This document outlines themes, issues and policy proposals to support distance and part-time higher education ahead of the National Assembly election in 2011.
At this time, as political parties develop their manifestos which they hope to implement in government, we seek to set out how part-time higher education works for Wales and what The Open University offers the next Welsh government to help deliver on its investment in lifelong learning.
All issues raised and suggestions made are done so with a recognition of the current economic climate and medium-term recovery conditions and do not come with an expensive price-tag.
Widening access to higher education has been a major objective of the current government, and is core also to The Open University’s mission. We hope that the next government seeks to create an inclusive and socially just Wales, where each citizen has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute to a more economically prosperous nation.
The Open University looks forward to playing a major role in realising these aims.
In a continuing effort to improve our environmental sustainability, The Open University in Wales was recently awarded Level Two of the Green Dragon Environmental Standard. Green Dragon is a stepped standard which recognises the steps taken by companies and organisations to achieve environmental improvements.
Further details of the Green Dragon standard can be found at: Ground Work in Wales
(i) The Open University climbed 3,13, or 23 places in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) to reach the no 43 UK slot?
(ii) Which organisation has funded The Open University’s Biodiversity Laboratory to the tune of £2m?
(iii) Student recruitment in Wales onto The Open University’s part-time courses in 2009 has risen by 15%, 28% or 30%?
(iv) What is the name of the new popular TV science programme that The Open University has co-produced with the BBC?
(v) The Open University has more than 1,000 postgraduate students registered for research degrees. True or False?
(vi) Which other University in Wales shares the Open University Centre for Research in Computing’s 16th place in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise?
(vii) What do Lenny Henry, Joan Armatrading and Jerry Hall all have in common?
(viii) Since 2004, the Open University has seen a 50% growth in competitively awarded research income. True or False?
