Dear CE colleagues, 
We have recently been receiving an increasing number of
applications for our short courses from younger learners 
(mainly 16 and 17 year olds). Previously we have not 
allowed these potential students onto our courses for the 
reason that a large part of the CE/Ad. Ed. rationale is 
that we teach mature students who bring with them 
experience of life and work and have skills, abilities and 
knowledge that 18-21 year olds don't possess. Our teaching 
is student centred and often relies on drawing from each 
student's experience. Mature students bring their 
experience to the classroom, this life experience makes up 
for their lack of formal academic qualifications.

However there would seem to be evidence that 
intergenerational learning is important within CE and that 
some younger learners benefit from the more participative 
teaching-as-facilitator nature of CE. We are therefore 
considering whether or not to allow younger learners to 
enrol on some of our courses. I'm therefore seeking 
information/answers in the following areas:

1 Does your institution allow younger learners to enrol on 
CE courses? If so are there age restrictions (eg only those 
over 16)?

2 If you currently do allow younger learners onto courses 
(or have done so in the past) are there any particular 
issues (ie benefits/problems) you have come across that we 
should be aware of?

I would also be grateful if anyone knows whether we would 
face in loco parentis responsibilities if we do allow 
younger learners to enrol on our courses and 
(naturally)....whether such students would be HEFCE 
returnable?

Please reply off-list to [log in to unmask] I will 
post a summary of answers idc (assuming I receive any!)

Many thanks

Andrew Holmes 
 


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A.G.Holmes
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