UCL announces partnership with Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre
10 November 2014
UCL is delighted to announce that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (NCS) in East Ham.
Having opened in September 2014, the dedicated sixth form centre offers a focussed A Level curriculum for academic students with a specialism in Science and Mathematics. The formation of the partnership presents a real opportunity for the university and the NCS to collaborate in new and innovative ways to explore areas of mutual interest such as curriculum, policy and transition. The partnership aligns with the aims of UCL 2034, reflecting UCL's commitment to being a publically engaged institution with an interest in the education of London students.
Mark Copestake, UCL's Education Partnerships Manager, explains:
"This partnership isn't simply about UCL recruiting high-achieving students from NCS but is more about how the further education and higher education sectors can work more closely together. We have agreed a substantial plan of activity and projects which the university will deliver in conjunction with the staff and students at NCS and we are very excited by the outcomes and impact these will have on UCL and the wider education sector."
Through the partnership UCL intends to contribute to staff development at the Sixth Form, exploring ways in which teachers are able to bring contemporary research into the classroom. UCL will also work with NCS staff to better understand how assessment and feedback at sixth form level might inform curriculum design at university.
Students at the NCS will benefit from a substantial programme of support around applying to higher education and UCL will supplement the Sixth Form's A Level provision by offering a series of bespoke masterclasses, taster lectures and summer school opportunities throughout the academic year. A Liaison Group has been established and will meet termly to monitor activity, and to advise on the future direction of the partnership between the two institutions.
Professor Anthony Smith, Vice-Provost (Education & Student Affairs), said:
"It is rare for universities and sixth form colleges to come together in this way. It is crucial that UCL is as informed as it possibly can be about what is happening in the secondary and FE sectors in order that we can continue to adapt and develop to meet the needs of our students."
Mr Mouhssin Ismail, Principal at NCS, said:
"We are delighted to have entered into a strategic partnership with UCL as our London higher education partner. The partnership provides a real opportunity for us to work collaboratively on innovative projects and initiatives as well as giving our students and staff access to world class facilities, academics and cutting edge research."
If you would like more information about the partnership or would be keen to be involved please contact Mark Copestake on m.copestake [at] ucl.ac.uk.
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- Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (Courtesy of NCS)