Nominating a Project
What are we looking for?
Nominated projects should demonstrate the following criteria:
A high level of teamwork and partnership amongst participant groups
We are looking for evidence of teamwork, partnership and cooperation between diverse groups. Projects should demonstrate links with a range of relevant actors, to include local Vocational Education Committees (VECs), key community and voluntary interests, learners, employers, employment services and relevant State agencies. For example, the teamwork involved could be between learners, tutors and course providers; or between community, voluntary and statutory groups.
A learner-centred approach to education provision
Each nominated project should have the learner at its core. We are looking for projects that include the process of learner engagement in identifying needs. Models of participative learning should also be demonstrated and projects should be relevant to learners' personal, social and cultural needs, prior learning and labour market needs.
Adult education practice and methodologies
Nominated projects should show examples of good adult education practice, such as how the project's curriculum was built around the learners' needs or interests, examples of how the learners' experiences contributed to the process or outcomes of the project, or the use of active participation and reflection during the project. Examples of how some aspects of the project contribute to social change, promote equality or social justice, or empower communities or individuals could also be used.
Evidence or Outcomes
Projects nominated for STAR awards should be in existence for at least two years. The project should ideally be able to demonstrate evidence (i.e any form of project work/evaluation/scrapbook/photographs/CD/DVD etc. Please do not send any of this information with your application. Someone from AONTAS will be in touch with you if clarification is needed on any aspect of your nomination.
Projects which were nominated for awards in previous years are eligible for nomination this year.
Projects not eligible for nomination include events such as conferences or exhibitions. If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact AONTAS on 01 4068220.
Categories
Projects may only be nominated in one category. Projects nominated for STAR Awards will fall into the following six categories:
1. Projects that have a nationwide or all-island reach
For example: national or all-island organisations or companies, groups with a national or all-island remit or projects that are targeted at, open to or involve learners and /or practitioners from throughout the island of Ireland.
One STAR Award will be granted in this category.
2. Projects that have a provincial or county-wide reach
For example: Vocational Education Committees, County or City Councils, County or City Development Boards, groups providing county or province-wide services, or projects that are targeted at, open to or involve learners and / or practitioners from throughout an entire county or province.
Five awards will be granted in this category - one in each of the following areas: Connaught, Dublin City and County, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Munster and Ulster.
3. Projects that have a local or community-based reach
For example: community-based groups, community partnerships, adult learning colleges and organisations that have a local remit, or projects that are targeted at, open to or involve learners and / or practitioners from a specific local community.
Five awards will be granted in this category - one in each of the following areas: Connaught, Dublin City and County, Leinster (excluding Dublin), Munster and Ulster.
4. Projects that are in progress
For example, collaborative learning or education activities which were started over the past two years and are not yet complete.
One award will be granted in this category.
5. Projects that are once off initiatives
For example, production of a DVD/toolkit/ scrapbook.
One award will be granted in this category.
6. Workplace Learning Initiatives
For example, Trade Unions/Chambers of Commerce/Companies/Enterprises or Businesses.
One award will be granted in this category.
Nominating a project
You do not have to be involved in the project you are nominating for a STAR Award. However, we welcome nominations from projects themselves or from people directly involved in the project they are nominating.
To nominate a project, just do one of the following:
1. Fill in an online nomination form (available at www.adultlearnersfestival.com) and submit it through the Adult Learners' Festival website.
2. Download a Word version of the nomination form from www.adultlearnersfestival.com and fill it in. Email it back to mail@aontas.com or print it off and post it back to AONTAS, or
3. Complete the attached form in block capitals and return it to: STAR Awards, AONTAS, 2nd Floor, 83-87 Main Street, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, or
The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday November 14th at 5pm.
Help!
Do you have questions about the STAR Awards?
Are you unsure about the category into which your project best fits?
Do you need assistance filling out the nomination form?
If so, please contact AONTAS on 01-4068220, Email: mail@aontas.com, Address: 2nd Floor, 83-87 Main Street, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Further information about the STAR Awards is also available at www.adultlearnersfestival.com.
The STAR Awards are judged by an independent panel of judges.
