First the scrapping of the education maintenance allowance, now the impending cuts to entitlement funding (“Funding for tutorials slashed in savings driveâ€, January 7), which could further threaten student retention by diluting the learning experience.
Tutorials are a fundamental part of colleges’ learning programmes and are often the “glue†that holds the various aspects together. They are integral to teaching and learning, contributing to learner retention, achievement, success and progression.
Similarly, enrichment activities such as vocational trips act as incentives for learners, keeping students motivated and interested and preparing them for the world of work and higher education.
Reducing these life-enhancing experiences will demotivate students and, at worst, harm their employment chances.
Asha Khemka, Principal and chief executive, West Nottinghamshire College.
