Recognising “places of learning” across the country could replace the European Capital of Culture contest that Britain is no longer able to enter due to Brexit, according to Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).
In a keynote speech at the annual lecture of the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), in London this evening, he spoke about the “challenge of raising the profile and impact” of adult learning, and said that its value “is under-recognised”.
He said: “So, how about an annual award for places of learning? These might be cities but they might also be towns, countries, villages, even organisations.”
The competition would allow places to showcase lifelong learning, he said. The criteria could include showing a commitment to learning “evidenced by high levels of participation” and being open to new approaches to learning. Places could also be judged on “their openness to exploring and testing the wider impacts of learning” as well as their “desire to be a showcase”, he said.
In contrast to the European Capital of Culture contest, each year would see a “number of winning candidates each with different things to offer and display”.
‘A chance to celebrate creativity’
Mr Taylor (pictured), a former head of the Number 10 Policy Unit under Tony Blair, said: “For UK places this is a chance to celebrate the creativity which is a national strength but also to address our weaknesses in skills and productivity.”
The RSA chief, who described himself as “an enthusiast for learning and for its wider benefits”, added: “We could make this a European or even global award organised and hosted by the UK. As Brexit approaches, people are beginning to ask what image of Britain we want to project.”
He added: “To have a go at leading a global competition would speak not only to a commitment to learning but also to a confident, outward-looking, generous spirit.”
The idea was welcomed by Ruth Spellman, chief executive of the WEA: “The ‘place of learning contest’ is a very interesting concept and with significant investment could allow lifelong learning in communities to flourish.”
She added: “Being creative in how we create the jobs of the future, ensuring everyone has a fair chance in life, and developing the skills we need for future prosperity is the only way forward.”
Want to keep up with the latest education news and opinion? Follow Tes FE News on Twitter, like us on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn
