MathsLab at Levenmouth Campus

Fife College is celebrating after being shortlisted for four prestigious College Development Network (CDN) awards – recognised as the college sector ‘Oscars’ in Scotland.

The nominations recognise the continued drive of the College to provide a first class learning experience for all.

Among the nominations are unique projects which promote mentoring of vulnerable students, tackle inclusiveness, improve the learning pathways for students into further or higher education, and boost marketing of the college.

The CDN Awards celebrate the talent, skills and achievements of colleges, their staff and learners from across Scotland, as well as giving an opportunity to showcase the innovation that exists within the sector.

One of the ke awards is Student of the Year and Carol Hunter from Dunfermline is one of three to be shortlisted in recognition of her contribution to Fife College acting as a mentor to care experienced school pupils worried about taking the next step to college.

Carol has clocked up a total of 215 voluntary hours in the last academic year – which is quite amazing given the demands of her full-time course. On top of this, she has three young sons – aged six, five and one.

Carol also makes time in her busy schedule for her new role as Fife College Student Association President for Education and Representation. She has recently passed her HND in Social Sciences and is now studying for her degree with the Open University thanks to Fife College’s articulation route.

The College is delighted to be shortlisted for the Inclusive College Award - which recognises an institution that practices inclusiveness to advance equality and diversity.

The goal of Fife College’s Supported Learning team is to showcase students’ abilities over disabilities. The team strives to empower students who need support with their learning to access college and fulfil their potential by utilising the virtual learning environments.

By empowering students with the technology they need to increase their own knowledge of their subjects the team promotes inclusion whilst building confidence.

The shortlisting in the Essential Skills Award is in recognition of MathsLab – a pioneering new approach to improving numeracy skills in Fife.

Working in partnership with local high school, Levenmouth Academy, the Fife College project aims to close the attainment gap in Levenmouth by improving maths skills in a fun, welcoming environment.

Courses aimed at children and adults are transforming public attitudes to maths and numeracy – improving not only their numeracy skills, but also their self-confidence and future employment prospects.

The nomination under the Marketing and Communications Award recognises the College’s targeted campaign to ensure the success of the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF).

This fund was launched by the Scottish Government a year ago to provide levy-paying firms (with an annual salary bill of over £3 million) with up to £10,000 of funding to meet their staff development needs.

Fife College was by far the most successful operator of the scheme – breaking its target of providing tailored packages of funded training to 54 local firms using a marketing campaign using organic social media posts, highly targeted business to business activity and business breakfasts. The campaign was so successful that the Business Development team were able to sign up 69 local companies for training – more than a quarter over target - and engaged with more than 100.

Hugh Hall, Principal, Fife College, said: “Fife College is proud and delighted to be shortlisted in four separate categories of the CDN Awards which celebrate the innovation taking place in colleges across Scotland.

“Our projects which have been nominated underline our focus to provide a first class learning experience. Projects such as these help us to widen opportunities for our students to ensure they benefit from the latest skills that mirror the needs of industry and in turn improve the Scottish economy.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Radisson Blue Hotel in Glasgow on 25 October.