Case study: Professional development placements

Company Sector	Leisure and Tourism/Business
Number of Employees (0-250)	200
Location	Oxford Castle Site
Title of Initiative	Using Oxford Castle for Business Studies, Leisure & Tourism and Careers
Targeted Age Group	KS4
Number of Students Participating (For PDPs – Number of Teachers)	16 teachers

Aims and Objectives

To allow teachers of Business Studies, Leisure & Tourism and Careers to visit, discuss and develop teaching materials suitable for their subject specialism.

Company

Unlocked, Oxford Castle

School(s)

Didcot Girls
John Mason
Icknield Community School
Matthew Arnold
Peers Community School
Lord Williams
Wheatley Park
Bicester Community College
Blessed George Napier
Gosford Hill

---

Time Invested by the Employer

Three preliminary discussion meetings with PDP Organiser
Half-day preparation of materials
One day delivery
Follow up with OEBP to be arranged.

---

Outline of Activity Undertaken

Teachers were given a general introduction, including current education provision at the Oxford Castle site. This was followed by:

a tour of the site, including the Art Gallery, Ice Rink, various franchises, Unlocked Shop, and the tourist information office
a tour of the tower and prison
a tour of Malmaison Hotel

The General Manager gave an interesting presentation regarding the development of the site (including private/public investment issues – of particular interest to BS teachers).

The O3 Gallery (Art Exhibitions) – A presentation by the Education Manager

Discussion sessions on how the site could be used by schools for KS4 in specific subject areas (above).

---

Results of Evaluation to meet Aims and Objectives

Evaluation was very positive. Aims and objectives were more than met, Staff had enjoyed the PDP and saw great potential for development.

---

Conclusions

A worthwhile event, which was well attended. All attendees were enthusiastic about the venue and the great potential for development of education facilities, visits and use of the site for KS4 work across the curriculum and well as in their subject specialism – attendees were enthused and invigorated by the venue with many discussions and potential school visits to look forward to.

---

Future Plans

EBP to meet and discuss evaluations and attached information with a view to future collaborative work. Education Manager has agreed to mentor a Business Studies teacher, General Manager approached regarding Business Studies Conference in June. Potential for future EBP development in many areas including the Art Gallery.