On the 21st of February, our sixth guest lecturer, Graham Allen, who is the Environmental Manager of Swansea Metropolitan University came in to talk to us. Unfortunately, I did not grasp what he was talking about, nor did I understand the relevance of his topic either. Nonetheless, he encouraged us to research certain topics. One which sounded particularly interesting was Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a global 'plan of action' yet is also apparent on more national and local scales and relates to any area in which humans impact the environment. This plan has been adopted by more than 178 Governments. This plan elevates nature above man, and this 40 chapter document which basically could 'control the world' according to some. There are many objectives to the plan, including:
- The abolition of private property
- Restructure of family unit
- An increasing limitation and restriction to mobility and opportunity.
In the early 1990's, many believed that Mother nature's Earth should not have been 'scratched,'human beings should have been concentrated into 'zones,' and educations should have been concentrated on the environment. However, clearly these are idealistic ideas, yet should the United Nations consider this pathway, like they should of? (Some suggest.)
,
During the first World Public meeting on culture, held in Alegre (2002) it was decided to draw up a document for cultural policies, and so Agenda 21 was born. It is it the first global document of its kind.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Guest Lecturer, number 6
On the 21st of February, our sixth guest lecturer, Graham Allen, who is the Environmental Manager of Swansea Metropolitan University came in to talk to us. Unfortunately, I did not grasp what he was talking about, nor did I understand the relevance of his topic either. Nonetheless, he encouraged us to research certain topics. One which sounded particularly interesting was Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a global 'plan of action' yet is also apparent on more national and local scales and relates to any area in which humans impact the environment. This plan has been adopted by more than 178 Governments. This plan elevates nature above man, and this 40 chapter document which basically could 'control the world' according to some. There are many objectives to the plan, including:
- The abolition of private property
- Restructure of family unit
- An increasing limitation and restriction to mobility and opportunity.
In the early 1990's, many believed that Mother nature's Earth should not have been 'scratched,'human beings should have been concentrated into 'zones,' and educations should have been concentrated on the environment. However, clearly these are idealistic ideas, yet should the United Nations consider this pathway, like they should of? (Some suggest.)
,
During the first World Public meeting on culture, held in Alegre (2002) it was decided to draw up a document for cultural policies, and so Agenda 21 was born. It is it the first global document of its kind.
- The abolition of private property
- Restructure of family unit
- An increasing limitation and restriction to mobility and opportunity.
In the early 1990's, many believed that Mother nature's Earth should not have been 'scratched,'human beings should have been concentrated into 'zones,' and educations should have been concentrated on the environment. However, clearly these are idealistic ideas, yet should the United Nations consider this pathway, like they should of? (Some suggest.)
,
During the first World Public meeting on culture, held in Alegre (2002) it was decided to draw up a document for cultural policies, and so Agenda 21 was born. It is it the first global document of its kind.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
ICT AND VISUAL COMM PROGRESS
Oh dear God. Just found out that our ICT project has actually got a theme, and not something we just get to choose. Initially very annoyed that we have only just been told about this, finding out it was the importance of place, relieved me a little. My first project idea was the influence of identity, which quite nicely ties in with the importance of place. Still, I think I may have to buy a new sketchbook and start over again. Never mind!!! GUESS IT IS JUST ONE HUGE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. In class, we discussed what we consider an important place to be. Yes, it can be a physical thing, yet we also quickly realised it could be about a mental place and your emotions. I'm going to research some artists and see how it develops. I think it will be something that develops as it goes along!!
Guest Lecturer, number 5!
