“This latest iteration of the 14-19 prospectus/Cap product builds on S-cool’s highly intuitive UX approach and is combined with enhanced real time report functionality.

All of this, on top of the well received  training and support package make S-cool the absolute first port of call for any local authority looking to guarantee their Prospectus and CAP will meet all relevant requirements, whilst ensuring learners and supporters are thoroughly engaged and motivated” ,

said S-cool Education MD, Richard Mojel.

“..These latest product developments will be followed swiftly by an improved eILP offering, and a groundbreaking Pathways tool, which will be launched later in the year.
These new enhancements, allied to an even more intuitive user experience put the S-cool 14-19 Prospectus/CAP product way ahead of the competition.”

With over a decade’s experience in the online 14-19 market, and staffed with domain experts from the fields of student support, teaching and education planning who sit alongside its UX specialists; it’s no wonder that S-cool are still the market leaders in this growing field.

The S-cool application system has, to date, processed many thousands of learner applications,
Connexions advisors have been delighted with the impact the integrated September and January Guarantee functionality, alongside their CCIS, has had in their quest to identify potential obstacles facing young people going into learning and as a consequence reduce the overall number of young people eventually falling NEET.

The S-cool 14-19 product suite, which is also XCRI compliant, boasts a CMS which gives consortia complete control over the range and format of local information represented. This includes a plethora of videos, interactive tools and other media to ensure learners make the best possible choices..

This enhanced functionality, combined with seamless integration with the current range of available online tools from provider MIS to VLEs. In addition,  as well as an inbuilt suite of accurate report tools which gives instant real time information to support “right first time” commissioning and therefore generates considerable savings, as well as reliable NEET identification, will be central to the governments agenda of maximising the quality of the learner experience whilst minimising the cost to the tax payer.

For more information contact Keith.Edwards@s-cool.com

Work has just commenced on this project, one of the most wide ranging and radical initiatives to emerge in the 14-19 arena in some time.

“We are delighted to have been selected as the chosen partner of the ten  Greater Manchester boroughs and the Greater Manchester Challenge to drive forward this flagship initiative”, said Richard Mojel S-cools’ Managing Director.

The new developments will considerably improve usability, speed and system reliability of what remains the most popular 14-19 course search and select product in the country.

“S-cool is committed to providing a leading edge, high quality and user-friendly experience for learners, providers, and administrators, and maintaining strong alignment with DCSF direction as well as incorporating evolving client and market requirements. These new product developments demonstrate our commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement in the field of 14-19 education systems " said S-cool's MD Richard Mojel.

The exciting modifications to the S-cool prospectus and application system are detailed below:

• AWP Searches
• A new cutting edge search interface will significantly enhance search function and usability.
• Consortia Functionality
• Provision of more flexible partnership set-up models will allow better alignment to the most common and standard working practices.
• Option Blocks
• Improved accessibility and usability will enhance the learner experience and the administration functionality will be simplified.
• MIS Data Exchange
• Reporting will be extended to include the MIAP Unique Learner Number. Engagement with key MIS providers will continue to promote the development of a common standardised framework for open data exchange capability.
• Messaging
• Functionality will be introduced to support messaging between providers.
• User Management
• Functionality will be extended to enable management of providers assigned to PAs. This will remove the requirement for PAs to hold and manage multiple accounts.

Our development programme is a continuation of the enhancements and improvements which have been progressively introduced since the beginning of the academic year. In response to client and user feedback, we are also introducing simplified and streamlined ways of providing training support and learning materials. This includes expanded use of Quick Guides and providing access to short videos to support implementation and product training.

Planning is also well underway for the 2010/2011 academic year development programme. Included in this programme will be the introduction of a new Clearing House functionality. Our approach for this and the wider range of enhancement opportunities will be to continue with our regularly-scheduled programme of delivery. Fundamental to the development of this programme itself will be an on-going cycle of discussion and input from clients.

These and other new features, functionality, and improvements planned for the 2010/2011 academic year and beyond will continue to ensure that S-cool’s Prospectus and Application Process remain at the forefront of the market.

For further information, please contact Keith Edwards, Head of Business Development on 0117 370 7000. or email keith.edwards@s-cool.com.

