In December 2006 movement towards personalised learning was significantly advanced by the publication of, 'Vision 2020: report of the teaching and learning in 2020 review group'. The review group was chaired by the Chief Inspector of Ofsted Christine Gilbert and contains and a compelling overview of how learning in our schools might be transformed by 2020. Although aimed at the schools sector it is compulsory reading for the FE sector because by 2020 the first full 'graduates' of the personalised curriculum will enter FE. An associated document, 'Personalising Further Education: developing a vision' invites comment and discussion on how best to apply personalised learning in FE. Both documents are available on the DfES website. If this is of interest then note that there is an Update circular on this theme available in Collegenet downloads.

The other significant driver of change in the current FE curriculum is the White Paper, Further Education: raising skills, improving life chances'. This was published March 2006 and is also available on the DfES website.

The Government policy section lists the major national and regional sources of government curriculum guidance. Under Srategy and Gudiance you will find the major organisations linked to the FE curriculum for England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has set the target of 2010 for the completion of a review and reduction of the overall number of qualifications in the FE jungle. The QCA has identifed over 4000 qualifications awarded by over 100 different awarding bodies and aims to introduce a clear framework.

The Quality Improvement Agency ( QIA) website is now home to the Standards Unit and is designed as a 'one stop shop' for all aspects of quality improvement in FE. the current key driver of change in the FE curriculum.

The LSC briefings and guidance link provides a host of useful articles, reviews and downloads linked to developments in the FE curriculum.

LSDA has earned a reputation for excellence in terms of research into effective practice across the FE curriculum. Search their database for a treasure trove of useful reports and guidance.

The management of Beacon Awards has been awarded to UK Skills but the AOC also plays a significant role and you will find further links to Beacon awards within the AOC website.

The delivery of Key Skills is being recast as functional skills to reflect a greater focus on basic and employability skills. Improving key skills is a particular national concern because employers need employees who are not just qualified in their subjects or vocational skills but possess effective oral, written, number, ICT, and team working skills.

Adult and Community teaching and learning is an expanding part of the FE curriculum and presents many challenges in terms of curriculum flexibility and standards. The first wave of ALI inspections has raised the need for improvements in self assessment, lesson observations, staff training, learner feedback and data collection and analysis.

All colleges need to plan their curriculum offer using the latest Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) to ensure that their provision matches employment skill and labour force trends. Care should be taken to link to the FRESA survey (Framework for Regional Employment and Skills Action) provided by the relevant Regional Development Agency. (RDA).

The development of ICT skills and the use of Information Learning Technology (ILT) within teaching and learning is a key area for future development. Most employment in the UK involves some interaction with ICT and consequently it is important for students to develop their skills as an integral part of their course. The promotion of e-teaching and e-learning can also signifcantly enhance teaching and learning by producing greater flexibility, extended access, wider support and improved learner motivation.

If you are seeking a source of worldwide calendar information by country or religious group visit Earth Calender.

Finally, think back to your own schooldays and what do you remember? Apart from lumpy mash potato it is more often or not the school trip or an educational visit that remains in your memory. There are a host of useful museums and places of interest linked to most curriculum areas. Check our listings.