A report on a visit to Farnborough College of Technology

Abstract

As part of the Diploma Course in Education (Administration & Management) at the University of Malta, we were given the opportunity of being attached to a school or college abroad. My search for a Post Secondary College similar to the new Vocational College being set up in Malta was well compensated. Fr. Sultana, a parish priest in Farnborough, co-ordinated my attachment to Farnborough College of Technology. Through Mr. Muscat B.A.(Hons), the letter of acceptance was endorsed by our university. The intention of the visit was a first-hand observation of the administration and management of a foreign college as it is actuated today, for as Willis points out: " ...the key to understanding the nature of the principalship lies in the principal's organisational position and and such study should also have to consider the external environment of the school" On the very first day of my visit, I accompanied Mr. Brady, the director I was shadowing, to the Curriculum 2000 Conference held at the Cumberland Hotel, London. All the top education representatives from government, opposition, universities, colleges, schools and industries, were present. Unconsciously I became directly involved in various discussions and I found my 27 years' experience in post secondary education fruitful. This was a very enriching experience, especially with the current implementation of our National Minimum Curriculum. I also accompanied Mr. Brady twice to Surrey University - once for "Schools Without Walls", where Mr. Brady represented Farnborough College on the board, and the second time for a seminar on "Curriculum 2000". I also attended a variety of meetings at the college itself, often chaired by Mr. Brady. These meetings were on "Staff Development and Review", "Student Services", "Key Skills", "College Website", and "College Marketing". Other meetings were with the Administrations Team, Senior Management Team, and Quality Standard Committee. During my stay at Farnborough College, I was keen to observe closely and reflect upon administrative practice in a British College of Technology. I was in position to evaluate to what extent it can be applied to the local situation especially considering the current changes in our post-secondary education system. With this driving force and with the co-operation of the administration team at Mikilang Sapiano Technical Institute and my family, I could participate fully in this attachment programme.