In the first week of May, the assessment days for the L3 Award in Teaching and Learning programme took place at Sparsholt College  It’s been a busy few months for the female veterans, who have undertaken this course alongside their day-jobs.

The initial in-person two days were followed by 10 weeks of online learning and assignments, culminating in the final two days where the group delivered micro-teaches to demonstrate understanding and learning. With topics including Understanding Tides; Bio-Security and Safe Fitting of Climbing Harnesses there was much new subject learning taking place with new hobbies being taken up as a result of sessions on Origami and British Sign Language.

The veterans have a wide range of service backgrounds and length, with all having an interest in the land-based sector. The opportunity to attend sessions at the college and tour different departments has inspired them to look at potential teaching opportunities in a variety of locations.

Final coursework submissions are underway and we look forward to posting an update when project comes to an end in September.

Particular thanks to Shea Taylor, who has delivered the programme and Mark Treagust for his support for this from the beginning.

This project would not have been possible without generous support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and we are indebted to Prof. Murray Leith, Rebecca Sutton and Moira Bailey of the University of the West of Scotland for their support with evaluations and reports.

Thanks also to Lucille McKnight and the team from Alma Econmics who are conducting evaluations for the OVA and Op Ascend, it’s been a pleasure to share this project with you.