SERC International Lead for Project Based Learning

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is fast becoming a lead authority on Project Based Learning (PBL) following the College’s move to embed this approach to learning across all programmes more than 5 years ago. 

Paula Philpott, Head of SERC’s Learning Academy said, “The introduction of PBL across the College has been a major catalyst for change in how education is received and perceived at SERC. The PBL model provides a context for learners to work on multidisciplinary, collaborative, industry facing projects, helping them build the skills, habits, and knowledge to succeed in the workplace. 

“The College has built a wealth of knowledge and experience over the past 5 years and, on the strength of that, we have been invited to join independent education charity, The Edge Foundation’s Future Learning Leaders – a group of expert organisations from across the world whose insights and training support schools and colleges in embedding PBL.    

“SERC is a role model showcasing how the curriculum can be transformed to create an ecosystem where learners are prepared for learning, life and work through PBL. We have been invited to co-present with The Edge Foundation at several national conferences, and over the past 2 years the College has been providing bespoke training to Walsall College, near Birmingham and Sunderland College, supporting their transformation of the curriculum through PBL.   This has involved over seven days of training for over 40 teaching staff, curriculum managers and senior leaders, and in April, SERC will be hosting a three-day event for curriculum staff and leaders from both Colleges. 

She added “It has been a privilege to see how Walsall and Sunderland Colleges have rolled out PBL within various areas of the curriculum, including introducing enterprise week as part of a reform of induction and PBL challenges.”