Summa Beauty and Lifestyle is taking major steps with Learning Qualification

Working since 2020 Summa Beauty and Lifestyle A new way of training: Learning to Qualify. Gerdy van Kessel, team specialist in Learning to Qualify at Beauty & Lifestyle, explains how this approach positively impacts education and examinations.

Learning Qualification primarily means that there's much less emphasis on a single exam moment. Gerdy and her colleagues noticed that some students performed excellently during lessons, but completely froze up during exams. Especially in beauty care, where two instructors are routinely supervising, the pressure on some students was incredibly high. "We wanted to provide a fair assessment that reflects our students' efforts, not just based on a single, tense exam moment," Gerdy explains.

In practice, Learning Qualification proved more complex than anticipated. The teaching team initially encountered several problems, such as excessive proof for students and a less-than-optimal ICT environment. "We worked hard to simplify processes and make them more user-friendly," Gerdy explains.

The teaching team had to adjust to the new working method. Feedback became more important than grades, forcing teachers to look at results differently. "We attended training sessions and held joint calibration sessions to determine exactly what constitutes good evidence. This line of reasoning needs to be clear to everyone. That takes time, but ultimately leads to greater clarity and uniformity in the assessments," says Gerdy. She speaks highly of her colleagues: "It's truly admirable how our teaching team has adapted in such a relatively short time."

Gerdy and her colleagues are also learning from other Summa schools. Within a pilot group, which served as an "inner circle," there was intensive collaboration with organizations such as the Start-up School. Now, there's an "outer circle" of schools that will join later and utilize the acquired knowledge. Through collaboration, Gerdy discovered the importance of providing clear feedback. "Good feedback immediately reveals whether students are making progress. If a student receives feedback on a set of evidence and then submits an improved set, you can be sure that growth is taking place. That's why good feedback is a crucial component of Learning Qualification," she emphasizes.

The examination committee also took on a new role. While previously primarily involved in exams, they now oversee the entire learning process. "That requires trust and regular consultation," says Gerdy. "But above all, it ensures that the process remains transparent and well-managed."

Thanks to Learning Qualification, teachers are more closely involved in their students' learning process. Coaches have more personal conversations and help students become more self-reliant. "We have a better understanding of what students need and can intervene more quickly when necessary."

For many students, the Learning Qualification program reduces stress and increases independence. They are more proactive, plan better, and are more willing to ask for help. "They feel ownership of their learning process, and that's reflected in their attitude. It makes me incredibly proud to see how our students develop and ultimately receive their diplomas with confidence and pride."

Gerdy has a clear tip for colleagues who also want to start with Learning Qualification: involve students from the start. Their feedback prevents complicated procedures. She also advises considering the intensity of the program: "It takes time, but the benefits for both students and teachers make it more than worth it."

Summa Beauty and Lifestyle will continue to build on this approach in the coming years. The foundation for the two-year Beautician Level 3 program has been laid. The All-round Beautician Level 4 program, which lasts three years and whose first two years largely correspond to Level 3, will have a final year after the summer holidays, which is still being developed. Other programs within Summa are showing interest. Gerdy sees this as a great step forward: "By learning and developing together, we not only strengthen our own program, but the entire Summa."