* Subject to change

08:45 - Registration and refreshments

09:20 - Welcome and introduction from the Chair
John Morrison, Morrison Media Strategies

Session 1: Increasing Cohesion

The funding crisis, average OECD international rankings and complaints of duplication and lack of transparency have thrown open the debate on how to improve the learner journey from schools and colleges to university and beyond. This session will look at proposals from the Scottish Government and the Roe review on how we ensure better cohesion throughout the learner journey.

09:30 - Re-thinking the learner journey
Keir Bloomer, Chair, The Tapestry Partnership

09:50 - The Review of Post 16 Education and Vocational Training
Willy Roe CBE, Review of Post 16 Education and Vocational Training

10:10 - Views from the Scottish Youth Parliament
Rae Cahill MSYP, Vice-Chair, The Scottish Youth Parliament

10:25 - Questions and discussion

10:45 - Refreshments

Session 2: New Pathways to Higher Education and Beyond

Tighter budgets and the need for efficiencies have led to discussion on making the learner journey shorter; leaving school in S5 or entering university in 2nd year.  It has meant schools and universities are offering less courses and there is increased competition for places.  This session will look at how proposals may change the learner journey and how in turn this can create new pathways to higher education.  This session will also look at the benefits of interdisciplinary learning and how this can prepare young people for their transition to school, university and beyond.

11:05 - A flexible journey
Michael Breslin, Principal, Argyll College

11:25 - Interdisciplinary learning
Professor Alan Roach, Emeritus Professor, University of the West of Scotland and Co-Leader, STEM-ED Scotland

11:45 - A pupil's perspective
Billy McCauley, Convenor, Glasgow Schools Student Union

12:00 - The journey from further to higher education
Aileen Ponton, Chief Executive, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

12:20 - Questions and discussion

12:40 - Lunch

Session 3: Working Together

It has been suggested that schools could come together to form “hubs” for learners studying highers and advanced highers to ensure access to a wider range of courses but are there also benefits to schools working alongside FE colleges?  Can FE colleges better equip learners with the skills needed for university?  Can FE colleges also work with universities to offer a more cost effective degree?  This session will look at the benefits of collaboration between schools, colleges and universities and how this can smooth the learner journey.

13:40 - A collaborative approach
Linda McTavish CBE, Principal, Anniesland College
Kay Dingwall, Headteacher, Knightswood Secondary school

14:00 - Presentation title tbc
Dr. Neil Speirs, Widening Participation Project Officer, The University of Edinburgh

14:20 - A joined up model
Fraser Durie, Director of Educational Development, Adam Smith College
Professor Steven Olivier, Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Acting), University of Abertay Dundee

14:40 - Questions and discussion

15:00 - Refreshments

Session 4: Looking to The Future

Scotland’s schools, colleges and universities are operating within an ever changing environment.   How do we ensure that despite changes the needs of all learners are met? What about those learners that do not wish to go onto university?  Further more, are Scotland’s universities and colleges able to provide the level of support and access needed to meet government ambitions?