2014-2015 Parent Handbook
September 2014 to July 2015 Bexhill College
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ProvisionAl
Key Dates For Students Term 1 (Autumn) Friday 5th September - Friday 24th October 2014 Friday 5th September 2014 - Induction for Year 2 Students Monday 8th September and Tuesday 9th September 2014 - Induction Days for Year 1 and single year students
Provisional proposed key dates for Students 2014/15 Please note: These
Wednesday 10th September 2014 - Teaching Begins
dates are correct at
Friday 24th October 2014 - Term Ends
the time of going to press. Students and
Term 2 (Autumn) Monday 3rd November 2014 - Friday 19th December 2014 Friday 19th December - Inset Day
parents should consult the parent/student portal or the website for any changes
Term 3 (Spring) Monday 5th January 2015 - Friday 13th February 2015 Monday 5th January - Inset Day
Term 4 (Spring) Monday 23rd February 2015 - Friday 27th March 2015
Term 5 (Summer) Monday 13th April 2015 - Friday 22nd May 2015 Monday 4th May - Bank Holiday
Term 6 (Summer) Monday 1st June 2015 - Friday 3rd July 2015
Students are not required to attend College on inset days
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Karen Hucker - Principal
Introduction by the Principal This booklet has been designed with the particular needs of parents in mind. The College places high value on the involvement of parents. We are aware that a number of items of information and guidance provided to students within College are also of use and importance to parents. The College prospectus provides much basic information and you will also receive newsletters and other communications whilst your son or daughter is enrolled at College. Every student in College has access to the Student Portal and this provides a lot of detailed information for students. Please contact your son’s / daughter’s Personal Tutor or Head of Section or a member of the Senior Leadership Team if there is further information or advice that you need, or an issue that you wish to discuss.
Welcome... The College values are: Excellence; Can-Do Attitude; Courage; Respect; Team Working and Achievement Driven
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Pastoral Care in College • Pastoral Care in College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 • Communication with Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 • Use of Non-Contact Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 • Part-Time Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 • Trips and Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 • Absence/Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 • Late Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 • Absence Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 • Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 • College Bursary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CONTENTS Welcome • Charter for Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 • Senior Staff Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Holidays During Term Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 • Returning to College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 • What We Expect of Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 • Illegal Substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 • Smoking/Use of E-cigarettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 • Exclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• Parental Involvement in College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Information
• Bexhill College Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• College Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• Members of the Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Curriculum
• Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Opening Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27
• Course Choices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Student Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• Value Added and Target Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
• Catering in College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
• Contacting Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• Functional Skills, English and Maths GCSE . . . . . . . . 9
• Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• Progression from Year 1 to Year 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• First Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• LRC and Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• Safety Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• Study Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• Parking for Parents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• Tutorial Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Parking for Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• External Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Employers and the Local Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
• Payment for Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
• Data Protection Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
• Careers Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
• Timetable and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
• Inspection Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
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Parent Handbook BexhIll College
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“The academic standards are high and my daughter has therefore received good tuition” Parent of Bexhill College Student
Charter For Parents We welcome your involvement as parents in the life of the College and the opportunity to work with you towards the success of our students. If we have concerns about your son’s/daughter’s progress, we will certainly wish to discuss this with you and, where necessary, will contact you to arrange a meeting. If you wish to discuss anything with us, please contact your son’s / daughter’s Personal Tutor or Head of Section. We will respond to your request within three working days. Once your son or daughter has started College, you will have access to the parent portal which will contain information on your son/daughter including their timetable and attendance. Information on how to access the portal is given on page 15 of this booklet While your son/daughter is studying at College, you will receive progress reviews or reports. We issue at least three reviews and one report for all students. We will invite you to parents’ consultation evenings twice per year. The first parents’ evening will be in November. A separate Higher Education Evening is offered to parents of Year 1 students in the Spring Term of their first year, followed up by a Higher Education Surgery in September of Year 2. We also keep in touch with you through our parent newsletter and one parent represents your views on the College’s Corporation. Any parent has the opportunity to stand for election for this position when a vacancy arises. If you feel unhappy with the service that we offer, please get in touch with us to share your concerns. If the matter is serious and you wish to raise a formal complaint, you should initially contact the Principal’s PA. You will receive a response within 5 working days informing you of how we will handle your complaint. If you remain unhappy with the resolution, please contact the Principal, Karen Hucker.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Senior Staff Team Karen Hucker - Principal Linda Johnson - Vice Principal Dave Brown - Vice Principal
Parental involvement in college Parents can offer support to the College by attending Arts, Performing Arts and Sports events, helping on field trips, volunteering as a student mentor, or considering involvement as a Parent Member of the Corporation.
