As well the aims of our Mission Statement listed in 2.1, GCS also wanted to achieve the aims of its European Development Plan:- To support Gower College Swansea’s Vision to be the best choice for learners. • To support Gower College Swansea’s Mission to inspire and support learners to achieve their full potential through the delivery of the highest quality of education and training. • To support the following Welsh Assembly European and International Education Policies: By enhancing awareness of global issues and cultures, leading to greater tolerance and social inclusion and increase opportunities to work, train, teach and study in other countries. Promoting an international dimension in education as a learning tool in Wales and improve school effectiveness and learner attainment. • To support VET objectives of the Erasmus+ program to increase mobility and skills. • To support the Europe 2020 strategy target for education: Reducing the rates of early school leavers to below 10%.and support the target of at least 40% of people aged 30–34 having completed higher education
Gower College Swansea (GCS) applied for EFD 2 funding to support our students from the STEM curriculum areas, being a priority for both the Welsh Government and the EU, as they are renowned as curriculum areas that offer employment opportunities across the region. The bid was to facilitate mobilities for 60 students over 2 years to undertake 14 day relevant and validated training/work experiences, from the Electronic and Motor Vehicle Engineering areas. The hosts both being peer colleges who we have had longstanding reciprocal partnerships with. The proposal also supported a minimum of 2 accompanying staff at all times not only to comply with health and safety regulations but to support our students. We also applied for 2 teacher /training assignments to fund 1 member of staff from: 1. The bilingual business team to visit ROC to see how they implement bilingualism in their College. 2. The Electronic Engineering team to attend lessons and work and placements at WSS. .Our aims being to:- • Broaden the horizons of students • Increase the attractiveness of these curriculum areas to females • To support our vision to be the best choice for learners • Bridge the gap between those with less and those with greater opportunities • Promote language and culture learning • To support the new national Welsh Baccalaureate - Complete units/certificates in a truly innovative and relevant way • Provide students with an opportunity of learning and working overseas • Enable students to consider employment opportunities in the wider context of Europe • Enhance student`s professional and entrepreneurial skills • Increase student`s self-reliance and motivation • Expose students to a different pedagogical approach of learning/coaching