College partnership raising standard of maths and English for adult learners in Wales

A PARTNERSHIP between Coleg Cambria and The Open University (OU) is raising the standards of English and maths for adult learners in Wales.

The north east Wales institution was tasked with helping to develop Everyday Maths and English courses in partnership with the OU and Welsh colleges.

Amanda Morgan, Cambria’s Deputy Director for Essential Skills, said harnessing the skills and expertise of their basic skills team meant they were able to produce a high-quality online platform accessible to students across the country.

She added the timing was particularly important given work-based learners have been in lockdown for months and studying behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When Coleg Cambria was presented with the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleges in Wales and the OU we were very excited and saw a real potential to support many of our learners,” said Mrs Morgan.

“Looking at where we now find ourselves, what a fantastic opportunity that proved to be and what an impact the courses are having across Wales.

“All of this with the added reassurance these are really high-quality resources developed by experienced and knowledgeable basic skills tutors at Cambria, with the outstanding support of the OU.”

She added: “It has been a pleasure working with everyone to get to this point and to secure skills and expertise of colleagues across Wales. We at Cambria look forward to continuing with this collaboration in the future.”

The Everyday maths and English skills platforms are available on the OU’s OpenLearn site.

Louise Casella, Director of The Open University in Wales, said past months have seen people use the resources to brush up on old skills, learn new ones and “maintain their wellbeing” while in self-isolation.

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates – a former student at Yale College in Wrexham – added: “Coronavirus will continue to challenge us. It will continue to impact on our economy. But we can and must respond appropriately.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the way that the post-16 provider network has stepped up during Coronavirus to adapt and change to dynamic circumstances.”

For more information, visit www.open.edu/openlearn

To find out more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria, take a look at the website: www.cambria.ac.uk