Online learning systems, like S-cool Application Process and S-cool Area Prospectus are now a significant part of life in schools across the country. S-cool Professional Services work with educational organisations, including schools, colleges and local authorities to ensure that the systems prove to be a valuable resource to learners, as well as those involved in the delivery of their education.

Stuart Smith, Head of Professional Services, talks about the new division:

"We've developed S-cool Professional Services to help educational organisations to make the most of their systems. We aim to be flexible and responsive to meet their needs, working with them to meet objectives that are unique to their situation and environment.

Whatever a school, college or local authority is looking to achieve with their S-cool system, we can help. From training packages across a consortium to full system audits, we provide a tailored service to help them to get to where they want to be."

To contact S-cool Professional Services, call 0117 3707000 ext 703, or email consultancy@s-cool.com.

You can also visit the Professional Services section of this website.

 

If you are attending the conference, please visit the S-cool stand. We will have a range of product information available on the day and will be able to answer any questions relating to S-cool products or services.

For more information please visit the Leacan website.

Intellect represents over 750 technology companies, ranging from small and medium enterprises to multinationals. Joining Intellect forms part of our commitment to stay at the forefront of thought leadership, and helps to ensure that our products and services are based on leading-edge technologies. It also shows our support for the ongoing needs of learners and education providers across the UK.

For more information on Intellect, visit http://www.intellectuk.org/.

 

Over the course of the next year, learners will use these products to support them in their education and career choices, help them plan and consider their future, as well as search and apply for further education and training.

The three products, already market leaders, have been enhanced to bring a number of additional benefits to users of the systems:

• Learners can now use a number of different search terms in S-cool Area Prospectus, including course type, provider type and qualification type. This enhanced keyword search makes it easier and quicker for learners to find courses that interest them. 
• S-cool Application Process is a brand new product. Working in consultation with learners we have significantly enhanced the learner experience through improving the design and layout of the site. There have also been a number of enhancements to the administrator functionality, including the ability to set up bespoke and multiple applications for areas.
• There have also been a number of developments to S-cool Plan-it, including enhancements to the 'Skills Quiz'. Learners can now assess and record their Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) to help them understand and develop qualities and skills needed for success in learning and life.

For more information on any of these products or developments, please call 0117 370 7000, or email education@s-cool.com.

Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training: Education for All Conference

Tuesday 15^th September 2009, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

In October 2003, the Nuffield Foundation launched a six-year independent review of 14-19 education and training. The 'Report of the Nuffield Review, Education for All: The Future of Education and Training for 14-19 Year Olds', was published in June 2009.

This conference will explore one particular focus of the Review: the transition from school to further training and employment, showing where policy and practice need to develop.

For more information, see the Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training: Education for All Conference website.

Delivering 16-19 Provision: April 2010 and Beyond

Wednesday 16^th September, Central London

By April 2010 the Learning and Skills Council will pass on some of their responsibilities to local authorities. This conference will explore the challenges local authorities face in establishing a strong and sustainable foundation for 16-19 provision.

For more information, see the Delivering 16-19 Provision: April 2010 and Beyond website.

4th National Conference, The Diploma, The Qualifications Pathway to University and Work

Thursday 17^th September 2009, Central London

In its fourth year, this national conference will bring together those who are leading Diploma implementation to examine the first year; benchmark consortia progress; answer the critics; and anticipate changes in the coming academic year.

For more information, see the 4th Annual National Diplomas website.

Market leading products S-cool Area Prospectus, Application Process and
Plan-it are being significantly enhanced for release in September 2009, bringing a host of additional benefits to learners and other users of the systems.

These enhancements will ensure that S-cool products are ahead of the DCSF requirements for 2010 / 11. 

