Skip to main content

• Home
• About Us
• Study
• Campus Life
• Support & Advice
• News & Events
• Vacancies
• Contacts

• School Leavers
  • School Leavers
  • Courses
  • Ways to Study
  • Student Finance
  • Support with your Learning
  • Our Facilities
• Adult Learners
  • Adult Learners
  • Courses
  • Modes of Attendance
  • Professional Development
  • Student Finance
  • Support with your Learning
  • Facilities
• Employers
  • Employers
  • Training Courses
  • Modern Apprenticeships
  • Vocational Qualifications
  • Back to Work Training
• International Students
  • International Students
  • Immigration & Visas
  • Finance
  • Cost of Living
  • English Language
  • Accommodation
  • Support Service
  • How to Apply
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us

Tuesday 29 May 2012

FVC Gets Glowing Report From Education Scotland

Forth Valley College has received top marks in an external review report carried out by Education Scotland. 

The report, which is carried out by HM Inspectors on behalf of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Council (SFC), evaluated the College on the basis of three key principles: high quality learning, learner engagement and quality culture. 

A review team visited the College during the week beginning 5 March 2012 to examine learning and teaching and other important activity which impacts on the quality of the learner experience. 

In order to reach their conclusions the team observed classes and talked with learners, staff across the college, members of the Board of Management, employers, external agencies and other college users. 

The outcomes were extremely positive with the College achieving confidence statements across the board and significant strengths identified. 

The review indicated excellent learner attainment and progression and praised the college’s high quality learning and teaching processes.   It also demonstrated that learner engagement is active throughout the college.  The report also endorsed the College’s leadership and commitment to quality enhancement.   

In addition, three examples of sector leading practice were identified.  These included developing a tool to support lecturers in embedding the learning strategy when planning learning activity and also involving learners in producing video resources for their peers and future learners.  The ‘Regional Gateway to Work’ initiative, a partnership between the college, Job Centre Plus, employers and other agencies was also praised for improving the job prospects of unemployed people by matching their needs to the local economy. 

The College was also commended for its strong, active, well-supported Student Union which engages with learners to enhance the work and life of the College.

Welcoming the report Forth Valley College Principal, Linda McKay said:

“We are absolutely delighted with the results of the external review and its findings are testament to our ongoing commitment to providing a quality experience for our learners.  The learner is always at the heart of everything we do and it is a pleasure to have this recognised by a leading sector body. 

“We are also proud to have achieved such outstanding results in light of major college developments over the past few years.  In essence we were the first regional college, following the merger of Falkirk College and Clackmannan College in 2005, and more recently we have been involved in a major estates strategy with new campuses in Alloa and Stirling now open.  We have proved that we are more than capable of adapting to change whilst maintaining the quality we are recognised for throughout the sector.  Our focus on excellence and innovative practice will continue as we pursue new and exciting opportunities and capitalise on the benefits our new campuses will provide. 

“Of course, the report reflects really positively on the work our staff, learners and partners and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our success.  We should all feel very proud today.” 

Kathleen Underhill, Student Union President for Forth Valley College said: “On behalf of the student body, I’d like to say how pleased we are with the report.  The Student Union is really active throughout the College and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved.  We have been involved in so many activities and I felt especially privileged to have played a part in the Go Out and Talk (GOATs) to learners initiative. The student voice is very important within the College and it was great that the review also took our opinions on board.”

<  Return to news