S-zone provides its students with access to information on careers, lifestyle tips, course and learning opportunities as well as a chance to take some 'Time Out' from revision, listen to music and play games.

 

S-cool.co.uk is used by over two million students each month, and S-zone provides an additional channel for organisations to build relationships with 14-19 year olds.

Richard Mojel, S-cool's Managing Director highlights some of the possibilities of the new area:

"We conducted a survey in June of nearly 7000 students. There was significant demand for a dedicated section which would help our students to consider and explore learning and career opportunities, as well as having some fun at the same time - hence we created S-zone."

"S-zone is a powerful and exciting tool. It helps engage students who take their learning seriously, at a time when they are also considering what they want to do in their life. A number of organisations have seen the potential in this area - we have already received a number of enquiries from Universities wanting to promote their courses to prospective students."

If you would like to find out more about S-zone or to talk about marketing and advertising opportunities, please call 0117 370 7000, and select extension 3, or email advertise@s-cool.com.

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.