Petroc Periodic Review 2013-14
Arts subject cluster
Panel discussions led to the following conclusions in respect of the range of programmes
reviewed.
Conclusions on Innovation and Good Practice:
The Panel commended the following:
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That the students strongly identified with the College
The UPSU representative’s liaison with students at the College
The excellent employment record and the entrepreneurship built into programmes
that are important to individuals and the region
The committed and enthusiastic academic and professional services staff
The strategies in place for retention
The continued development of the HE provision at the Brannams Campus
The efforts of subject area staff to address improved and sustained recruitment
The use of alumni as teaching staff and visiting speakers
The use of the buddy system for student feedback
Conclusions on Quality and Standards:
The Panel was assured that quality and standards are met and had been enhanced through
the review process.
The Panel commended the constructive engagement of staff with external examiners.
Conclusions on whether the programmes remain current and valid in light of
developing knowledge in the discipline, practice in its application and developments
in teaching and learning:
The Panel was assured that the programmes remain current and valid but would encourage
monitoring of changes to the curriculum.
Forward looking recommendations for actions to remedy any identified shortcomings,
and for further enhancement of quality and standards:
The Team was asked to consider the following:
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To review and monitor changes being made with regards to the Ceramics offer
To review academic liaison with Plymouth for the History and English programmes
The access to studio space to students outside of timetabled sessions
A strategy for booking room space for group study and rehearsals by students
To establish robust processes for tracking accumulated curriculum change and the
updating of programmes
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The co-ordination of programme marketing between the subject area and the College
marketing department to ensure effective sustained recruitment
To review students’ perceptions of the BA (Hons) Professional Development
(Creative Industries)
To review the HE staff development programme with a view to enhance HE scholarly
development of individuals
Health, Education and Business subject cluster
Panel discussions led to the following conclusions in respect of the programmes reviewed.
Conclusions on innovation and good practice
The Panel thanked the College for engaging with the process and highlighted the following
good practice:
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The WBL activities and engagement with employers in the local community.
Positive relationships between students and teaching and professional staff. High
levels of support and College responsiveness.
Existing College support for staff development and qualifications.
Collaborative teaching within the cluster.
The excellent use of the Digital Learning Environment including, MOODLE, BOB and
PRIMO.
Conclusions on quality and standards
The Panel was reassured that the quality and standards of the programmes are being
maintained.
Conclusions on whether the programmes remain current and valid in the light of
developing knowledge in the discipline, practice in its application and developments
in teaching and learning
The Panel was satisfied that the programmes remain current and valid.
Forward looking recommendations for actions to remedy any identified shortcomings,
and for further enhancement of quality and standards
The Panel made the following recommendations:
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College to discuss with Programme Managers, Heads of School, HE Co-ordinator
and in consultation with Academic Partnerships when the re-approval of current
programmes might be timely / appropriate.
The need for an overall HE Assessment Strategy which articulates how assessment
contributes to learning, and models standards and workloads at different levels,
including timeline for feedback.
To give consideration to how staff can be best supported to engage meaningfully in
research and scholarly activity in pursuit of the HE reputation goal and research
goals.
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Encourage the College to share findings of the current curriculum review with
Academic Partnerships and cluster programmes in order to develop a strategic
response at subject and programme level.
Develop the excellent practice in the use of the DLE into a Digital Learning Strategy
for the College.
Science and Technology subject cluster
Panel discussions led to the following conclusions in respect of the programmes reviewed.
Conclusions on innovation and good practice
The Panel thanked the College for engaging with the process and highlighted the following
good practice:
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Staff participation in external projects which contributes to their development and
practice and helps to maintain programme currency.
Links with employers via advisory boards is contributing to the student experience,
maintaining programme currency and informing curricula development.
Engineering placements and students attending other student’s places of work plus
internal college simulations.
Staff working as External Examiners at other HEI’s
The role of the Scholarly Activity Coordinator and promotion of scholarly activity
conference.
Planned HE mentor programme.
Student engagement with Quality Assurance processes.
Conclusions on quality and standards
The Panel was reassured that the quality and standards of the programmes are being
maintained.
Conclusions on whether the programmes remain current and valid in the light of
developing knowledge in the discipline, practice in its application and developments
in teaching and learning
The Panel was satisfied that the programmes remain current and valid.
Forward looking recommendations for actions to remedy any identified shortcomings,
and for further enhancement of quality and standards
The Panel made the following recommendations:
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Ensure a consistency of approach in the support for students on locating placement
and WBL opportunities.
Develop assessment strategies at the programme level to improve scheduling and
consider the volume of work.
Develop the college’s strategic approach to enhancement so that individual staff
initiatives and good practice are linked in a more systematic manner.
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Within the Colleges review of its HE provision, ensure programmes have a sufficient
level of resource to operate fully.
Ensure that part time staff are aware of the development opportunities that are
supported within their contracts.