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We are often asked how the Tamar Valley Consortium evolved and how it is maintained. It is hoped that the following will answer these questions.
The TVC Consortium evolved from a collaborative network that Plymouth set up in the mid 1980s. At that time the City comprehensive schools were led by a remarkable group of head teachers. They had the foresight to see that they could achieve more for their young people through working together than by competing with each other. With the significant leadership of the late Mike Caddy of Eggbuckland Community College, they created a close and supportive network. The growing number of ‘new sixth formers' demanded innovative post-sixteen curriculum planning and together the City schools produced a proactive response. The group formed a consortium to deliver courses leading to the new Certificate of Pre Vocational Education (CPVE). This rapidly grew and included all of the City comprehensives, the College of Further Education, the College of Art and Design and three schools from West Devon (Ivybridge, Tavistock and Oakhampton). In 1985 it was, we believe, the largest CPVE consortium in England.
1986 Keith Jones was appointed to the post of full time co-ordinator of the West Devon CPVE Consortium. Keith added organisation and enthusiasm to the vision and sense of community created by the partner schools. At that time the group argued for a wider brief to include all of the 14 -19 age range. It sought to develop integration of a vocational programme with modular A levels in conjunction with Bob Rainbow of the Wessex Project and extend the programme to two years. Much of the thinking at the time was laid out in the book 'TVEI and the Post 16 Curriculum' (ISBN 0 08-040454-5) edited by Phil Hodkinson.
1989, the consortium made a successful bid to Devon and Cornwall TEC to support its development. Trevor Hamilton, one of Devon's TVEI Co-ordinators wrote the initial bid and played a significant part in developing the common vision. The Devon Curriculum Development Project proved to be influential in the development of post 16 provision.
1990 Maggie Noble was appointed to the post of West Devon CPVE Consortium Co-ordinator. Mike Reeves at Plymstock was aware that the approaching Local Management of Schools (LMS) could threaten the project and alternative, cost effective provisision required development. This is detailed in his paper of 18th September. At the same time Robert Mountjoy at Estover was exploring alternative vocational options to meet the needs of those who did not fit into the small range of courses then available.
The 1990s saw the Consortium radically change its approach to vocational training. Although all were loyal to the CPVE philosophy it was acknowledged that there were flaws in the qualification. The ‘taster' approach did not encourage commitment in the students and the certificate itself lacked credibility. The Consortium wanted to develop the qualification but ran into resistance from the awarding body. During this period two schools (Estover Community College and Plymstock School) began to use 'approved trainers' (PSC Training and Professional Leisure Training). Initially this was to provide alternative vocational options for an increasing number of students who had dropped out of CPVE courses. The alternative courses proved successful at retaining and improving the progression potential of the young people. The experience of working with training providers was shared with the Consortium and an offshoot of the consortium was formed around Plymstock School to extend the work with these commercial training companies.
The ‘Approved Trainers' as they were then called could take sixth form students on an infill basis. They provided ‘real training' for ‘real jobs' and the students felt they were being treated as adults and with clear progression routes. They became immediately motivated and committed to the courses. The approved trainers had direct links with employers which helped with work experience and progression to employment.
In 1991 Mike Reeves was appointed to the post of Consortium Co-ordinator. The Consortium was referred to as the Vocational and RSA Certificate of Post 16 Education Consortium following the abandonment of the CPVE qualification. Its first meeting was help at Tamarside School on 11th September 1991 at Tamarside School. The RSA Certificate of Post 16 Education had replaced the CPVE as an overarching qualification. Students choices of vocational courses were surveyed and the Consortium set out to source delivery of a wider range.
Mike Reeves worked tirelessly to build the networks and give the programme more edge and credibility. The continued success of the project owes much to him and his vision. The currriculum model included two training days, one day of work experience with ‘Core Skills' /GCSE options and tutorial support at the home school or college. It became possible to provide almost individual course packages. Talks with RSA to provide staff assessor training were held (CPVT). All but two of the schools registered to deliver the RSA COPE. The second meeting of the Consortium was held at the Duke of Cornwall on 11th October 1991. It was recognised that the present title of the consortium was clumsy and the name Tamar Valley Consortium (TVC) was agreed upon.
