Taking part in a Crystal Maze-style challenge or an escape room would commonly be associated with rainy weekends, stag dos or workplace bonding, but Buxton and Leek College has employed such environments to engage reluctant learners with GCSE English and maths resits.

A high proportion of new students join the college without a grade 4 in English and/or maths. Across the college, every staff member is held responsible for grade improvements, from the senior leadership team
to vocational tutors and, of course, the maths and English lecturers. Maths and English GCSE resits are not considered an add-on but an integral element of the college’s holistic curriculum.

Provision is individualised: in every lesson, students are given time and support to work on areas needing improvement, the learning schedule is adapted to focus on the areas students need to work on and, as a result, students take ownership of their learning.

London South East Colleges wins at the FE awards 2021

Trio of Scottish colleges win at the Tes FE awards 2021

Ayrshire College wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

Beyond lesson time, students participate in booster sessions, revision classes, holiday revision and one-on-one slots with tutors.

When away from the students, delivery staff are deeply engaged with breaking new ground in maths and English pedagogy, and are working with WorldSkills’ Centre of Excellence to test innovative new teaching methods.

Lead judge Jeff Greenidge said: “The ethos of this submission was very much one that encourages a growth mindset in learners, with the individualised learning contextualised within innovative environments, such as Crystal Maze and escape rooms. 

“What a wonderful way to engage and enthuse learners.”