Forth Valley College and University College Isle of Man (UCM) have announced an innovative partnership.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by FVC's Principal Dr Ken Thomson and the Hon Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children on the Isle of Man, on Wednesday 24 August at Forth Valley College's Falkirk Campus.
Also visiting the College as part of a cultural exchange event in Scotland were Professor Ronald Barr, CEO at the Island's Department of Education and Children, Emma Callin, Arts Development Manager from Community Arts and Jo Pretty, the newly appointed Principal of University College Isle of Man.
The link-up will allow staff and students to engage in reciprocal visits to share best practice between the two educational establishments. It is also hoped that the agreement will develop through the year to allow the newly formed partnership to identify areas of work which will truly enhance the educational experience of students.
FVC Principal, Dr Ken Thomson, said:
'We have been working closely with the University College Isle of Man over the last few months. They have built up an excellent reputation for providing high quality teaching and offering a very high standard of education to their students. We are delighted and excited to sign this Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen our links with them. Our students and staff are definitely going to benefit from working closely with University College Isle of Man over the coming years.'
Minister for Education and Children, Hon Tim Crookall MLC, said:
'In creating the new University College Isle of Man we were keen to identify a College in Scotland which had demonstrated outstanding links with both secondary schools and higher education, as well as business. The recent Education Scotland Review of Forth Valley College published in May this year confirmed our impression that FVC was a quality institution and we are very much looking forward to working in true partnership, to the benefit of both staff and students in both the IOM and Scotland.'
Professor Ronald Barr highlighted the growing educational links between Scotland and the Isle of Man and was very impressed by the innovative management style at FVC. He was particularly interested in the College's strong links with the University of Stirling and Scotland's Historic Environment initiative.
Notes:
Forth Valley College – Making Learning Work
Forth Valley College is made up of over 14,500 students and 600 staff and offers more than 750 courses at its campuses in Alloa, Falkirk and Stirling. Approximately 97% of students successfully progress on to employment or University upon completion of their course at Forth Valley College.
University College Isle of Man
UCM was formally launched in March 2016, promoting stronger links between the Isle of Man College of Further & Higher Education and the University of Chester. It is made up of over 3000 students and 180 staff.
Caption details:
Top Image - FVC Principal Dr Ken Thomson and Hon Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children, on the Isle of Man, signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Bottom Image - (Back row from left to right) Brian Lister, Education Consultant; Fiona Brown, FVC Associate Principal; Jo Pretty, newly appointed Principal of University College Isle of Man (UCM) and Professor Ronald Barr, CEO at the Island's Department of Education and Children and (front row left to right) Dr Ken Thomson and Hon Tim Crookall MLC.
