Force is with ferry as numbers increase
GRŵP Llandrillo Menai is delighted to announce that it has been commended for the quality of its higher education provision in a recent review by national assessors.
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) confirmed the quality and standards of provision at the Grŵp following its review in March.
A team of QAA reviewers visited the Grŵp and judged that its academic standards, the quality of its student learning opportunities, and the quality of information about its learning opportunities all meet UK expectations. Furthermore, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai was one of only four colleges who achieved a commended judgment for “the enhancement of student learning opportunities.”
The review identifies a number of examples of good practice, including:
effectively preparing students for their higher education studies
developing students’ independent and advanced skills during their STENA Line has seen Irish Sea passenger numbers surge this summer with Star Wars and Brexit among the reasons for the upturn.
Stena - which sails from Holyhead to Dublin - has posted an impressive 6.5% year on year increase in the number of cars it carried across the Irish Sea in the month of July.
The July performance has rounded off a strong first six months for the leading ferry operator which also recorded a 3% increase in car volumes from January to June.
Each year Stena Line carries approximately 2.2m passengers, 614 000 cars and 732 000 freight units across its Irish Sea routes.
Industry commentators said that visits to Ireland had increased in 2016, partly driven by several highprofile film and television productions such as Star Wars The Force programme
maintaining academic standards on behalf of our partners, Bangor University, Glyndwr University, University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and the University of South Wales. Mr Glyn Jones, CEO, said: “This is an outstanding achievement a and reflects the quality of higher education provision delivered by our three colleges - Coleg L Llandrillo, Coleg M Meirion-Dwyfor and C Coleg Menai. “For many people, the cost and practicalities of going away to university makes getting a degree an impossibility. The provision of degrees locally has changed that.”
QAAs Higher Education Reviews are carried out by experts from other universities and colleges. A successful review means that the Grŵp can display the QAA Quality Mark, indicating to UK and international students that it meets national requirements for standards and quality. Awakens with scenes from the film shot over the Irish Sea.
There had also been an increase in Irish visitors to the UK, which has been helped by the falling value of the pound after the Brexit vote.
Orla Noonan, Stena Line’s Head of Travel (Irish Sea), said: “Traditionally July is a very busy month for us across the Irish Sea as we enter our peak season but to post a 6.5% year on year increase in our car volumes pays tribute to the quality of the service we operate.”
Orla added: “It’s encouraging to note that our July performance outstrips the UK and Ireland ferry industry as whole which experienced a 1.5% increase in car volumes according to industry stats.
“As well as strong volume performances we have also managed to deliver some best in class punctuality and reliability stats which is why we believe more customers are choosing to travel with Stena Line.” HAVE you ever thought of studying for a higher education course but have been put off by the high fees and long hours of study?
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers a wide range of vocational degrees, validated and awarded by universities including Bangor and Glyndŵr.
Timetables are work and family-friendly, so you can combine studying with your work and life commitments. On most courses, attendance is for one or two days per week.
From Business Management and Health & Care to Teacher Training, now is the perfect time to get the qualification you’ve always wanted to help you progress in your career.
Contact 01492 542 338 or visit www. gllm.ac.uk/degrees