Edge (educational foundation)

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[edit] Aims and Objectives

Edge Foundation, commonly referred to as 'Edge', is a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting practical and vocational learning[1] in the UK. It believes that giving young people the opportunity to learn more vocational subjects, and in more practical ways, will give them a better chance of success[2] and address the UK's skills shortage[3].

[edit] History

In 2003 educational services provider Edexcel was partially sold to Pearson PLC. The trustees of Edexcel opted to use the proceeds of the sale to set up an educational foundation: Edge was formed in November 2004[4]. The trustees of the foundation identified the promotion of practical and vocational learning as the new organisation's primary objective. Since its inception Edge has invested millions of pounds in practical learning schemes and initiatives run by other organisations, as well as running its own projects[5].

[edit] Edge Projects and Campaigns

[edit] Another Way Forward campaign

In 2007 Edge launched its first mainstream advertising campaign[6]. The television ad features a father giving his son a driving lesson, and forcing him to drive the wrong way down a dual carriageway. The captions over the film read: "Are you pushing your kids in the wrong direction?", "An academic route isn't always the right option".

[edit] Edge Academies

Edge is funding two new schools under the Government's controversial academy schools scheme[7]; one in Milton Keynes[8] and one in Bulwell, Nottingham[9]. The two schools will be housed in brand new buildings and are due to open in time for the 2009/10 school year.

[edit] Edge into Space

Edge invited young people aged 13-17 to invent a device that could be used by in space. 12 winning teams were taken to the NASA space centre in Houston, USA.

[edit] Ice Edge

Edge asked young people to come up with a practical idea to combat climate change. 41 winners were taken to the Arctic to see climate change at first-hand and carry out experiments with leading scientists.

[edit] Edge Awards

The Edge Awards take place annually, and reward companies for giving practical learning opportunities to young people. They also reward individual young people who have used vocational learning as a springboard to successful careers. Previous winners include diamond-setting apprentice Alasdair Craig and Suffolk-based juice bar MyJuice.

[edit] Other projects funded by Edge

[edit] horsesmouth.co.uk

horsesmouth.co.uk is a website billed as "the first dedicated website for informal e-mentoring". It brings together the expertise of volunteer online mentors, with young people who need a mentor's help. Its tagline reads: "Someone needs what you know. Someone knows what you need."

[edit] External links

http://www.edgeawards.co.uk
http://www.iceedge.co.uk
http://www.horsesmouth.co.uk

[edit] References

  1. ^ edge.co.uk homepage[1]
  2. ^ Edge Believes page on edge.co.uk[2]
  3. ^ bbc.co.uk article on 'looming skills shortage'[3]
  4. ^ Edexcel website history page[4]
  5. ^ Edge Action page on edge.co.uk [5]
  6. ^ Edge campaign website[6]
  7. ^ Article from Guardian online 'Brown to expand school academies scheme'[7]
  8. ^ Article on Milton Keynes academy school on council website[8]
  9. ^ Article on Nottingham City Council website[9]