Bexhill College Corporation The College Corporation complies with the Articles and Instruments of Governance laid down in the Higher and Further Education Act of 1992 and it is the Corporation’s responsibility to ensure that the College adopts appropriate strategies to achieve its mission as a Sixth Form College. The Corporation comprises of 13 members, including a Parent member, a Student member and a Staff member. Many of the members have, in fact, had experience of being a parent of a student studying at College. Members of the Corporation are all volunteers and are not paid for their duties. Members meet at least four times a year as a whole group and a good deal of their work is delegated to six committees. The Committees meet according to need and this varies with the committee in question between two and four times a year. Members visit the College regularly, attending events and activities, visiting departments and cross-College areas. The Chair of the Corporation can be contacted via the Clerk to the Corporation.
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College Corporation
Members of the college corporation Members can be contacted by email, letter or by telephone via the Clerk to the Corporation.
Chair to the Corporation Sue Taylor
Clerk to the Corporation
Vice Chair to the Corporation Carole Shaves
Claire Carpenter Email: clerk@bexhillcollege.ac.uk Tel: 01424 214545 Ext.1142
Principal Karen Hucker Parent Member Lloyd Taylor Staff Member Elisabeth Lawrence Members Michael Boakes Nichollas Hollingsworth Wayne Marley David Padmore John Stebbing Susan Adams Sara Whalley One Student Member Will be confirmed in July 2014
Telephone 01424 214545
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“The College is very caring, and provides a great transition from school to University� Parent of a Bexhill College Student
The Curriculum 6
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The Curriculum
Timetable The timetable is designed to provide students with as much flexibility as possible. Students negotiate individual programmes of study with their Heads of Section and this timetable may well be different from every other student in the College. The week is divided into seven teaching blocks. Most students will have some non-contact time each day for studying. Some activities may take place after College. This applies particularly to clubs and recreational or extra-curricular activities.
Course Choices The College offers a range of courses from Level 1 to Level 3. The majority of students are studying AS/A2, IB or BTEC National/Extended Diploma Programmes. These students take the equivalent of four courses, BTEC National/Extended Diplomas counting as three. Some students follow a one year programme of GCSE’s or BTEC First Diplomas. Some courses have specific costs, where possible, information is provided in course handbooks.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Value Added and Target grades Statistically, the best single indicator of how a student will perform at AS and A2 level is their achievement at GCSE. A number of organisations have developed systems to enable schools and colleges to analyse AS/A2 Level value-added performance relative to GCSE. The GCSE results of each student can be converted to an average GCSE score by giving a score of 8 for an A* grade to a score of 1 for a grade G. An average GCSE score of 5.5 therefore indicates that a student’s average GCSE is half way between a grade C and a B grade. This type of data is used in systems such as ALPS (A Level Performance System), and allows the College to take into account the relative GCSE ability of students and find out how our students performed at AS/A2 Level, relative to other sixth form colleges. It also allows us to identify which students have exceeded their targets and which have under-achieved at AS/ A2 Level and to predict realistic target AS/A2 Level performance levels for new students in College. Grades at GCSE and AS/A2 cannot be directly compared. The national average data illustrates that students who average a grade C at GCSE will need to ‘over-achieve’ in order to get better than a D/E grade at AS/A2 Level. Further, it predicts that students who achieve grade A or A* at GCSE should not automatically assume that they will achieve grade A’s at A2 or AS Level. We use this process to give students a minimum target grade at the start of their studies. Student progress is measured against this grade.
enrichment The College has always aimed to provide a broad and balanced educational experience for its students. The Enrichment Programme is designed to provide the breadth. There are over thirty courses from which students may choose including sports, arts, musical activities and vocational studies.
