Walsall College
Global Learning Award winners 2003
Walsall College of Arts and Technology (WALCAT) won the 2003 Global Learning Award for their innovative citizenship programme for young people Achieving Together.
The programme set out to enable young people with negative past experiences of education to develop their basic and key skills through a better understanding of citizenship.
Few had any qualifications and several had been excluded from local schools. The
approach was based on developing respect for self and others and encouraging young people to
broaden their own horizons through exploring global issues whilst also building self-confidence and
self-esteem.
The learners took part in practical activities to find out information for their assignments, including
interviewing grandparents about their views on British society today, finding out about street
children, researching on the internet, trips to learn about map reading and teamwork, and
involvement in discussion and debate.
Not only have the young people taking this programme achieved key skills qualifications in
Working with Others, Problem Solving and Lifeskills, but WALCAT have ensured that they have
gained a greater understanding of the world around them and their rights and responsibilities in
local and global society.
Students reported reading the papers more and understanding what was
going on in the news. In addition, by facing controversial issues, students have been able to
challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviour. Project Leader Alison Farrell said,
“I am very proud to receive this award for Achieving Together. In the last two years it has
been a pleasure to watch the learners develop and grow into more confident and aware
young citizens.”
More examples of practice:
- Devon Development Education
informal community education at the Global Centre in Exeter - Preston College and Lancashire Global Education Centre
Global Perspectives in English literacy programme - Amicus-MSF
distance learning course for trade union members - Cornwall College: working with trainee teachers in the post-16 sector
to develop their expertise to disseminate global educational values - Croydon College: Constructive Dialogue on Globalisation Issues
project focussing on the A level Economics, Business Studies and Sociology programme - Pendleton College and Christian Aid
developing a sustainable global learning strategy across the college - Wigan and Leigh College: Dispelling the myths
making links with FE instutions in India and China a springboard for teaching and learning about global interconnectedness.