Personal Transferable Skills have been placed on the higher education agenda, both by the recognition that there is the need for a flexible, adaptable workforce as we move into the twenty-first century, and by the requirements of both employers and students that graduates can make an immediate contribution to any job situation. This article reports on the findings of a survey carried out in one institution to review course provision for, lecturers' approaches to, and students" perceptions of the development and assessment of certain communication skills. A number of issues arise from the findings and these are discussed. The article concludes that, despite innovative initiatives, some radical rethinking is required if transferable skills are to be addressed seriously in higher education.

Current developments in higher education strongly indicate that the way ahead in many disciplines is much closer co-operation between academia and industry. There is growing demand that recognition should be given to learning, irrespective of the environment in which it occurs. This article reflects on what are deemed to be essential components of a degree, and considers how they might be transformed into forms suitable for demonstration in the work environment. The discussion is supported by findings of a survey carried out in conjunction with a development - Structured Industrial Practice Studies - which integrates academic learning and learning in the work environment for full-time students. The findings, however, are of relevance beyond the particular model of learning and mode of attendance. There appears to be potential for achieving in the workplace aspects of courses which, in recent times, have been the prerogative of higher education establishments. However, such potential is variable between working environments and is dependent on higher education providers adapting to different structures in delivery

This paper reports on an evaluation to interrogate the efficacy of a Scottish Government sponsored initiative to introduce an arts-infused education model to primary (elementary) and secondary (high) schools.Arts Across the Curriculum (AAC) was a three-year pilot project, with ambitious aims. The aims included aspirations to increase pupilsÕ achievement and motivation to learn; to develop the skills of teachers to work collaboratively and creatively; to encourage links between different areas of learning and thus erode subject barriers. In addition, the project sought to improve the ethos of the school and explore the efficacy of the expressive arts as a delivery mechanism across the curriculum (FLaT, 2006).Between April 2005 and December 2007, the evaluation team gathered data using a variety of instruments including surveys, structured observations, interviews and video diaries. This paper presents some of the findings from the evaluation and in particular it focuses on the artistsÕ views of the efficacy of the project; in short we wanted to know how they Ôsaw itÕ.It should be noted that the research team that evaluated the initiative had no say in the design of the AAC project.

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