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Functional Skills, english and Maths gCSe In line with Government Policy, the College has a commitment to develop literacy and numeracy skills of its students. Our students will be working towards achieving a minimum of a Grade C at GCSE in English and Maths or equivalent either through GCSE or Functional Skills if they have not achieved this grade at school.
Progression From Year 1 To Year 2 In order for students to progress from an AS course to an A2 Level course they will need to achieve a pass to grade E in their AS Level examination. Students will also need to demonstrate satisfactory attendance and commitment. It is essential that students attend College from mid June to the end of the summer term. A2 work will commence during this period and work will be set for the summer holiday. Due to choices made after AS examinations, students may be in different teaching groups for A2. Some students wish to change courses at the end of the 1st year and make a new start. These students will also be required to attend lessons at the end of the summer term, to show commitment to a second year at College.
References References are written for students in consultation with teaching staff and Personal Tutors. References are usually treated as confidential but open testimonials can be obtained in consultation with a student’s Head of Section.
“The College’s most significant strength is its commitment to its students’ education. There is always extra help available when required. Thank you for the support you have given my daughter” Parent of a Bexhill College Student
Telephone 01424 214545
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learning Resources Centre & Information Technology The Learning Resources Centre in equipped with over 50 computers as well as text books and other resources. Students are free to use the facilities in the College in term time as follows: • Monday - 8.30am to 7.00pm • Tuesday - 8.30am to 4.45pm • Wednesday - 8.30am to 4.45pm • Thursday - 8.30am to 4.45pm • Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm The LRC is also open during the Easter break and May half term to enable students to complete course work or revise. For details, please see the parent portal or website. The College has a permanent link to the internet, which may be accessed by all computers connected to the College Network. Students are free to use this facility for research purposes. All students will also receive an electronic mail account with the College to aid them in their College studies and have access to a wealth of subject, careers and wider College information through Moodle, the College Virtual Learning Environment.
Study Centre The study centre provides students with an area to study outside of the LRC. Staff are available to support students on a one to one or small group basis.
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The Curriculum
Tutorial Programme Every student in the College is a member of a tutor group and, as a member of that group, participates in the Tutorial Programme as part of their programme of study. This programme aims to develop students’ ability to monitor and improve their own academic progress and to research and plan for moving on after College, and also to acquire a greater awareness of social, health and economic-related issues.
external examinations A2 and AS Level subjects are assessed in modules through examination and coursework. Students will take public examinations in the summer of each year. Therefore there is a focus on exam work from the start of their time at the College. AS and A2 Level units can be re-taken once, the following summer only, but the College will only pay for the examination/assessment entry fee for the first attempt. Resits AS qualifications are aggregated at the end of the course. Students should be aware that Universities are provided with details on all resits by the exam boards and therefore, it is preferable to do well on the first sitting. Students are advised to seek guidance on decisions relating to resits of AS units from specific subject staff or the relevant Heads of Section. Guidance will be available on results day and during enrolment in August/ September of each year and Heads of Sections/Personal Tutors will also advise.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Payment For examinations The College pays examination or course registration fees for all students who are under 19 at the beginning of their course. However, if overall attendance is below 95% covering the whole of the student’s course at the time of exam entry and/or registration, students will be charged for exams and/or course registration. This can amount to in excess of £130. Serious long term illness and hospital/medical appointments must be supported by a medical certificate. These absences will then be excluded from the calculation of 95%. Minor illness will count against attendance. Routine appointments at doctors, dentists, opticians or driving lessons should be made in the student’s own time; these absences will count against the 95%, as will holidays taken during College term time. We will aim to keep parents/guardians advised about their son/ daughter’s attendance if it is a cause for concern.
