Why do we need the Beacon Awards?

Raising the status of practical learning requires better practical teaching. The awards are a great way to find and reward examples of great teaching initiatives to spread the practical learning message, such as programmes, courses, projects or other forms of teaching, learning, advice, guidance or support.

Focus on practice

The 2010/2011 Awards have just been launched and Edge is again sponsoring the award for Practical Teaching and Practical Learning. Closing date for applications is 7 July – which is earlier than usual - and more details of the awards and how to apply can be found here.

The 2009/2010 Award was won by West Cheshire College for their Vocational Academy of Hospitality and Catering. This is a commercial venture within West Cheshire College which trains learners to professional standards and provides fine dining, bistro and refectory services to the public. A case study can be found in our Success Stories section or have a look at West Cheshire College’s own website at www.west-cheshire.ac.uk

The 2009/10 awards were again very competitive with a high standard of applications. We know there is a lot of great and innovative practical teaching and practical learning going on across the country so we are looking forward to another batch of great entries for the 2010/11 Awards.

If you attend, teach at or just know about great practical teaching and learning at an FE college near you – why not encourage them to apply. Details of this year’s awards can be found on the AOC website at www.aoc.co.uk