The last two have been in post since August. Lorna and Dominic are permanent members of the Classical Studies department at the OU and have been seconded for part of their time. Dominic's main role will be to develop initiatives in Classical languages learning and teaching . Lorna is particularly interested in responses to the changing environment underlying curriculum design and learning and teaching strategies and also in ways of developing creative synergy between teaching and research. The work of the subject centres is also supported by advisory panels, which have been set up for each of the subjects.
Panels meet approximately twice a year, supplemented by other contacts as needed.
Notes of the discussions at meetings will be published on the web site. It is also hoped to appoint a postgraduate teaching assistant as a member. The subject centres are now moving from the set-up phase to become operational. During the set-up phase, Lorna Hardwick has been consulting widely with colleagues in a number of institutions and thanks are due to them for their generosity with time and ideas. Within the limits of budget and terms of reference it is important to establish priorities which take account of immediate needs and also to allow room for strategic initiatives which can support the subject community's development in key areas.