Re the soft spot, I fully agree, though I have never used them either. I have friends who have and recognise the opportunity they have given to many who would otherwise be outside the education system looking in. However that is no excuse for figures that just don't add up (or is that why they are in need of repair? )
The OU shouldn't need to try to justify through numbers of students, but rather just show their record for providing a university education to those from more deprived backgrounds. What grieves me is that they are being forced to justify through numbers of students rather than being allowed to show the difference they actually make.
Alasdair
ps I have memories of the arcane subjects in black and white (and at odd times of day) from my youth also.
Re the soft spot, I fully agree, though I have never used them either. I have friends who have and recognise the opportunity they have given to many who would otherwise be outside the education system looking in. However that is no excuse for figures that just don't add up (or is that why they are in need of repair? )
The OU shouldn't need to try to justify through numbers of students, but rather just show their record for providing a university education to those from more deprived backgrounds. What grieves me is that they are being forced to justify through numbers of students rather than being allowed to show the difference they actually make.
Alasdair
ps I have memories of the arcane subjects in black and white (and at odd times of day) from my youth also.
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