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The Curriculum
Careers Information The College has its own Careers Adviser and a well-resourced Careers Library, which is open for student use during the College working day. Advice and guidance take place in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Individual appointments to see a Career Adviser can be made at the Student Services Office. A tutor referral mechanism is also operated but many students self refer, using the service to meet their needs as appropriate. Students’ primary access to Careers education is through the Tutorial Programme. One-year students are carefully guided through the year, with all students undertaking a special programme with individual guidance interviews. All options after College are addressed including employment, returning to College and other FE options. For AS and A2 Level students there is a comprehensive programme, guiding students through the recruitment processes for Employment and Higher Education.
Inspection Arrangements The College is inspected regularly by Ofsted. The College produces a Self-Assessment Report annually, which is shared with the Corporation and relevant Government agencies. The last full Inspection Report was published in December 2010. Copies of this are available on request from the College or directly from the Ofsted website.
“The College’s most significant strength is the hard efforts of the teachers to encourage the pupils to obtain the best grades” Parent of Bexhill College Student
Telephone 01424 214545
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“Staff commitment is excellent, resulting in our daughter being able to ask for help when needed� Parent of a Bexhill College Student
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Pastoral Care In College
Pastoral care in college The College continues to maintain its strong commitment to the support and guidance of the individual student, primarily via the Personal Tutor with the support of the Head of Section and other senior staff. We wish to work closely with parents to ensure the success and wellbeing of our students. The College Counsellors meet with individual students by appointment. Appointments can be arranged through the Student Services office. Where necessary, or where it is in the best interests of the student, the College may also draw on the professional experience of external agencies. This would normally be in consultation with parents.
Communication with parents In a complex organisation it is very important that there should be good communication. Parents are kept informed of important information regarding their son/daughter and College events in a variety of ways. The Parents Newsletter is produced twice per year and will be published on the parent portal. To register/log onto the portal, parents need to go to the college website www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk click ‘information for parents’ and the registration/logon page will appear under ‘related information’. The newsletter along with the other information on the parent portal aims to keep parents up to date with key information regarding their son/daughter and to keep them informed generally about what is going on in the College. In addition to this the College may also send letters to update parents or to inform them of particular events or developments. Alongside the Parent Portal and the Newsletter, our website is also a source of information for parents. This features current press releases, the College calendar, events, the newsletter, the prospectus, departmental and subject profiles, careers and examination information and partner school information.
e Telephone 01424 214545
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Use of Non-Contact Time All students in the College will find that, within the overall College timetable arrangements, they have a certain number of blocks free each week when they are not timetabled for classes. These “non-contact periods� offer them a chance to organise their own work and to study in College. The College provides a number of areas for private study. The College Learning Resources Centre is a main area for supervised quiet study. Practical subjects also provide areas for students to continue with their own work or to practice outside lesson times. Students should be studying for 15-20 hours per week outside of lessons either at home or in College.
Part-Time Work We recognise that many students have part-time jobs and may gain personal and financial benefit from them. However, we strongly recommend that students should not take on more than 10-12 hours part-time work per week during term time periods. Research shows that any more than this can affect final grades.
Trips and Visits A range of educational and recreational visits is offered for which your consent is always required. The College will keep costs to a minimum. Parental permission is sought before any trip or visit, regardless of the age of the student, and students are expected to make up any missed work.
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Pastoral Care In College
Absence /Attendance The College expects 100% attendance. All students are expected to attend all lessons and tutorial on time irrespective of when they have non-contact periods. Absence from College, when known in advance, should be notified to the Personal Tutor. If students are absent we ask the student or their parent to telephone, email or text the College before 10.00am. The College is a full time establishment and students are required to attend all timetabled lessons. Absence must always be explained. Prolonged absence or unexplained absence will involve contact with parents and can result in discontinuation of a student’s programme of study. If students leave the premises during lesson times and will miss lessons as a result, they must sign out at Reception. Absences will be checked regularly and students who fail to attend classes or tutorial either through absence from College or lateness to College can expect their parents to be contacted. Further infringements may lead to formal disciplinary procedures being implemented.
