SHIFT surpasses previous year student progression rate consolidating an outstanding year

26th October 2016

SHIFT are celebrating, the company's 2015-16 progression rate rose from 67% in the previous years to 84%.

While the company is not complacent they are pleased that their renewed emphasis on transition has borne such positive results. 'This means,' commented Dave Woodcock, SHIFT Programme Manager, 'the majority of our students positively progressed to either employment, education or training. We are delighted. Our students work hard and thoroughly deserve the success they are achieving.' This has been a fantastic year of challenges and achievement for the company. Under the new forty-eight hour inspection regime, SHIFT were Ofsted inspected in March 2016. Ofsted defined SHIFT as being, 'an outstandingly inclusive'. They particularly liked the way the company approached the teaching of maths and English and the holistic way they worked with students. Earlier in the year the company were successful in gaining Big Potential funding. The grant supported SHIFT to look at their current systems and scenario plan for growth. Through Big Potential SHIFT worked with consultants from the Birmingham based Advanced Business Agency (ABA). Bridget Kelly, SHIFT CEO, commented, 'it was immensely helpful bouncing ideas of someone with an outsider's perspective. ABA were also incredibly knowledgeable about the changing skills agenda and helping us scenario plan for those changes'. In addition to having a successful Ofsted inspection and being the recipient of Big Potential, SHIFT successfully tendered and are now part of the national piloting of Effective Practise Guidelines. The impetus of the study is to empower students so that they are equipped to manage their own assessment. Self-assessment is a hugely beneficial skill to have for any young person entering employment or further/higher education. The study also means that SHIFT are part of a national conversation about education and skills. A conversation that is beneficial for both employers and young people. Participating in the pilot follows the trajectory of raising standards that SHIFT is committed to achieving locally, regionally and nationally. This is the first year SHIFT will offer the full Level 3 Diploma in Games Design and Moving Image. Students who want to will have sufficient UCAS points to apply to university or be better positioned to take up a higher level apprenticeship. SHIFT's aim is to be part of an inclusive learning and skills community that supports employers and businesses within Sheffield. www.shiftmedia.org.uk