GLOSSARY

Definitions and Descriptions

Learndirect

Learndirect is a network of online learning and information services. It's a government-sponsored initiative in flexible learning, intended to make possible the vision of a 'learning society' where everyone can learn and upgrade their skills throughout life. Learndirect was developed by University for Industry, working in partnership with the government to deliver workforce development and lifelong learning. Learndirect is aimed at anyone over the age of 16, including:

· those working in companies who wish to improve their workplace skills

· those who are seeking work and wish to improve their employability

· those who feel excluded from the world of education

· those who feel excluded from our digital society

· those who simply wish to learn something new.

Learndirect courses are designed for anyone who wants to:

· learn for fun or work

· gain knowledge and skills to enhance their employability

· take control of their future

· improve the competitiveness of their business.

Courses fall into three main categories:

· skills for life (literacy, numeracy and ESOL)

· business and management

· IT skills.

Over 80% of courses are online, others are delivered on CD-ROM and there are some workbook-based courses. Free tasters are available of many courses.

Since May 2003 a partnership of Hampshire Library and Information Service and the Adult and Community Learning Service within Hampshire County Council Education Department has been planning for the provision of Learndirect services through libraries. An initial pilot scheme to be held in the Havant and Waterlooville area, initially based at Waterlooville Library but if successful it will be rolled out through the area, centring on provision at Waterlooville and Havant Libraries. If successful it is intended to extend provision county-wide by March 2007 at the latest.

A further pilot is in the process of being set up involving a partnership between Basingstoke and BCOT while recently a private sector provider has approached Petersfield Library with a view to providing courses on library premises.

We view this provision as an extension of the library's traditional role of education and contributing to the "learning society". Planning for the new Discovery Centres includes provision for a learning suite which we intend will be used to provide learning opportunities of all kinds, including Learndirect.

Extended Schools

Extended schools in Hampshire enhance the learning of all children by focusing on the development of the whole child. They engage families and the wider community in the support of learning and work to become centres of learning within their local communities. There is no single model for an extended school, but rather a menu of opportunities from which a school might choose to deliver in response to the needs of the local community. It may be helpful to think of schools placing themselves on a continuum, starting with support for one extended school activity, right through to the 'full-service' school delivering a wide range of different activities and services. Significant activities include childcare, family learning, youth work, adult learning, community sport and recreation, health, study support and engaging parents in the school and children's learning. There is a strong connection with the Children Act's 'Every Child Matters' agenda which offers new opportunities for supporting children and parents through partnership working and multi-agency approaches.

Trailblazer

Trailblazer is an exciting and successful outdoor and environmental award scheme for young people in Hampshire. The scheme encourages the use of the outdoor classroom for learning, as well as promoting challenging and adventurous activities and off-site visits. A menu of ideas and resources give the Trailblazer coordinators the opportunity to choose which activities will be most suitable for their group and situation. A broad balance from the three strands - Discovering, Exploring and Caring for the Environment - is expected. The individual young people gain a certificated award for the time they have spent undertaking Trailblazer activities, with other incentives along the way. However the real benefits to young people of participating in the scheme are improvements in self-esteem, motivation and creativity, the opportunity to gain an understanding of their own learning styles, and the development of key skills and team work. The Trailblazer key themes of Learning to Learn, Learning About Yourself and Aiming High, sum up the overall philosophy of the Award. Trailblazer is a joint project between Education and Recreation and Heritage, and this includes close links to the Hampshire Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres, the Countryside Service and many others working in related fields. There are currently over 100 schools involved in the award, including special schools and education centres, as well as a number of Youth Service groups. A new Foundation Stage Trailblazer is being piloted in September for those working in Early Years settings.

Apprenticeship Scheme and Graduate Programme

These schemes are part of the Cabinet's priority of improving education and skills, particularly in taking a direct role in helping to increase the percentage of post 16's in employment, education and training. The Hampshire Apprenticeships maybe supported by the County Council directly providing apprenticeship in its services; through indirectly encouraging or subsidising employers who work with the County Council to set up similar modern apprenticeship schemes; by seeking to improve the climate for provision of such opportunities throughout the local economy as a whole. The graduate programme seeks to attract and provide work for young graduates and at the same time to encourage supported training for existing staff to gain graduate status.