late policy The College operates a ‘late policy’. Students are marked late if they arrive after the designated start time of the lesson. A ‘late mark’ impacts on their attendance percentage. Students are not allowed into lessons if they are over 5 minutes late as this disrupts the learning of other students. The main exception to this is public transport, and in these circumstances, a late slip is issued in reception for access into class.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Absence Marking Absences will affect the percentage attendance as outlined below: Accepted absences are those which the college approves. Many are foreseeable in advance and students should seek approval. They include: • Non-routine medical appointment which cannot be arranged outside College hours. • Occasional care for a person if student has definite caring responsibilities. • Visit to University to attend an open day/interview, a career related interview, audition or induction. • Unwaged work experience placement relative to their course. • Occasional extra-curricular activity giving significant personal achievement, including field trips and visits related to areas of study, sports fixtures and expeditions. • Attendance at a funeral (Maximum 2 days for close family only). • Wedding of close family member (Maximum 2 days). • Severe disruption to transport. • A driving test. • A College students representatives’ meeting. • Study Leave. These absences will not count against attendance for bursaries or exam entries. They are marked as authorised absence, but must be supported by the completion of a Future Absence Form.
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Pastoral Care In College
Unauthorised absences are absences which the college will not usually approve. These include: • Holidays. • Part or Full-time work which is not part of the student’s programme of study. • Leisure activities. • Birthdays or similar celebrations. • Babysitting younger siblings. • Shopping. • Driving lessons. These absences will count against attendance for bursaries or exam entries. These are unauthorised absence.
Illness The College policy of 95% attendance for exam entries allows for isolated periods of genuine absence. Attendance below 95% will result in students being charged for exam entries. Bursaries, which are paid by the College, are not paid to students who are absent due to illness.
Telephone 01424 214545
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College Bursary The College has a limited amount of money provided by the Government to award for bursaries. Students can apply if their family income is below ÂŁ25,000 and appropriate evidence, as detailed in the bursary information guidelines, can be provided. The bursary application is assessed by the College and awarded if the criteria is met and there are adequate funds available. Entitlement to make the application is not a guarantee of funding; our allocated funds are limited, so support will be awarded to students who demonstrate greatest need. The discretionary funds will provide some help to students with financial difficulties who incur expenses related to their academic courses; for example, an essential educational trip/visit or buying specialist materials/equipment. A student hardship fund is available in emergencies only; requests, which are treated with sensitivity, should normally be made directly to Student Services. Our information booklet on eligibility and guidelines for completing a Bursary Fund Application is available on our website or from the Student Services Office.
holidays During Term Time Sixth Form students’ programmes are demanding and the time available to prepare for examinations and assessments is relatively short (around 30 weeks). Students should not take holidays during term time. If students require leave of absence during term time this request must be supported by parents. It will also involve consultation with the Head of Section and the completion of a Holiday Request Form. It should be noted that all Year 1 students will be expected to return to College in mid June after their examinations and that around 12% of the teaching for A2 Level courses will be scheduled for the mid-June to July period. It will be a condition of progression into Year 2 that the students attend these lessons and satisfactorily complete the work.
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Pastoral Care In College
Returning To College Students joining the College for a one-year course are entitled to re-apply to College to study an advanced programme. Applications are dealt with by the Admissions team during the Spring Term and decisions are, whenever possible, made post-results. Academic achievements, potential and interest, together with a proven level of commitment to study, will be assessed when Heads of Section make decisions. Students who have completed their A Level programme and wish to return to College to repeat an A Level, possibly in combination with some new courses, can apply to do so. A place, however, is not guaranteed and will depend on a student’s previous attitude to study and availability of courses. The application procedure normally takes place in late August / early September. The programme usually lasts for one further year of study. Application forms are required.