Some of the exciting new developments include:

S-cool Area Prospectus

1. Enhanced Keyword Search - learners will be able to search by multiple terms, (for example, course type, providers, provider type, qualification) making it easier for them to find relevant courses
2. Cross-border Searching- by linking with bordering prospectus, learners can see all of the opportunities available to them, even if they live close to a bordering authority
3. Improved Search Filtering - learners will be able to narrow their searches quickly and find the opportunities they are looking for

S-cool Application Process

1. Clean and Engaging Design and Functionality - we consulted with learners to create a new look and layout so learners will find it easy to use
2. Cross Border Applications - learners can use the Application Process to apply across borders (to other areas using S-cool products) giving them more opportunities
3. Reporting for NEET and September Guarantee - local authorities can use the reporting tools to create insightful management reports helping them to deliver the September Guarantee as well as informing strategies to reduce NEETs

 S-cool Plan-it

1. New Look and Feel - we've tested it with learners and they love the new look
2. Enhanced Skills Quiz - learners can assess and record their Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) which can be used to support Diploma delivery
3. Experiences of Work Record - learners can record their experiences of work and PLTS to support CV and personal statement preparation

When the systems are combined in one area, learners will also benefit from Single Sign-On across the three systems, creating a more user-friendly navigation experience.

For more information on any of these exciting developments please call 0117 370 7000 or email education@s-cool.com.

The conferences attracted speakers from key educational organisations including Gareth Griffiths from the Learning and Skills Council, Carey Johnson from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and David Wales from the National Apprenticeships Service.

Delegates were given the opportunity to discuss and share their views on the implications of the DCSF's 14-19 Action Plan. Many delegates found this to be an invaluable opportunity in helping them to understand and prepare to meet the DCSF's requirements

Katie Adams, Data and On-line Projects Manager for the 14-19 Team, Manchester City Council said,
"It was great to talk and share ideas with colleagues from other local authority areas about the challenges we face. I left the conference with greater clarification about what we need to do and by when." 

In addition to providing clarification on DCSF requirements, the conferences also gave delegates the opportunity to consider ways to improve Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) through the 14-19 prospectus. Presentations and discussions highlighted the challenges 14-19 partnerships face in ensuring that learners have access to all relevant learning opportunities in their area.  These challenges include providing clear guidance on best practice IAG, encouraging further education colleges to engage with other local providers and making learning pathways clear to all, including teachers and parents.

Presentations from the National Apprenticeships Service (NAS) provided greater clarification on what is expected of local authorities in relation to integrating prospectuses with Apprenticeship Vacancies Online. The NAS also provided welcome reassurance that they will be working closely with local authorities across the UK to ensure that 14-19 prospectuses make all opportunities available to learners, including apprenticeships. 

Overall, the conferences were a significant step towards helping key stakeholders understand and move towards meeting the requirements of the DCSF 14-19 Action Plan.

For more information on the '14-19 Action Plan - Next Steps' conferences please contact 0117 370 7000 or email education@s-cool.com.

Invaluable networking and best practice sharing opportunities

The conference featured presentations from a number of influential speakers, including Gareth Griffiths of the LSC, Anthony Knowles from the National Apprenticeships Service and Lynn Kilpatrick from Darlington Borough Council.

As a driving force behind the new 14-19 agenda, Gareth Griffiths of the Learning and Skills Council delivered a comprehensive review of the 14-19 Action Plan and the Self Assessment Tool available to local authorities.

Anthony Knowles, Employer Services Director from the National Apprenticeships Service, discussed the DCSF's requirement that area prospectuses include links to Apprenticeships Vacancies Online and introduced delegates to the online system.

Lynn Kilpatrick then delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the Information, Advice and Guidance implications of the 14-19 Action Plan.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to discuss and share their views on the implications of the DCSF's 14-19 Action Plan. Many delegates found this to be an invaluable opportunity in helping them to understand and prepare to meet the DCSF's requirements.

"The conference was exactly what I needed.  All the presentations were delivered in a very professional way" IAG Consultant, Stockton Borough Council

"It was a great opportunity to network with lead organisations and individuals involved in the delivery of the Action Plan. I found it really useful to ask them questions and gain clarification on key points and expectations." eLearning Consultant, Calderdale Local Authority

"I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to and share ideas with colleagues from other local authority areas about the challenges we face. I left with greater clarification about what we need to do and by when" 14-19 Online Projects Coordinator, Manchester City Council

Gareth Griffiths presenting on the new Action Plan and Self Assessment Tool

S-cool will be holding two additional '14-19 Action Plan - Next Steps' conferences in June.  For more information contact 0117 3707000 or email education@s-cool.com.

