ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JOINING BEDFORD COLLEGE IN SEPTEMBER 2022 WELCOME With time flying past we thought it would be useful to get back in touch. This newsletter will give you a lot of useful information to ensure that you are ready to join us in September.
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COLLEGE V SCHOOL Sometimes writing things down can help you to look at the pros and cons of both sides. We know that one decision a lot of you will soon be facing is whether to stay on at school (sixth form) after your GCSEs this summer, or continue your education elsewhere. Well, we’ve been handy with our notepad and pen (mouse and keyboard actually) and listed everything we think separates college from school. Of course, we think college is great, but we also know that if you’ve never been, you won’t really know what it has to offer. So take a look and we hope it helps you make up your mind and do what is best for you…
More subjects to choose from If History, Science, Art or PE don’t interest you, you’ll be spoilt for choice with new subjects to study at college. Did someone say Motor Vehicle? Engineering? Hairdressing? Media Production? The possibilities are (almost!) endless!
A varied day Most full-time students will have four days a week in college. Outside of timetabled lessons, you will be expected to put in additional study hours, either at home or in our Learning Resources Centre on site.
A more independent you From calling teachers by their first name, to deciding how and when you want to study, you’ll find college is a much more mature environment… and you’ll become a more independent person as a result.
New people, new places One of the best parts about coming to college is making new friends. You’ll find people who share the same interests as you both in class and outside at the various clubs and societies. Depending on where you live, you may also have a whole new town to explore!
Not just a classroom Forget the days of learning just from a textbook, now is the time to take your learning to the next level. Depending on your subject you’ll learn in real life working environments – such as a construction site, a high street salon, a theatre or motor vehicle centre.
A stepping stone into industry Many of the tutors at our College have industry experience, which means they’ve had careers in the area they’re teaching you! From singers, to electricians and soldiers, they’ll be able to answer your questions about future careers and help you find work experience placements. There are also lots of great opportunities with local and national companies at college; from competitions to guest speakers.
Your own support team We know earlier we mentioned that college is a more mature environment than school, but you also get lots of great support. You’ll have your own Personal Tutor alongside your subject tutors and access to our Student Services team who can help with pretty much any question you have – from applying to university to paying for the College bus.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1
A friend of mine has now decided that they want to come to college. Is it too late for them to apply?
Although we accept applications throughout the summer, these are subject to places remaining available on the course, so the sooner they apply the better. Apply online or pop into our Cauldwell Street campus and we will be able to advise on availability.
2
I’ve changed my mind about the course.
3
My grades aren’t good enough for the course I have chosen.
Don’t panic. Whatever your results, there will be a course for you at the right level to help you reach your study goals and ultimate career. Get in touch or pop along to our Open Days on GCSE Results Day at our Cauldwell Street campus between 10.00am-7.00pm on Thursday 25 August or 10.00am-2.00pm on Friday 26 August to discuss.
4
I’ve done better in my exams than expected.
No worries, we can help you find another course that you want to do. Just pop into our Cauldwell Street campus between 9.00am-4.00pm Monday - Friday and we will be happy to talk through your options. Remember that most of our courses do fill up quickly, so do talk to us as soon as possible if you are unsure.
Congratulations! If you have achieved higher grades than you expected then it may be possible for you to start on a higher level course straight away. Come along to our GCSE Results Days at our Cauldwell Street campus on Thursday 25 August between 10.00am-7.00pm or Friday 26 August between 10.00am-2.00pm to discuss your options.
TOTUM CARD
JOIN THE STUDENTS’ UNION
All of our students are entitled to purchase the Totum Card. These cost £12 and give you great discounts with many local and national retailers, fast food restaurants, cinemas and much more! Top brands include:
• 10% off ASOS • 25% off Odeon student priced tickets • 20% off at Pizza Hut Restaurants
The Bedford College Group Students’ Union at Bedford is run by students for students, enhancing your time at college. The Students’ Union works in partnership with the College, driving for outstanding teaching and learning, services and facilities. It is run by an elected team of students who work closely with the LIVE team. The Students’ Union work with the College to make sure your voice is heard, your views are understood and meaningful changes are made. Along with the LIVE team, the Students’ Union also put on events. These events are designed to be both educational and social, keep you up to speed on national student issues and support a number of student chosen charities over the year.
THE CONNOLLY CENTRE FOR MODERN CONSTRUCTION BASED AT BEDFORD COLLEGE IS THE GROUP’S BRAND-NEW £4.3M MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION CENTRE.
The specialist centre has been funded by SEMLEP who contributed £2.9m as part of their Getting Building Fund and the Connolly Foundation who donated £750,000 towards the project, as well as being funded using The Bedford College Group’s own resources. Premanufacturing homes and shipping them to a building site has been identified as the most efficient and cost-effective way of meeting the huge demand for housing, and Bedford College’s Centre will provide this “offsite” construction training to meet the industry needs of the future.
STUDENT BAG ESSENTIALS Do you often get to school and realise you’ve forgotten something important? Or are you fed up of carrying too much to and from home everyday and not using half of what you bring? Whatever your student bag woes, we’re here to help!
Post its or page markers
Check out our list of essentials. They might not all be relevant to you, but it’s a good place to start. Why not make your own list so you can check everything off before you leave in the morning? It will make sure you don’t forget anything and stop you taking stuff you don’t really need!
You need this to gain entry to the campus every day, so don’t forget it!
Pencil case A couple of pens, highlighter, pencil, rubber, ruler and pencil sharpener. If you need other specific equipment for your course, such as a compass, make sure that’s in there too.