“The College’s most significant strength is the way they treated my daughter as an adult but still involving me as a parent”. Parent of a Bexhill College Student
Telephone 01424 214545
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What We expect of Students As well as appreciating student rights and opportunities, it is important that students have a clear understanding of our requirements which will enable them to make a success of their time with us. We therefore expect that all students will: • Accept responsibility for their own learning and academic progress with the support of their Personal Tutor, Head of Section and Subject Tutors. • Complete all set work to their best ability and by the required date, as well as giving appropriate time to background study, wider research and examination revision. • Attend punctually all designated activities. • Explain any absences. • Maintain an acceptable, courteous standard of behaviour at College and while engaged in activities associated with the College. • Ensure that their behaviour and attitude never have a detrimental effect on the academic progress of other students. • Follow the College Equality Policy with regard to all students, members of staff and College visitors. • Abide by the College policies including those on Health and Safety, Illegal Substances, Smoking and Consumption of Alcohol and never knowingly endanger the health and physical well-being of others. • Respect and thus help to maintain the condition of the College building, property and general environment. • Abide by any code of conduct issued during a College trip or visit. • Follow any instructions and guidelines issued by the College and its staff. Students should accept as necessary any appropriate actions taken by the College if the above conditions are not fulfilled. Such action will obviously depend on the nature of the transgression and is likely to involve discussion with parents/guardians. A severe breach of discipline may result in students being excluded from College for a given period or being permanently required to leave the College.
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Pastoral Care In College
Illegal Substances No one is allowed to consume or possess illegal substances on College premises, or at any stage during the College timetabled day or at College events whether on or off site. Any student found using or dealing in illegal substances will be suspended pending an investigation, as a result of which the student may be asked to leave the College. The police will be informed according to our legal obligations.
Smoking/use of e-cigarettes Students are strongly advised not to smoke as it is very harmful to health. In the interests of hygiene and the health of all, for those who make the choice to smoke, smoking and use of e-cigarettes is only permitted in two clearly defined external areas of the College. Smoking and use of e-cigarettes is not otherwise permitted within College buildings or any other part of the College site.
exclusion The College is committed to the provision of first class learning opportunities for all students. It may be necessary, in a very limited number of cases, to exclude a student from the College as part of the College disciplinary procedure. This would normally follow discussion with student and parents, but the College will act in the best interests of all students and staff at the College.
Telephone 01424 214545
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“The College’s most significant strength is the atmosphere it has. Students feel independent yet there is a strong support network” Parent of Bexhill College Student
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GENERAL INFORMATION
College environment Students attending the College have the benefit of first class specialist sixth form environment and facilities that are appreciably better than in most other schools or colleges. In the interests of the whole College community, we request and expect students to maintain high standards of care for the physical environment at all times. In particular we ask students to observe restrictions regarding consumption of food and drink outside of designated areas and that students do not bring chewing gum to College. College students have set high standards of care for their environment in the past. In instances where students do not take due care of the College environment, it is College policy that individual students and their parents will be asked to pay for any repairs or corrective action necessary.
Insurance Students are covered for accidental injury whilst at College or on a College sponsored activity. Further cover is automatically taken when a trip is organised. Details of cover are available on request. Students and parents are advised to ensure they have personal insurance arrangements for bikes and other personal property.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Transport The College works with ESCC and with a series of local public transport providers to obtain concessionary transport rates for students attending the College. If your son/ daughter will be travelling to College using buses and intends to purchase the subsidised weekly Freedom ticket (ÂŁ14.50 per week at the time of going to print), he/she will need an East Sussex County Council Bus Identification card. After the re-interview appointment the student should call in to the Student Services Office, with a passport sized photograph of him/herself, and ask to be issued with an ESCC Bus ID in readiness for the induction day in September 2014.