The Action Plan clearly sets out the framework and standards for anyone involved in the delivery of 14-19 Prospectus and Common Application Process (CAP) developments - in particular the leads of 14-19 Partnerships as well as the organisations represented in the partnership.

Commenting on the Action Plan, Richard Mojel, S-cool's Managing Director said, "We welcome the Government's ambition for the development of the 14-19 Prospectus and Common Application Process over the coming years.  We're well aligned with the Action Plan and by the end of 2009, S-cool customers can expect their systems to already meet most of the DCSF's requirements set for the end of 2010. We're committed to ensuring that we address all elements and any additional requirements will form part of our product roadmap to enhance learner and all other user experiences. We look forward to working alongside 14-19 partnerships and other stakeholders to make this ambition a reality."

You can receive regular e-mail updates covering the latest Area Prospectus and Common Application developments by signing up for S-cool updates

Indeed, from September 2013 there will be an entitlement to all Diploma lines across England. One of the biggest educational reforms ever undertaken in this country.

The new DCSF Consortium Support Guide is aimed at all those involved in delivery at a local level, including: IAG practitioners; local authority 14-19 leads; and school and college leaders/managers. It provides a wide range of support - from planning, communications and IAG, to employer engagement and workforce development. It outlines the support available for Diploma delivery and provide a clear understanding of what support is available, how it can be accessed and how it will help to deliver Diplomas.

The guide focuses on the teaching of Diplomas and functional skills in 2010 and 2011, and also the planning and building of capacity for full-scale entitlement. The guide has four sections:

• Supporting local capacity building - funding, training, and guidance to help consortia and local authorities deliver Diplomas.
• Helping to prepare for teaching and learning - support for those involved in teaching Diplomas and functional skills: Diploma practitioners, functional skills practitioners, curriculum planners, exams officers, and domain and lead assessors.
• Supporting stronger employer engagement - support and guidance to help you engage employers in Diploma delivery.
• Helping consortia communicate - support and guidance for local communications activities, and help with your Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) activity too.

The guide recognises the need to make full use of the experience and knowledge gained to date and the need to build in more flexibility than ever for local decision-making and delivery of support and the need for more support for sharing good practice and flexible peer-to-peer learning.

In addition, throughout 2009 and 2010, Consortium Advisers will be available to help work through which elements of support are most relevant to each consortium and local authority, building a tailored support package that really does meet the variety of local needs.

Visit the Diploma Support website to download the Consortium Support Guide

The team gained the runner-up award for Advanced Level Learning Support, with the judges being particularly impressed with the team’s use of Plan-it, MKC’s electronic individual learning plan (eILP). “This ILP is ideal for learner support” the judges  said, “The Plan-it tool is effective and engaging, allowing students much greater interaction with Personal Tutors, Course Tutors and IAG staff. The impact on careers advice, attendance, retention and achievement is evident.”

The College’s lead on eLearning, Rosie Douglas, was thrilled to see MKC do so well. “The evening was a great success and we learnt a lot simply through submitting our nominations and presenting our evidence”, she said, before adding, “Bring on next year’s awards!”

 

Mid Kent College at the awards

 

Data collected by the cross-border reporting tool will:

• Enable and support regional and sub-regional implementation of common application systems
• Provide detailed information on applications and movement across area prospectus boundaries
• Provide comprehensive data to support the Year 11 guarantee
• Support strategic planning of provision with detailed reports to support learner entitlement

Once completed, the tool will allow users to set the level of detail at which data can be accessed, ranging from individual learner data to aggregated data for trend analysis and provision planning.  The system design and security will ensure that users will only be able to access data they are authorised to view.  Data will only be shared where the owner of the data has given their consent.

Further details of these exciting developments will be published on the S-cool website in due course along with confirmation of the expected launch date.

S-cool are actively involved in the East Midlands XCRI pilot.

Background information

XCRI is a JISC-funded, UK-oriented project to establish a specification to support the exchange of course-related information.