These are really handy for making notes during class and saving pages in a textbook.
Student ID
Bus pass Again, you’ll need this if you use a bus to get to college. Save some pounds and make sure it’s in the bag!
USB stick These are great to bring work, such as presentations, into college and to save something digitally when you don’t have your laptop with you.
Notepad and lesson notes
Umbrella
Make sure you have plenty of paper to take notes during classes. Top tip: Take the notes you make out of the notepad every night and file into the relevant folder at home so you don’t lose them.
Need we say more?!
Textbooks Remember to check your timetable and take all the books you need for each lesson every day.
Diary/planner You’ll need this to record deadlines for homework, events that are coming up and other important dates such as, dare we say it, exams?!
Thin ring binder or plastic wallet This is to keep any handouts and other sheets of paper you are given safe. Top tip: If your binders are getting heavy, take a small one to college every day with the stuff you’re currently working on and transfer the work to the bigger ones once you get home.
Water bottle It’s a well-known fact that drinking plenty of water helps improve focus and concentration. Top tip: There are water coolers placed all around the college campus, so bring a refillable bottle and stay hydrated!
Snacks We have some great food outlets on campus but if you need to stave off the munchies, a healthy snack such as a cereal bar is easy to eat on the go and will tide you over between meals.
Sunglasses If and when the sun does make an appearance, sunglasses are essential in summer and winter!
Phone Not to be used in class of course, but no one wants to forget this!
COPING WITH CHANGE
One of the first big changes in our lives often comes when we leave school. It’s everything we’ve ever known for the last 12 years of our lives and suddenly it’s time to move on! Yes, it’s exciting but it can also be quite daunting. Here we share some key points that we hope might help if you’re feeling the pressures of change.
Focus on the positives Turning negative thoughts into positive ones can really help to embrace change. Are you worried about leaving your friends who are going to a different college or staying on at sixth form? What about all the new friends you are going to make? And who said you have to lose touch with your old friends? Positive thinking is key!
Look for new opportunities College is full of new and exciting opportunities. From joining clubs and societies to going on trips and entering competitions. Getting involved with things, especially in the first term, will keep you busy and focused on all the great stuff that’s still to come.
Eat well and exercise On a similar note, taking care of yourself will really help you to feel better in yourself and therefore more confident to tackle new situations.
Do what you can to make life easier There’s already a lot going on, so the last thing you need is to fall behind on work or not be doing as well as you thought you might. Put some simple measures in place to help yourself out – keep a diary of deadlines, update your to do list regularly and generally stay organised.
Acknowledge that things have changed and it’s a good thing The key thing here is that life moves on. Yes it’s scary at first, but after a few weeks you’ll have settled into your new routine and we bet you’ll be loving college life. It won’t be long before you’ll be looking back wondering why you worried so much! Remember, our Student Services team are here to help. They’re a lovely, friendly bunch and are here to listen to your concerns, so don’t hesitate to go and see them if you need some advice.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST YEAR Music students put on a fantastic Comic Relief Gig in Munch & Mocha to raise money for the cause. Students and staff alike were treated to an incredible performance that made for some wonderful lunchtime entertainment.
Bedford College’s Electrical Installation students were starstruck by YouTubing electrician extraordinaire Jordan Farley! The owner of Artisan Electrics, a channel with over 125,000 subscribers.
Art & Design students showcased their creative talents with a fantastic art exhibition at the Bunyan Basement!
Bedford Hospital provided front line work experience for 12 Health T Level students from The Bedford College Group.
The Bedford College Group is building-up the next batch of brilliant bright-eyed bricklaying professionals! Our learners are mastering modern masonry techniques thanks to industry-recognised courses provided by the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC).
Nick Tillett, co-owner of Tillett & Hague Technology, has talent spotted some of our T-Level trainees! Nick offered two Engineering students some valuable work experience which has now blossomed into full-time jobs.
A magnificent musical production of ‘The Addams Family’ involved our talented Performing Arts students supported by a brilliant Technical Theatre Production crew.
Two computing students battled diligently in the finals of the WorldSkills Cybersecurity competition.
Former students (and professional magicians) Lewis Joss and Jamie Docherty performed their Jay & Joss act on the Penn & Teller magic show.
Former Bedford College Graphic Design student, Emma Lemon was shortlisted as one of the UK’s Top Five Brand & Design small business advisors as part of Enterprise Nation’s ‘Top 50 Advisers 2021!’
GCSE RESULTS DAY OPEN DAY If you have any last minute questions or concerns about your exam results and would like to come and speak to a tutor about your study programme, come along to our GCSE results days.
These will take place on the following dates:
Thursday 25 August, 10.00am-7.00pm Friday 26 August, 10.00am-2.00pm
ENROLMENT & INDUCTION Online enrolment for Full-time courses starts on Thursday 25 August 2022 and we will send you more details on the steps you need to complete over the summer. The online system is an easy way for you to upload your results, the photo you want to use for your ID card and your proof of ID. Are step by step guide will walk you through all the steps you need to complete and we are available on the phone and online to help you through the process. Your induction will be a full day at College where you will get to meet your tutors and classmates and take part in some activities related to your course.
0345 658 8990 info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk www.bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk
At induction you will receive your: • Student ID badge & lanyard • Your timetable The student induction is an essential part of all study programmes. It will: • Enable you to get familiar with the College and become confident in a new environment • Help you develop a sense of identity within the College community • Give you the opportunity to build relationships with staff and other students • Make you aware of the College policies and your rights and responsibilities • Give you the chance to try subject.