The strategy is expected to take five-years to implement, with changes noticeable from September 2026. It aims to prioritise academic excellence, providing increased access to leading research and industry skills, preparing students for the wider world post-graduation. Through insights from both Ruth and Helen, the strategy places it’s three key aims of equity, leading edge, and a future fit for all – whilst prioritising students at the heart of it.
Ruth Valentine, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Education, emphasised her hope that the strategy will ensure “every student can engage with everything we do,” and that the inclusive education the university provides will make students “fit for their future lives.”
Helen St Clair Thompson, newly appointed Dean of Students, also highlighted her desire for students to be at the forefront of the strategy. Through the new student launchpad project, which will revamp the personal tutor scheme in favour of academic advising, students will receive more focused support when they need it.
Both Ruth and Helen assured that students will be regularly consulted during the delivery of the strategy for feedback on how well it’s working and what can still be done to further enhance the student experience. The feedback from students will help to provide a core, universal offer, ensuring everyone has the ability to succeed “regardless of background, identity, nationality, location or mode of study.”
what we didn't have at Newcastle was a framework, an education framework, that we all follow.
Ruth Valentine, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Education
Ruth stressed that equity should be the number one priority in the strategy, stating that “what we didn’t have at Newcastle was a framework, an education framework, that we all follow. When I stepped into the role of Pro-Vice Chancellor of Education in late 2023, I knew it would be necessary to overhaul the university’s education strategy.” This has meant changes to course structures and programmes, as well as forms of assessment and feedback - all of which she hopes will provide a framework that is fair for all students and all staff.
The second aim of the strategy is to ‘Encounter with the leading edge’ research, industry and curriculum practice with high-quality resources to ensure the teaching they offer remains relevant and connected to the future of work, no matter what course the student is taking – according to the Education Strategy Outline. The new strategy would ensure that every student has access to hands-on experience in their chosen field. This aim is not just to provide access to the leading edge of industry, but the leading edge of research too.
with high-quality resources to ensure the teaching they offer remains relevant and connected to the future of work... This aim is not just to provide access to the leading edge of industry, but the leading edge of research too.
Ruth expanded on how ‘Fit for the future’ means “allow[ing] us to teach in different ways, use new technologies, and adapt and change much more quickly.” For students, the strategy aims to provide them with an educational experience that gives them the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to make them ready for the world in which they will live and work. For staff, the strategy aims to guarantee that they have the time, skills and knowledge to power education development and innovation.
While Ruth stepped into the pre-existing role of Pro-Vice Chancellor of Education, the role of Dean of Students was recently created to help develop and implement the strategy. Helen spoke about her role, discussing how it was introduced “as a commitment to student support and the student experience.” She oversees the Student Launchpad project, working to highlight student voices. “It’s about working with lots of people who have similar passions for the student experience,” she said. “Hopefully with this work I can contribute towards a better experience for all students.”
Despite concerns over the five-year plan to implement the strategy, Ruth and Helen assured that students and staff will immediately begin to feel positive changes towards their experience.
Helen said, “we want to be able to do it slowly and evaluate it properly as we go through, so we can make changes and tweaks so it works correctly.” She also highlighted the student launchpad, which will be introduced for new students from September 2026, while also having an impact on current students. “This will mean that there is a benefit for all students, and it will have a clearer purpose.”
I think what most people aren't aware of is how many students are directly and indirectly involved in the crafting of what the strategy looks like going forward.
Gina Tindale, NUSU Academic Officer
As the strategy moves forward, both Ruth and Helen will continue to work with students and the NUSU Academic Officer to ensure the strategy meets expectations, and the students are always kept informed.
Gina Tindale, NUSU Academic Officer, said “I think what most people aren’t aware of is how many students are directly and indirectly involved in the crafting of what the strategy looks like going forward.” She went on to specify that both past and future sabbatical officers have informed and will continue to inform the future of the Education for Life Strategy.