A key activity for XCRI is the development of an XML specification, the XCRI Course Advertising Profile (or XCRI-CAP for short). Learning providers can publish their courses information in the standard XCRI-CAP format, so that it can be collected easily by organisations with course search services such as UCAS. Opening up the offerings of learning providers creates new possibilities for value-added services and information channels for universities, colleges, and training providers.

XCRI is supported by JISC, and operated in partnership between the JISC-CETIS service at the University of Bolton, Manchester Metropolitan University, and KaiNao Ltd.

Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the essential role that apprentices play in today's business world, ensuring that the workforce has the skills it needs in orger to remain competitive, even in difficult economic conditions.

As a firm believer in the apprenticeship scheme, S-cool currently employs 4 apprentices as well as one member of staff who has now completed her apprenticeship.

Reflecting on her experiences of the scheme, Kirsty Atkins, who recently completed her apprenticeship at S-cool, said, "I've obtained many new skills through doing an apprenticeship - I have more confidence and have been able to build a career at a  very young age".

Luke Inman, who is currently undertaking his apprenticeship at S-cool, commented, "I've benefited greatly from starting an apprenticeship; I've learned lots of new skills and been given opportunities I never would have had if I hadn't started an apprenticeship".

We're very proud of what our apprentices at S-cool have achieved and wish them every success in the Apprenticeships Awards and beyond!

Pictured: S-cool apprentices (from left): Zoe Morgan, Kirsty Atkins, Loren Elliott and Luke Inman

Partnering with Naace is a key element of our commitment to remain the leading systems provider to the 14-19 education sector, developing our products and services to meet emerging wants and needs. Naace is the professional association for those concerned with advancing education through the appropriate use of information and communications technology (ICT). The Association was established in 1984 and has become the key influential professional association for those working in ICT in education.

Annual Strategic Conference

We will be exhibiting at the Naace Annual Strategic Conference 2009, which will be held over the 3^rd - 5^th March in Blackpool. The Conference Exhibition is on Wednesday 4^th March, so please come to see us at stand 25.

For more information on Naace and the conference, please visit http://naace.org/777

So far almost a third of London boroughs are involved in the process. Vicky Shearn, 14 - 19 Consultant for Tower Hamlets, recently commissioned an audit and commented on the process:

"The CAP Readiness Audit was extremely valuable - It really helped us to think about the implications and processes involved in implementing CAP in Tower Hamlets."

"Whilst working through the audit, we changed our thinking several times about what we would do and how. The audit really helped us to understand what would be involved."

Due to the demand and success of the audits, S-cool now offer an Individual Learning Plan Readiness Audit for all local authorities and boroughs.

Call 0117 3707000 or email education@s-cool.com for more information.

At the start of the implementation process communication with the potential users of the system is key. Getting early "buy in" from these users will mean that they will be less resistant to change and the implementation will be less prone to delays and complications.

Users can be split into three categories:

• Administrators - manage the system for the benefit of other users
• Power Users - assist other users on a day to day basis and can be seen as supporters of the new system
• End Users - use the system to perform a function

Training/information sessions will be most effective if you ensure that the correct people come to the sessions. To do this you should consider the following:

• Communicate the objectives to both managers and attendees well before the session - If people are aware of what will be covered they can consider any questions that they want to bring up
• Stress to managers the need for the identified person to attend the training and not to send along substitutes
• Plan the content ahead of the training session - Tailor the session to suit the category of users. Don't try to cover too many roles in one session. A training session for Administrators will cover too much detail for an end user and may confuse them

Lastly, make sure you use a trainer who is fully up to speed on the product.

For advice and guidance on developing effective training and implementation programmes, call S-cool's implementation team on 0117 3707000.

The college has used Plan-it to help learners build individual learning plans across a range of year groups (from years 9 to 11), using appropriate aspects of the system to support learners depending on how far they had progressed along their learning journey. For example, Year 10 students used the system to identify their strengths and weaknesses, whereas Year 11 students researched career paths and job applications.

All the staff and students surveyed have said that they have benefited from using Plan-it with all of them being very positive about it. Students have found the system very user friendly and, as a testament to this, some have even been using it from home! Student comments included that Plan-it was "easy to use" and that "it made me realise that I needed to start planning for my future".

