decided to pilot the NPA Data Science at SCQF Level 4 within different vocational areas (Motor Vehicle, Hairdressing and Health and Social Care). The Core Skills staff developed a project-based approach to their delivery of the NPA and integrated the assessment of ICT Core Skill.

The project-based approach has enabled the lecturers to develop the digital and meta-skills of the learners that relate more specifically to the needs of the employers.

This approach is now being adopted by other vocational areas, and the Core and Essential Skills Policy for the College has been updated to enable Course Teams to select this qualification, where appropriate to employer needs.

This award recognises a college that has embraced the ethos of Essential Skills in the curriculum.

The second of our projects to be shortlisted is the Scottish Racing Academy. A new and innovative collaboration between Borders College, Scottish Racing and industry partners from Scottish and British Horseracing. This framework enables a “Pathway to the Horseracing Industry”.

The need for a Scottish Racing Academy was identified by this group in response to the significant number of people within the Scottish horseracing community who had to travel to Doncaster or Newmarket to train. The group highlighted the need to ‘train to retain’ our own talented people within the workforce in Scotland.

Working collaboratively with Scottish Racing, employers and DYW Borders, the College has developed a cohesive and sustainable model of education and training provision for young people entering the racing industry, and for existing racing staff and their trainers.

Employers within the horseracing industry have committed to taking students on work-placement to ensure that the routes are providing fit-for-purpose learners.

This award recognises a project that demonstrates innovation in colleges.

Heather Anderson, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Learning at Borders College, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for the Essential Skills and Innovation Awards. The CDN College Awards recognise the talent, skills and achievements of colleges and enable us to showcase the impact our College is having on learners, the community and on the wider economy. We are very proud to be recognised and look forward to the virtual celebration on Thursday 3 December, when the winners will be announced.”

The awards recognise the talent, skills and achievements of colleges, their staff and learners. They provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate the innovation taking place in colleges across the country. They showcase the impact the sector is having – every day – for our learners, communities, and the wider economy.