Transport On Re-interview Days - Thursday 21st / Friday 22nd / Tuesday 26th August 2014 We recognise that students may have some difficulty with transport to College for re-interview as the normal College services do not run outside term time. To assist with travel arrangements, where possible students from the same schools are invited for interview at approximately the same time so that car transport may be shared.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Bus Service: In addition, the following public bus services should connect to the College (timetables may be subject to change): 95
Starts at Conquest Hospital 7.36am - Harrow Lane, The Ridge West, Telham (Black Horse), Battle, Claverham, Catsfield, Ninfield, Sidley - Arrives at Bexhill College 8.48am
360
Starts at Etchingham, Rail Station 7.47am - Hurst Green, Northbridge Street, Robertsbridge, John’s Cross, Cripps Corner, Sedlescombe, St. Leonards, Silverhill, The Green - Arrives at Bexhill College 8.48am
361
Starts at Peasmarsh, Main Street 7.40am - Beckley, Clayhill, Northiam, Broad Oak, Brede, Westfield, The Ridge West, Hollington, St. Leonards - Arrives at Bexhill College 8.48am.
70
Lydd/Camber Bus 100 to Rye Rail Station 70 which starts at 7.40am - Winchelsea, Icklesham, Guestling, Ore, Hastings Old Town, St Leonards, Bulverhythe (Bo-Peep), Glyne Gap - Arrives at Bexhill College 8.40am
99
Hastings to Eastbourne via Bexhill, alight at De La Warr Road and walk up Penland Road.
98
Hastings to Eastbourne via Bexhill College - Leaves Hastings Train Station at 7.21am, arrives at Bexhill College at 7.56am
349
From Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Bodiam will connect with the 99.
100
From Dover to Hastings to connect with the 99.
Rail Service: From Etchingham, Robertsbridge, Crowhurst to St. Leonards Warrior Square (change here for Bexhill) then 98 bus. From Eastbourne, Hampden Park, Pevensey and West Ham and Cooden Beach, travel to Bexhill train station, then 98 bus or a 15 minute walk.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Reception The reception of the College is located on the ground floor and is generally staffed from 8.30am to 5.00pm. Enquiries can be directed to reception in person or by telephone, using the main College number 01424 214545.
opening hours The College buildings are normally open for student access and usage of general facilities from 8.15am until 4.45pm during term time periods. Specialist facilities such as laboratories and ICT rooms will only be available outside lesson times by clear arrangement with staff for health and safety reasons. If students need to use College facilities outside ‘normal hours’, advance arrangements can be made with staff. During holiday periods, students may be able to access College buildings and use facilities for at least part of the time. Information will be given to students in advance of each of the holiday periods.
Student Council The Student Board provides an opportunity for every student to become involved in issues that affect them. The Student Board is a representative body with a member from every tutor group. A small group of students form the Senior Students. The period of office lasts one year. The Senior Students are responsible for organising activities for the students, which includes numerous charity events and social activities.
Catering In College Food and drink are available from the Refectory on the ground floor. Food should only be consumed in the Refectory or outside on the picnic benches. Meals and snacks are of good quality and are good value for money when compared to other local options. Vending machines for snacks and drinks are also available throughout the day. The College is committed to promoting healthy eating.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Contacting Students In an emergency, students may be contacted via the College switchboard 01424 214545. It should be stressed that this provision is made for emergency use only and whilst every effort will be made to contact the student as speedily as possible we cannot guarantee to be able to relay a message.
lockers Lockers are available at College for the storage of inexpensive personal property. A charge of ÂŁ5 including a returnable key deposit of ÂŁ2 is required. Lockers are of light construction and students are advised not to leave expensive items in them. Students should not leave any items of significant value in lockers and should always ensure that any such items are properly insured.
Security If students do need to bring items of particular value into College they are advised to ask staff to help them arrange safekeeping. Bicycles should be secured with a D lock. Entrances to the college are limited. Visitors go through a signing in procedure.
First Aid The College has a number of members of staff who are qualified First Aiders. Students who are feeling unwell may seek assistance from any member of staff or from reception. A member of staff with first aid qualifications and experience will be called to attend to them if necessary. Students leaving the College because of illness should inform relevant staff and sign out in Reception.