The pilot also highlighted that learners were confident in completing 'My School Life', a section in Plan-it which asks students personal questions about how they get on in school, at home and with other people. Because they know that only key staff (including form tutors and Learning Support) pick up on their personal comments, the information gained was valuable in highlighting personal issues that may have otherwise been left undisclosed.

Collingwood College will now be introducing the system across the whole school for academic monitoring and reviews, helping to personalise their learners' curriculum and build their self awareness, while at the same time enabling them to target support more effectively.

Follow this link to find out more about S-cool Plan-it.

Choice is London's online course prospectus for 14-19 year olds and provides a pan London search of the 35,000 courses and programmes that London's 640 schools, colleges and work based training providers are offering. The site provides young people, their parents and advisors impartial advice on all the learning opportunities available in schools, colleges and work places across the capital.

S-cool was chosen to create a fresh new version of the site providing the expertise, development and design resources to enhance existing functionality, including:

• A more intuitive and usable interface for young people
• The ability to search by subject areas and providers, rather than just by keywords
• Improved data accuracy through the inclusion of QANs for the majority of courses
• Cross borough searching, resulting in greater choice in learning opportunities for young people

London Connects, a London-wide agency bringing together local, regional, and central government to support the delivery of the e-government agenda across the capital is responsible for managing the Choice project.

Peter Williams, Deputy CEO of London Connects, commented on the new site and S-cool's contribution: "Choice is really starting to take shape, providing real information, advice and guidance to young people in developing their learning and career plans. S-cool are responsive to all of our needs and requirements, contributing extensive educational expertise to the project, helping us to develop a resource of real benefit to London's 14-19 learners."

The next stage of the project is due to be released later this year which will result in a full London Choice Individual Learning Plan capability and functionality surrounding a job pathways tool, CV wizard, action planner, support manager and self career quizzes all integrated the existing system.

Visit London Choice at www.mychoicelondon.co.uk

Integrating Futures4Me AWP and CAP creates the most advanced online search and application system available today, enabling learners to search and apply for courses online. There's no need to remember multiple passwords, and the seamless movement from searching to applying makes it more likely learners will apply to courses which are relevant to their interests and expectations.

Jo Middleton, Project Manager of the Berkshire Area Wide Prospectus commented on the decision to appoint S-cool as their new provider "The Steering Group, made up of representatives from our local authorities, Training Providers and FE Colleges were impressed with S-cool's experience and knowledge of the 14-19 agenda and the flexibility and sustainability of their web based solution. We were particularly attracted by the capability for cross border searching."

Including Berkshire, S-cool now provide AWP and associated systems to virtually the whole of the South East of England, increasing networking opportunities as well as integrating 14-19 systems across the region.

Speaking at S-cool's recent 'Realising the Vision' regional conferences, Nick Glossop, S-cool's Director of Education said "opportunities for networking and the sharing of best practice can play a key part in improving the levels of service offered to young people across the country. With over 85 LA's in England now using our 14-19 systems, we are in a very strong position to facilitate networking and the sharing of best practice."

To find out more about S-cool's 14-19 systems, see this link: more information about 14-19 Systems.

The conferences provided an excellent opportunity for Local Authorities to network and discuss sustainability factors surrounding their AWP at the same time as considering opportunities for the further integration. A requirement of the new DCSF Vision document is that all Local Authorities should have an integrated AWP, CAP and Individual Learning Plan in place by 2010.

Rob Williamson, SGI Coordinator from Connexions Kent and Medway told delegates that through the implementation of an integrated Futures4Me Area Wide Prospectus and Common Application Process, they have been able to improve the service they offer to learners including the provision of greater planning information to support the identification and re-engagement of NEETs.

Bev Annables presented an overview of the draft Vision document and gave delegates the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback relating to the document. The feedback has been collated and sent to the DCSF to consider for the further development of the new Vision.

Delegates gave excellent feedback regarding the value of the two conferences, saying they provided insight and ideas to help them on their first steps to realising the new Vision.

We will be holding more conferences in the future and we will publish details of these on this website.

For more information contact office@s-cool.co.uk