Junior and Leaving Certificate courses are available and QQI accreditation is widely used with assessment by portfolio. The purpose of education is to give students and inmates the best opportunity when they leave prison and are challenged with re-establishing themselves effectively in our communities.
Brian gave examples of how students are supported by organising progression routes and support into third level. Many students have progressed to PLC courses in BIFE and have been tutored to access on-line education and Open University degrees. Brian states that staff are so passionate about their roles that they constantly modify their programmes to engage their students and to give them the best opportunities possible.
Brian is very clear that the success of the Education Unit is down to the tight and productive working relationship between the Prison Governor, Mr. Conal Healy, and himself. He particularly notes the Governor's commitment to education and support for continuous innovation and new projects, as the key to their successful partnership and collaborative working.
Thank you to Brian and to his team in Shelton Abbey for their contribution!