Telephone 01424 214545
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Safety Procedures The College has a full set of safety rules and procedures. Students are instructed to follow these rules and in an emergency to follow the instructions of members of staff. The College Health and Safety policy is issued to all members of staff and is also available to students and parents if requested. In the event of a fire or any other emergency, an alarm will sound and everyone will be asked to leave the building immediately using the nearest exit. Fire practices take place at least once a term.
Parking For Parents The College is part of a Green Travel Plan and therefore parking is very limited. There will be limited parking available for any parents at Parents’ Evenings or Open Evenings. If parents or visitors have mobility difficulties they should contact the College in advance and special arrangements will be made. If students are being dropped off or collected from College at any time drivers are asked to pull into the bus lay-by or drive into the car park. Parking elsewhere presents a danger to pedestrians and vehicles. The police and traffic wardens are often on duty outside the College.
Parking For Students The College has limited parking facilities. There are 70 student parking spaces on site. Students need a permit to be able to park on site and should apply via reception. A designated number are issued each year. Motorbikes can be parked in the designated area within the College site and must be registered at reception. Cars that are parked on-site without permission will be subject to a fine payment.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
employers & The local Community The College seeks to make a positive contribution in partnership with the surrounding community, particularly: partner schools, residents, local elected councils, local employers, agencies and service providers, local media, local charitable and community organisations. The College intends to encourage students to make a contribution to their community, for example through community service, supporting local charities or experiences of work. Participation by employers and local agencies is encouraged to help further our partnership. This may take place through subject activities, the Tutorial Programme, College activities such as the Careers Academy, or as part of our Careers education and guidance.
Data Protection Act Under current legislation (Data Protection Act 1998), parents/guardians of students have a right of access to personal information stored by the College. Parents/guardians may request a copy of all the personal information held on their son/daughter by contacting the College Data Protection Officer. In line with the Act, the College Data Protection Officer will arrange for the information to be collected, duplicated and delivered to the parent/ guardian within 40 days. The College will charge a fee, as specified by the Act, of between ÂŁ20 and ÂŁ48, depending on the quantity of information produced.
Telephone 01424 214545
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student
timetable
F1 F2
G1 G2
L F2
L G2
F1 L
G1 L
F1 F2
G1 G2
A
D
to 12.15pm
12.15 to 12.55pm
12.55 to 1.35pm
1.35 to 2.15pm
2.15 to 3.20pm
3.20 to 3.30pm
3.30 to 4.30pm
A
D
D BREAK
11.25
F
E
F
D
tutoR 2 / lunch
C1 C2
E1 E2
tutoR 1 / lunch
L C2
L E2
C1 L
E1 L
C1 C2
E1 E2
B
G
A 1.00-2.05 BREAK 2.05-2.10
A
2.10-3.15
EnRichmEnt/onE to onE 3.15-4.15
BREAK
B
E
Thursday
BREAK
C
to 11.25am
BREAK
10.20
to 10.20am
BREAK
BREAK
B
BREAK
10.05
C
Wednesday
BREAK
9.00
to 10.05am
Tuesday
BREAK
MoNDAY
B
G
explanatory notes Lunch is divided into two sittings. Students are either in '1' or '2'. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................ ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................................
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How To Find Us Main College Site Bexhill College, Penland Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2JG Free Parking. 2 minutes drive from Ravenside W
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Bexhill Bexhil Rail Station
DORSET ROAD
DE LA W WARR ROAD
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SCAN THE QR CODE FOR GOOGLE MAPS
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Designed and Produced by The Detective Agency Ltd. www.detective.co.uk
Penland Road . Bexhill on Sea . East Sussex . TN40 2JG Telephone. 01424 214545 Fax. 01424 215050 Email. enquiries@bexhillcollege.ac.uk
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Principal: Karen Hucker Important Notice: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information included in this handbook is accurate at the time of printing. It is particularly important to note that there may be changes to the information and that the College reserves the right to make the amendments as required. Up-to-date information will be published as available on the College website.
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