Minutes of the East Durham College Curriculum Quality & Standards Committee held on 11th March 2021

S. Duncan, V. McFarquhar (Chair), D. Butler, E. Oughton, J. MacIntyre and  R. Harrison 

C. Tomlinson – Vice Principal 

J. Owen (Assistant Principal) 

S. Pritchard (Clerk to the Corporation) 

V. Charlton (Minutes) 

Apologies were received from M. Etherington.

There were no conflicts of interest.

AGREED 

That the Committee approves the minutes of the meeting held on 12th November 2020 as a true record. 

There were no matters arising.

The Vice Principal Curriculum and Performance presented the report. 

There was a significant increase in student numbers across all areas during the first two terms and the college continued to ensure all curriculum was delivered during the March lockdown.  Destination Outcomes for 1240 learners out of 1466 which completed a programme in 2019/20 are complete and those outstanding are to be contacted and data finalised.   

Data shows that of the 258 completers who did not return to a programme at College, 38% progressed to HE, 45% went into employment and 5% moved to an Apprenticeship with another provider.   

Progression to Higher Education (HE) is at 8% which is a decrease of 2% on previous years with many learners opting to defer due to Covid and its impact on the university experience.   However, this year there is a 46% growth in HE applications, including 165 applications to Russell Group Universities and 6 to Oxbridge.  Progression Data comparison is included in Appendix 1.   

The Vice Principal advised that there was a varied selection of Destination Case Studies included with the report. Case studies show individual journeys with some highlighting the importance of social mobility courses.  

The Report was Noted.

The Assistant Principal presented the key findings of internal and external review activity and the subsequent actions and recommendations.  

The report was considered to be confidential. 

The Assistant Principal presented the report and outlined the key issues and actions undertaken. 

This report was considered to be confidential due to commercial sensitivity.  

The Vice Principal Curriculum and Performance presented the Progress report on the Quality Improvement Plan 2020/21.   

This report was considered to be confidential due to commercial sensitivity. 

The Assistant Principal presented the report and outlined the key issues and actions undertaken.  

The report was considered to be confidential due to commercial sensitivity.  

There were no further items for discussion.