Fantastic Feedback for Sutton College from British Council leadership exchange programme

Earlier this year, South African Principal of TALETSO TVET College, Mr Sello TG’Mabatoana visited the College as part of a Leadership Exchange Programme sponsored by the British Council. Sutton College Principal Dipa Ganguli visited his college in South Africa in October 2017.

During his week here, Sello visited many classes across the college meeting tutors and students. Sello has written a report of his views on our college and drawn some conclusions regarding the similarities (and differences) between Sutton College and his college in South Africa which will be presented to the British Council.

An extract from his report can be seen below:

‘ Among all programmes on offer, what impressed mostly was the Art and Craft section, which – as depicted above – is but just one of many varied departments that offer a rich cocktail of relevant and much-in-demand courses. This division offers a range of courses for all abilities and students of all ages. It is intended to teach new skills and to develop ideas among learners that are both valuable and practical. It is a busy and vibrant component of the site, which operates in a supportive and inclusive learning environment with access to traditional and contemporary tools, materials and resources. This is where students are invited and encouraged to create and discover new potential.

As earlier mentioned, the suitably qualified and dedicated tutors, instructors and technicians help students to become courageous and confident through their rich and diverse approach to teaching and learning. They are able to bring about enjoyment and stimulation to what are otherwise challenging courses.

It was quite revealing that a lot of the tutors were actually running their own businesses in the very programmes that they were offering at the college on a, mainly, part-time basis. This had the result of the learners being tutored by academically qualified instructors who also had vast industry and business experience to impart over and above their knowledge and theoretical expertise in their areas of delivery: A double edged sword of benefit to the students surely! One other notable observation was that a significant number of students, while quite advanced in years, were offering the programmes mainly as hobbies, personal satisfaction and wellbeing instead of for later material or entrepreneurial gain. ‘

All at Sutton College hope that Sello can visit again soon.