NewVIc has been shortlisted for an award for ‘Curriculum innovation’ which particularly impressed the judges and will be announced online

The college has been selected as one of the ‘top 3’ providers in the Curriculum Innovation category for the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) Annual Awards 2021. This award recognises the work NewVIc has done by introducing a new development to the curriculum and whose impact is felt across curriculum disciples with their African Studies Centre.

The centre is helping to transform the teaching of black history in schools. Launched in October 2020, the new African Studies Centre, the first of its kind, will equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to teach students about the history of Africa, doing away with a tradition of learning about this diverse continent through the lens of European Colonialism. Recent lectures covered themes around ‘The Culture and Practice of Warfare’ with University of Oxford, ‘Contact with Europe - Trade with Portugal and Britain’ with University of Bristol and ‘State, Political Structure and Dynastic Rule’ with University College London.

There are 8 categories being awarded this year, one of which NewVIc have been shortlisted for. The shortlist categories include:

● Curriculum Innovation

● Community Impact

● Health and Wellbeing

● Enrichment & Employability

● Independent Learning

● Governance

● Social Mobility

● Covid above and beyond

The SFCA Annual Awards provide a platform to identify, celebrate and reward outstanding practice by colleges and individuals across the 16 -19 education sector. The awards will be announced and presented online during the SFCA Summer Conference on Wednesday 16 June 2021.

Magdalena Johnson, Vice Principal at NewVIc added:

“The idea of opening an African Studies Centre at the College was conceived by Carina Ancell and Alan Kunna, two of our history lecturers at NewVIc. The pair identified the need for a specialist place whilst undertaking research for a book they are co-writing on Charlie Hutchinson, the only known Black British volunteer in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War.

The College has teamed up with world-class professors from leading universities to deliver a range of online sessions for teachers. In the sessions, teachers receive training to teach medieval African kingdoms and explore a wide range of topic areas, for all key stages of students. It is a lovely surprise to reach the shortlist for this award and we're delighted with the recognition!”

For more information about NewVIc’s African Studies Centre and upcoming lectures visit: https://www.newvic.ac.uk/african-studies-centre

For more information on the SFCA award visit: https://www.sixthformcolleges.org/1132/sfca-awards-2021