1993 Sir Geoffrey Holland visited the Consortium and called it a model of good practice. At that time nearly 1,000 students were enrolled on TVC courses although many of these were GNVQ students and few were moving schools. A Film, presented by Carole Vorderman, was made about the TVC.
1997 Lesley Taylor and John Pengelly were appointed a joint co-ordinators of the TVC
2000 The TVC began to develop vocational training opportunities for students in Key Stage 4. In the first year 146 14 - 16 students were enrolled. Helen Mudge appointed to the post of TVC Co-ordinator
2001 the TVC stopped including GNVQ and AVCE students in their figures. With the introduction of Curriculum 2000 these were being delivered through school and community college clusters. The TVC would focus on work related learning opportunities and occupational qualifications. The TVC had 593 post 16 students on roll.
2002 Robert Mountjoy joined Helen Mudge as TVC Co-ordinator - The TVC featured as a case study in the Government's Green Paper 14 - 19 Extending Opportunities - Raising Standards.
2003, the seconded joint managers oversaw a consortium of 21 schools and colleges (within the Plymouth travel to work area) and 19 training providers offering 70 occupational courses. Concerns about the 'New Funding Arrangements for Sixth Forms' had inhibited recruitment and post 16 number dropped to 508.n 2004 a full time Director was appointed and the range of courses was reduced to about 50. Courses that were not eligible for full funding under the LSC Formula were dropped.
2004 All courses led to a full qualification at levels 1, 2 and 3. In total, 649 students were recruited to the new TVC courses in September 2004. Robert Mountjoy was appointed TVC Director.
2005 it was acknowledged that the TVC was having a significant effect on reducing the 16-19 NEET group in the city and some additional courses were planned to attract more young learners back into education and training. In addition there has been increased demand for Level 3 courses as more students on advanced level courses are seeking to gain some vocational qualifications to 'mix and match' with traditional advanced level study. The 2005/6 catalogue has been expanded to include more Entry and Level 1 courses but also some additional Level 3 qualifications. The TVC was now offering 72 different WRL qualifications and had places for a potential 1600 learners.
Achievements of learners completing their programmes in 2005 broke previous records with 740 learners enrolled on post 16 programmes with 77% improving their qualifications and 63% gaining a full award.
2006 it was recognised that the TVC client profile was changing. A detailed 'market analysis' indicated a slight decline in the traditional client - those following Level 1 and 2 programmes for one year before progressing to modern apprenticeships. Learners who were 'mixing and matching' a vocational course with traditional advanced level 'academic' subjects were rapidly increasing in numbers and comprised 18% of the those learning with the TVC. The TVC was now engaging 23% of the City of Plymouth's sixth form population.
2007 Schools in Bodmin and Torbay have used TVC experience to set up their own work related learning options and are no longer accessing TVC provision. This reduced the pressure on some TVC options but numbers of students registered with the Consortium continues to rise. Over 90 different courses were offered and this year 24% of the 6th form population of the City were learning with the TVC.
An innovative web based student tracking system that monitors attendance and achievement and is linked with student eILPs was introduced and piloted by the TVC. With nearly 1,000 learners leaving their home institutions to access learning opportunities with other providers traditional monitoring methods were becoming cumbersome. Electronic monitoring was considered necessary to improve communications and continue to raise achievement. Developments continue in 2008.
2009 Results break all reccords and TVC achievement rates reach 78.30% (full awards) and 92.38 (improved qualifications). The improvement is attributed to the full role out of iPlymouth the Webbased eILP with tracking and monitoring.
2010 The consortium recruited its largest number of students to date (1,249). This despite a dip in the post 16 population of the City and alternative options available through the extended Diploma options.
The Partners
All schools and colleges within travelling distance of Plymouth are eligible for membership. With the exception of the few selective schools all city schools/colleges (including Plymouth College of Further Education and Plymouth College of Art and Design and a special school) are members.
Schools or colleges may also develop WRL bases and offer spaces on courses they provide to the consortium. Torpoint Community School has developed a small training base and offers plumbing and electrician courses. Separate consortium arrangements exist for AS and A2 courses throughout the city.
