| NOISE Symposium on informal learning 'inspiring' |
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On October 5th during the annual Conservative Party Conference, NOISE hosted a national symposium to promote young innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship through non-formal learning paths.
The aim of the European Commission funded project, is to enhance cross-sector dialogue and cooperation between formal and non-formal learning models. The day has already received some fantastic feedback from those who attended, with a common theme of ‘inspiring’ and ‘influential’. With discussions on accreditation, recognition, learning environments, experience and local policy it is hoped that the day will create an impact on the way non formal learning, education, call it what you will... is delivered and established for which ever government gets the seat of power. The NOISE project as a whole discusses ‘Formal Education vs. Non-Formal Education’ to assist young people’s entry into the Creative Industries. Non-Formal learning can include apprenticeships, intern/work experience placements, an accreditation by bursary, Arts Awards or using your local community arts group, youth club to learn creative skills. Contributors included: Shadow Minister for Universities & Skills David Evennett Founder of The School of Everything National Council for Work Experience Connexions Founder of Internocracy Founder of Not Going To Uni.com Gallery 37 Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester City Council Professional Football Association Contact Theatre Gypsy & Traveller Inclusion, Doncaster CVS The Street College The TeamFifteen NOISE participants from across the UK have researched examples of non-formal education in their area as well as delving deep into the different definitions of this way of learning. The team actively planned, researched and produced the gathering of people (including employment, further education routes and Government reps).As advocates for non-formal learning they fought the corner for this path to success, and put forward their argument as to why there should be more recognition and awareness for this increasingly popular way of learning. The SymposiumThe one day symposium set-up direct conversation between young people, the non-formal education sector and senior policy makers responsible for employment, further education and Government policies that influence a young person’s entry into the Creative Industries.You can catch up with event on the NOISE Blog and Twitter @NOISEfestival What now...Live at the symposium the team started to generate a magazine under the watchful eye of Thomas H Green, a journalist from The Telegraph. The magazine will be in production over the next few weeks by pooling together the research, debates and recorded interviews from the Symposium – these will be published here, across the UK’s print media and distributed to those that can make a difference.Here’s a few quotes from the day... “What we want is more control for people who are studying, who are learning, for what they want to do. And the funding behind that and to recognize non-formal learning and its value.” NOISE CEO, Denise Proctor “Going to university because you want to is good. But going to university because you’re on a conveyor belt isn’t good, because when you reach the end of the belt, you’ll fall. So people need to understand the choices they are making instead of just following the system.” Dougald Hine, School of Everything “A piece of paper doesn't really mean anything. Accreditation is a scary word, it is frightening to most people. So giving people a piece of paper to say they have passed doesn't work, but seeing the actual piece of work (such as a finished DVD production) is what is gratifying.” Violet Tucker, Gypsy and Traveller Inclusion Officer, Doncaster CVS “It’s not about the degree anymore these days, its more about the person and what attributes and qualities they have.” Anna Taylor, National Council for Work Experience |
