Seven Beacon Awards in six years - UK record

1 December 2006 LR

Pembrokeshire College has become the most consistently successful Beacon Award winner in the UK by notching up its seventh Award in six consecutive years.

Principal Glyn Jones was delighted to hear the news about winning the latest award - The FENC Award for the Successful Use of Learning Resources. He said: "The innovative work of the mlearning team using the latest mobile technology has been extremely effective in engaging disaffected young adult learners in Pembrokeshire."

Glyn Jones added: "This is the college's seventh Beacon Award in six consecutive years which is a reflection of the consistently high quality work being carried out for our learners across a broad range of areas in the college."

Pembrokeshire College's ILT manager, Dr Geoff Elliott, commented: "The award recognises the level of motivation that staff have in using technology to enhance the learning experience, whether it's using the latest PDAs, interactive whiteboards in each classroom or the wireless environment."

The Beacon Awards are often described as the 'Oscars' of further education and over 400 UK colleges are invited to submit their entries each year by the Association of Colleges. The process involves a 3,000 word written submission and a visit by two assessors.

If you are interested in finding out about Pembrokeshire College's use of resources for effective learning, then log on to www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk or call admissions on 0800 716 236.

Celebrating seven Beacon Awards in six consecutive years - a UK record - are the Pembrokeshire College team members that were involved in submitting the winning bids.

Pictured are jubilant members of the mlearning team at Pembrokeshire College involved in winning The FENC Award for the Successful Use of Learning Resources 2006.

Further information

Beacon Award wins for the last six consecutive years include:

2001 British Council Award for International Student Support
2002 Life Sciences Award sponsored by the Partnership Trust
2003 Staff Development Award sponsored by TES and AoC
2004 College Engagement with Employers Award sponsored by ELWa
2005 The Becta Award for the Effective use of ICT and e-learning to Enhance and Support Organisational Development
2005 The Mencap and RNIB Inclusive Award for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities
2006 The FENC Award for the Successful Use of Learning Resources

AoC = Association of Colleges