The purpose of the Crosby Enrichment Learning Topics:
The Crosby Enrichment Learning Topics encompass a wide range of subjects and topics that are selected to enhance our apprentices learning experience beyond the apprenticeship standard curriculum.
These subjects and topics can include academic enrichment, cultural experiences and capital, personal development, current affairs, and the exploration of British Values and the UK Law and statutory legislation.
Key points for discussion:
Acknowledge Sensitivity: Some topics and subjects selected for discussion may be sensitive and controversial that will require a thoughtful approach.
Clear guidelines: Clear guidelines for respectful communication will be expected, such as active listening, avoiding potentially offensive remarks, using appropriate language, providing relevant context, applying critical thinking to stay focused on the topic and subject being discussed.
Research: Gather information and understand different perspectives relating to the topic and subject to be discussed.
Prepare for Emotions: Anticipate potential emotional responses and be prepared to address them with empathy and understanding.
It’s all in the news:
Do we have a strong news-consuming culture in the UK? Would it be accurate to say, as a nation, we are obsessed with the news? Ofcom data indicates that a high percentage of us consume news, with online and social media becoming increasingly popular platforms, but this doesn’t automatically equate to obsession.
Here’s some facts:
High news-consumption: A large majority of UK adults (96%) consume news in some form; this indicates a strong interest in national and international current events according to Ofcom.
Shifting news platforms: While TV news was once the dominant source, online platforms (including social media) has gained significant ground and popularity.
Trust and accuracy: The prevalence of fake news has increased with the rise and popularity of social media; misinformation is gradually seeping into the mainstream media. However, despite the increased availability of online news, traditional platforms, particularly public service broadcasters like the BBC are still valued for their perceived trustworthiness and accuracy.
Potential for over-consumption: A growing number of people are actively avoiding the news, with some reports indicating that nearly 4 in 10 people sometimes or often actively avoid news consumption. This trend is attributed to various factors, including the perception of news as depressing, irrelevant, fake or overwhelming, as well as feelings of helplessness regarding global issues.
Those people who actively seek and consume news are individuals who make a conscious effort to stay informed by intentionally engaging with news sources, whether through traditional media like television and newspapers or digital platforms such as websites and social media. This group actively pursues information to understand current events, often driven by curiosity, a sense of duty, or a desire to stay updated in their social circles. Their engagement can range from casual browsing to in-depth analysis, and their motivations can be diverse, including entertainment, education, and staying informed about their communities.
Reflection time on what’s in the news.
We ask our apprentices to reflect on the questions posed as these may be discussed during your next progress review.
- Should the voting age be lowered? What are your thoughts on 16–17-year-olds being able to vote at the next general election?
- Should the UK water companies be nationalised, would this reduce pollution and water bills?
- Should a schoolgirl have been taken out of her diversity class for wearing a Union Jack dress?
Safety Concerns:
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Gary Cooper
Gary@crosbytraining.co.uk
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Andrea Pikett
Andrea@crosbytraining.co.uk