Wrexham Glyndwr University Presented With Silver Award in Teaching Excellence Framework

Wrexham Glyndwr University has received a Silver award for the quality of its teaching in a prominent new academic ranking.

The University was presented with a silver medal under the new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) which was released today.

The independent study found the institution “encourages high levels of student engagement, technology-enhanced learning and industry relevance in the curriculum.”

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor, congratulated staff on the achievement.

“The TEF is a scheme introduced by the government to measure academic delivery, giving it a quality rating of gold, silver or bronze,” said Professor Hinfelaar.

“We will be able to carry the TEF Silver badge for three years, placing us on a par with many excellent universities that have strong national and international reputations.”

A panel made up of students, academics, widening participation experts and employers decided the assessment outcomes.

Overall they judged that Wrexham Glyndwr University “delivers high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students” and “consistently exceeds” rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.

Professor Claire Taylor, Deputy-Vice Chancellor, paid tribute to staff for their continued dedication to putting the student and inclusivity at the heart of everything they do.

“As one of the top universities in the UK for widening participation we value, support and enable excellent teaching,” said Professor Taylor.

“Our applied approach to learning, teaching and research, underpinned by excellent personalised support for students has resulted in good student feedback and student outcomes over the last year, and that’s something we plan to further improve.”

She added: “We are delighted to receive a silver award and will strive to maintain and build upon this tremendous result.”

The key purpose of the TEF is to: ‘Give students clear information about where teaching quality is best and where students have achieved the best outcomes’; and to ‘Encourage a stronger focus on the quality of teaching in higher education.’

Participating universities make submissions that are a combination of data – for example National Student Survey and graduate employability data – and a written submission.

The panel considered the University submission in relation to the TEF criteria and its judgement reflects, in particular, evidence of:

· Course design and assessment practices providing high levels of stretch, with work-based learning and curricula matching regional priorities.
· Teaching which encourages high levels of student engagement and commitment to learning with high levels of interaction with industry, business and the public sector ensuring currency and relevance in the curriculum.
· An institutional culture that facilitates excellent teaching through staff and student-led teaching awards, comprehensive professional development and an annual conference.
· High quality physical and digital resources including investment in new buildings and study spaces together with technology-enhanced learning and teaching facilities, which are used by students to enhance learning.

Travis Davies, Vice President of the University’s Students’ Union, said the achievement reflects the dedication of staff and their attitude towards higher learning.

“We work closely with the lecturers and the quality of teaching and the relationship they have with students is first class, so it’s no surprise to see the University rewarded in this way,” said Travis.

Sarah Ellis, CEO of the Students’ Union, added: “Competition for a place at university is tougher than ever, so this is another positive message to those joining Wrexham Glyndwr – your education is at the top of our agenda.”

Further information about the award can be found here.