Encouraged by the feedback I received whilst on tour with the prime minister, I have deluded myself that an occasional blog may be of interest to the University community.
Although much of my day-to-day work is routine and office based, I am allowed out on a regular basis and will mostly report on these outings. I am particularly enjoying regular coffee meetings with small groups of staff from across the University. I have participated in more than 25 since the start of the year and these occasions offer me the opportunity to receive “unfiltered” views, ideas and questions, and allow me the opportunity to provide “unfiltered” responses. The results are usually highly productive and often fun.
In the past week I have also been allowed out to teach on the Global Health course that is one of the options for students forming part of our Curriculum Innovation programme. I must admit I was a bit rusty and probably enjoyed myself more than the students. I nervously await feedback, but was deeply impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of the students who signed up for this pilot programme.
A particular highlight of the past week was a dinner in London attended by a small number of Russell Group Vice-Chancellors with the Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove, and Chair of Ofqual (the exam regulator), Amanda Spielman to discuss the future of A-levels.
The Russell Group has previously registered concerns on a range of issues including modular assessment, increasing re-sits, and comparability between subjects. It has also published Informed Choices advocating study of those facilitating subjects at A-level that are most often required by Russell Group universities for entry into a wide range of courses. For my own part, I have previously questioned whether or not A-levels are fit for purpose in preparing students for entry to university or work, see The Independent for an example.
While our conversation occurred under Chatham House rules, I don’t think it will break any confidences to report that it was a lively and contested discussion. Mr Gove is an engaging and energetic politician who is committed to restoring public confidence in A-levels and is keen to see universities much more directly involved in the future development of content and assessment, even to the point of endorsing or accrediting A-levels. The university vice-chancellors present were sympathetic to Mr Gove’s desire to improve A-Levels, but understandably cautious about taking on a major new role at a time of such profound change in higher education. The discussions were never intended to reach a firm point of conclusion, but suggest that Mr Gove will not be satisfied until there is a step change in university involvement with A-level content and assessment. This is certainly one to watch, as some school head teachers are already responding warily to future reform proposals (see this article in The Daily Telegraph).
Keep an eye on SUSSED over the coming weeks for further blog posts from the Vice-Chancellor.
Read Parts 1-4 of the Vice-Chancellor’s blog, which were written during his trip to East and South East Asia in April:
http://isoton.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/vice-chancellors-blog-from-east-and-south-east-asia-part-one/