The training partners become partners by offering their services to the TVC. Most of Plymouth's training providers are current partners. When there is demand for specific courses the TVC may approach training providers. Contracts are renewed on a yearly basis.
The Management
The TVC is managed by a full time director who is based at Windsor House within the Plymouth City Department for Children's Services. The Director is a member of the Plymouth Advice and Support Service and is responsible to the Senior Advisor for 14 - 19 Education.
A TVC Exectutive Committee comprises of representatives of partner schools, community colleges, training providers and the Plymouth College of Further Education. It meets each term to decide TVC strategy and development.
The Administration
The TVC is supported by a part-time administrator and the office is open 9.00 - 5.00 Mondays and Wednesdays and 9.00 - 3.30 on other week days throughout the school terms.
The schools and colleges who are partners in the consortium fund the TVC. Each pays a contribution to the TVC that is based upon the size of the institution and number of students on TVC programmes. This works out at a little over £85 per student. The schools/colleges also pay the training providers at rates and on dates negotiated by the TVC. Costs have risen as courses have been developed to meet funding requirements and now (2007) average £2,500 per year (for two days training, inclusive of personal equipment, certification and uniform/H&S kit).
Each school/college partner appoints a co-ordinator who attends meetings, liaises with training providers and monitors the performance of their students.
Collaboration
Timetables
Most 16+ occupational courses take place on Mondays and Wednesdays to facilitate across city timetabling. Courses for 14 - 16 students are timetabled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A third or sometimes fourth day of linked work experience is arranged for the students. Most students on their days back at school/college follow a key skills programme. General studies or sixth form enrichment opportunities may be provided and an increasing number of students combine a TVC course with A2, A/S or VCE studies.
Recruitment
Students are identified as possible TVC students by careers guidance programmes during Years 10 and 11. Others may 'self select' from options talks and ‘routes ahead' evenings. They are invited to attend the annual TVC Open Day (see TVC News and Events) where they see the range of courses on offer and talk to the training providers. Back at their school or college they are guided towards suitable courses and arrangements are made for them to visit the training establishments.
The TVC Year
In September students begin training with a four-week ‘sampling period'. Careful counselling helps avoid large numbers changing course after sampling. The majority stay on and complete the course originally selected.. The rest of the TVC year is split into six ‘charging' periods. At the end of each period trainers forward a report of the students' progress to the school/college TVC co-ordinator with an invoice for the costs. Please see How to Join a TVC Course
There are four charging periods during a TVC year. Period 1 is an Induction Period of 3 weeks. During this time schools/colleges are charged only for the days the learners attend and if they leave during this time there is no financial penalty. The remaining term is a 'Charging Period' and once started the school/college pays for the entire term and may also be charged for uniform/H&S kit and registration. The remaining two terms are also identified as charging periods. If a student leaves the scheme during a 'charging period' the home school or college is charged for training up to the end of that period but not for following training periods.
A full individual progress report for each student is presented with the invoice at the end of each charging period. Copies are sent to the TVC office who monitor achievement and provide quality assurance.
In June the students' achievements are celebrated at the Open Day when a local celebrity presents certificates.
Transport
The majority of the TVC students live, attend school/college and are trained within the city of Plymouth. These use the city public transport system to get to their training provider or work experience placement. Young Persons Travel Passes may be applied for and this ensures subsidised fares. One Training Provider on the fringe of the City collects learners in a mini bus.
Students from outside the city are sometimes taken to their placements by school/college or hired mini buses.
Finance
Schools/colleges are charged directly for the training at the end of each charging period (see TVC Year above) by the Training Provider.
The costs include: a daily training rate and registration/certification fees with awarding bodies. Where appropriate other individual equipment/resources needs are added to the fees. This may include: protective clothing, uniform, text books that the student will retain, personal equipment (ie kitchen knives, hairdressing kit etc). Some Training Providers may charge for (mini bus) transport and for arranging linked work experience.
All costs are agreed in advance, published in the TVC Catalogue and are written into an 'Agreement for Training' that both parties sign. Catalogues of costs are only available to TVC School/college members but the following information may be helpful.