Collaborative Approaches to 14-19 Provision - Communities and ...

14-19 PATHFINDERS: THE SECOND YEAR366. Although not one of the radical options selected from the pathfinder prospectus thedevelopment of e-learning is also a central aspect of the development of the Lewishampathfinder. The intention is to use ICT to ensure accessibility to the key stage 4 entitlementfor all students, while minimising student travel between institutions. The pathfinder isseeking to establish a VLE across the borough which will provide a framework for thedevelopment of e-learning.Main developments367. A key feature of the Lewisham pathfinder is its institutional and individualinclusiveness. The patterns of partnership within the pathfinder are complex and consist ofseveral federations - two of these are geographically-based being based in the north and southof the borough, a third is built around a Catholic sixth form college and associated schools.Another is based-on the two schools which will form the linked academies - and it wasnotable that the academies appeared to be fully signed-up to the collaborative approach toprovision within Lewisham and played a full part in the planning processes. One schoolstands outside these more formal partnerships but links with several schools, especially inrelation to modern foreign languages and music. The further education college also links intoeach of the partnerships and gives access to a wide range of vocational courses at 14-16. Thispattern of partnerships has arisen partly out of existing collaboration at post-16 level. Eachschool and college in Lewisham is involved in partnership working and it was evident thatthere is a strong culture of collaboration across the pathfinder. A further feature of theinstitutional inclusivity of the pathfinder was the involvement of an independent schoolwhich is leading development of an ICT course which will be implemented through thedeveloping VLE (see below). Special schools and the pupil referral unit are also members ofappropriate partnerships.368. The pathfinder through its promotion of differentiated curriculum pathways is alsoaiming to influence the curriculum experiences of all students in Lewisham schools. Thusthere is provision for gifted and talented students in the form of master classes andaccelerated learning. The pathfinder is funding attendance at Global Graduates, whichencourages students to pursue careers in law. For disaffected students at risk of exclusionfrom school the pathfinder funds programmes which emphasise work-related and pre-113