Yesterday (14/02/2012) we had our fifth guest lecturer come in, Oliver Hopker who is the Head of Planning and Development at Swansea Metropolitan University. The topic of her lecture today was 'Collaboration vs Competition.' Apparently, the Welsh Government is promoting the benefit for educational institutes, such as ourselves to start collaborating with others. Olive first gave us the economic employment structure of Wales; surprisingly, we found out that 94% of all businesses in Wales consists of 'micro enterprises,' which are simply small businesses. Because of this, should then Welsh Universities and other educational institutes also be small as there is large employment in small enterprises. Olive then gave us examples of current collaborations, these include purchasing, as it could be more cost affective to purchase resources with other Universities, library access, and perhaps the most interesting external examiners. External examiners are staff from other Universities who teach the same or similar courses who will mark your work, likewise, staff from Swansea Met will mark the work of students from other Universities, (this only occurs in years 1 and 2.) Despite there being collaboration, there is also competition, especially from Universities within the same city, Swansea Metropolitan and Swansea University being an example. Universities are just as competitive; for example they all are trying to recruit students, place highly in league tables, gain funding, staff and a good reputation.
There are many benefits through collaboration. There is shared expertise, better efficiency and effectiveness, cost saving, an enhanced reputation. I felt the most interesting benefit of educational collaboration was the use of an 'external eye.' We all have most likely experienced someone questioning our actions and perhaps advising us what to do next. The same applies to Universities, an 'external eye' is someone not directly associated with the educational institute who will question certain aspects. There are also benefits through being competitive, it promotes individuals (even students) to develop a hard-working ethos and to strive to do better and improve. It also gives us the opportunity to choose which educational institute we would like to attend. 'Competition' seems to have developed from a Conservative Government.
The size of a University may also have a profound effect on how they operate. There are many benefits to being a small institute (such as ourselves.) There is low student to teacher ratios, simple structures, minimum administrative overheads, small classes, and flexibility in not only the programs but many other aspects. However, there are also some limitations, these include a small collection of resources ultimately producing limited choice. On the other hand there are benefits to being a larger University, the benefits seem to opposite to that of a smaller University's limitation. They will have a large resource base, better buying power, a wider range of courses, and perhaps more career opportunities (yet, this is debatable.) Likewise, a larger University has many limitations. These can include: difficult management, complex structures, poor teacher to student ratios, tightly defined courses and too many administrative overheads.
Olive then went on to discuss the 'delivery of higher education' The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) COLLABORATES with a company called the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW)who is responsible for all Welsh Government funding. WAG split Welsh Universities into three main areas. The North (Bangor, Aberystwyth and Glyndwr,) South East (Cardiff, Glamorgan, Newport and Cardiff Met) and South West (Swansea, Swansea Met and Trinity St David.) All these Universities offer funded Higher Education course. HEFCW, between July 2010 and February 2012 are asking for any bids for 'reward funding.'
There are many benefits through collaboration. There is shared expertise, better efficiency and effectiveness, cost saving, an enhanced reputation. I felt the most interesting benefit of educational collaboration was the use of an 'external eye.' We all have most likely experienced someone questioning our actions and perhaps advising us what to do next. The same applies to Universities, an 'external eye' is someone not directly associated with the educational institute who will question certain aspects. There are also benefits through being competitive, it promotes individuals (even students) to develop a hard-working ethos and to strive to do better and improve. It also gives us the opportunity to choose which educational institute we would like to attend. 'Competition' seems to have developed from a Conservative Government.
The size of a University may also have a profound effect on how they operate. There are many benefits to being a small institute (such as ourselves.) There is low student to teacher ratios, simple structures, minimum administrative overheads, small classes, and flexibility in not only the programs but many other aspects. However, there are also some limitations, these include a small collection of resources ultimately producing limited choice. On the other hand there are benefits to being a larger University, the benefits seem to opposite to that of a smaller University's limitation. They will have a large resource base, better buying power, a wider range of courses, and perhaps more career opportunities (yet, this is debatable.) Likewise, a larger University has many limitations. These can include: difficult management, complex structures, poor teacher to student ratios, tightly defined courses and too many administrative overheads.
