"Star Units, in our experience, have had a snowball effect on the whole group of learners. As a result, students of average ability have achieved much more than they would do normally.
"Star Units, in our experience, have had a snowball effect on the whole group of learners. As a result, students of average ability have achieved much more than they would do normally. Star Units achieve this by extending people’s horizons. They generate a culture of excellence which meets the needs of those who aspire to do better. Through Star Units learners have been motivated to improve their performance in a way that NVQs by themselves do not.
"Employers like them too because when they are looking at people’s qualifications they want to know, did this person just scrape through or did they do very well? At least Star Units will identify those who have done very well.
"It is important to understand that this enhanced performance is not just a matter of skills. It is also a matter of attitudes. As a college we are very interested in what employers regard as excellence and we know that for them it is the attitudes of their trainees and recruits which is just as important as the skill levels. Star units have a powerful effect on both.
"Critics could suggest that because only a minority of candidates achieve Star Units this is likely to have a demoralising effect on the remainder. However, in practice our experience has been the opposite. Everyone touched by them does better."
Charles Anderson
Deputy Principal, Stratford upon Avon College