Olive then went on to discuss the 'delivery of higher education' The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) COLLABORATES with a company called the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW)who is responsible for all Welsh Government funding. WAG split Welsh Universities into three main areas. The North (Bangor, Aberystwyth and Glyndwr,) South East (Cardiff, Glamorgan, Newport and Cardiff Met) and South West (Swansea, Swansea Met and Trinity St David.) All these Universities offer funded Higher Education course. HEFCW, between July 2010 and February 2012 are asking for any bids for 'reward funding.'
Sunday, 12 February 2012
HAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPY.
My friend from home, Hannah came up and visited me this weekend (she has not long left) and it was absolutely lovely. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to go see her over Christmas so it was really nice to spend some personal time with her, and she is just as amazing and fantastic as I remember. I completely forgot how unbelievably clever she is, she, for the majority of her visit was talking about neurons, electrons and that sciency stuff! My nieghbour was amazed! I think I owe a lot to her, as she, as well as my Psychology teacher, really motivated me to well in my Year 13 exams, I guess, in Psychology I was almost jealous of her as she always did her. Without her or my teacher's encouragement I don't think I would've got an A in one exam and a high B in the other, which I am very proud of!! It was really nice seeing her, as despite she has an array of illness, she still took the time and effort to come see and spend time with me. We went down to town to Eddie's for a nice meal- DAMN, THOSE SWEET POTATOS FRIES ARE GURRRRRRRRRRRRRRD! Can't wait to see her again at Easter! Additionally, my girlfriend is coming to visit next weekend as. I AM SO EXCITED, FIJOSDTGIHJDFOAJIOJFAIHGF < words cannot describe how I feel. I am more than likely going to blog about this!!! CAN'T FRICKEN WAIT.
Guest Lecturer 4- Steve Gullick.
Steve, once again returned to give us a lecture and further information on the role of a Governing once again. He told us that the Government had decided to rule 'stake holders' over experts. Yet still, from what we learnt, there will be tension regardless. This lecture, like his previous one was very interesting, we found out that Govenors have to 'hold the school to account' and it is them, who have to be satisfied with a school's progress. In connection to a Governing body, Steve told us about the role of a critical friend, someone who offers constructive criticism, and a role of the Headteacher, who simply runs the school.
Steve introduced us on the methods used when people have interviews for a job within a school. Usually, there are 2-5 Govenors present during a job interview. If a Govenor is at their usual job when the interview is taking place, they must get the time off paid work- yet, should the school expect Govenors to loose money? A Govenors vote is just as valid as a Headteachers, yet, this raises the debate of 'non-expert vs expert.'
Govenors may visit their school randomly see how they are doing, or often for a school celebration like a carol concert. There are two people who cannot be stopped coming into a school, these are inspectors and Govenors, however, meetings are often arranged. Govenors are always present as important event.
Regular teachers may often be asked to present at a Governing body meeting, where the structure and plans are very secure and fixed. Steve alo told us that every school needs a SENCO (Special educational needs coordination officer) and a special educational needs Govenor.
It was interesting to further develop our knowledge on the role of a Governing body. It really shocks me the actual influence and power the can hold in an educational environment, it is like they are the foundation of the school ethos, and everything else is built around them.
Steve introduced us on the methods used when people have interviews for a job within a school. Usually, there are 2-5 Govenors present during a job interview. If a Govenor is at their usual job when the interview is taking place, they must get the time off paid work- yet, should the school expect Govenors to loose money? A Govenors vote is just as valid as a Headteachers, yet, this raises the debate of 'non-expert vs expert.'
Govenors may visit their school randomly see how they are doing, or often for a school celebration like a carol concert. There are two people who cannot be stopped coming into a school, these are inspectors and Govenors, however, meetings are often arranged. Govenors are always present as important event.
Regular teachers may often be asked to present at a Governing body meeting, where the structure and plans are very secure and fixed. Steve alo told us that every school needs a SENCO (Special educational needs coordination officer) and a special educational needs Govenor.
It was interesting to further develop our knowledge on the role of a Governing body. It really shocks me the actual influence and power the can hold in an educational environment, it is like they are the foundation of the school ethos, and everything else is built around them.
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