COLLEGE CONNECT SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S FUTURE SUCCESS
College Connect Issue 2 Bolton College - Part of the University of Bolton Group
Celebrating Bolton College’s Class of. . . Supporting our young people to achieve their goals has always been at the heart of what we do, and the pandemic hasn’t stopped this. Throughout, our students have continued to impress - we’ve seen: • Triple Distinction results • More students progressing to university • Many learners stepping straight into full-time employment As our young people return to College and face-to-face
teaching, we’ll continue to support and encourage them, wherever their ambitions lie. You can read more about these achievements in our Class of 2020 feature, on pages 4-7. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to welcoming your young person to College later in the year, where we’ll support them as they carve out their own path to future success!
Part of the University of Bolton Group
CONTENTS 3... 4...
Hairdressers reach finals Apprentices wow in national competition. Bolton College’s Class of 2020 & T Levels Snapshot of students who’ve progressed to uni or full-time employment plus our new Gold-Standard qualification.
8... Inspiring and Engaging Our Future Workforce Xello, and how it prepares young people for success.
10... Pre-Professionals
Programme Industry Placements, adding another dimension to study.
College Connect Issue 3 March 2020
12... College Life & Learning
Development Mentors The College Charter, Student Support & Staying Safe, plus info on Learning Development Mentors.
14...
English & Maths Its importance and our Catch Up Innovations.
15...
Falling at the first hurdle The importance of being in class on time.
20... Meet our apprentices
Our young people discuss their Apprenticeships.
22... Adam Corbally
The BBC’s star of The Apprentice talks Apprenticeships.
24... Young People’s Virtual Open Event Access over 40 videos.
26... Contact details
Ensure they’re up to date!
16...
Wellbeing Matters The NHS’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing.
18...
Help & Support with Finance What support is available.
Welcome from the Principal Spring’s a season of new beginnings and as it approaches, it’s also a season of new beginnings for your son or daughter. Very soon, they’ll leave school and join us for the next step of their educational journey. We look forward to welcoming them to College, where we will support them as they decide where their future lies, be that university or an exciting career. When they do join us, they’ll be in very safe hands; despite the restrictions of the pandemic, our students have continued to excel and succeed, with more learners then ever progressing to university or straight into high-level careers. We’ve focused the spotlight on just a few in our Class of 2020 feature, on pages 4-7. As the restrictions of the pandemic gradually begin to lift, life at College is beginning to return to some semblance of normality, although with the strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations – the health and wellbeing of our students, and your son or daughter, is as always paramount. Within this issue, you’ll also find information on Xello, our new Careers & Employability platform; how Industry Placements are giving our students essential skills for life and work; our Virtual Open Event – if you’ve not watched our videos yet, please do; and so much more! Happy reading! All the best, Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College.
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Hairdressing apprentices reach finals of national competition! Bolton College hairdressing apprentices Caitlin Hesketh and Ella Harper have reached the finals of a prestigious national competition. Caitlin and Ella wowed judges in the heats of Concept Hair Magazine’s Learner of the Year 2021 competition. Now, they face stiff competition from creative talents up and down the country for a chance to scoop the top spot. For the finals, Caitlin and Ella will complete a red carpet look. Follow us on social media for an update in April.
Caitlin and her winning style for Round 1
Ella and her winning style for Round 1
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s ’ e g e l l o C n o t l Bo Class of Our young people are again enjoying success, with many from our Class of 2020 progressing to university or full-time employment. Here’s a snapshot of just a few: Early Years, Childcare & Education Berivane Wallace used her qualification in Early Years to achieve her dreams of becoming a Primary School Teacher; she’s currently at Edge Hill University, studying for a PGCE.
Shannon Ashton and Charlotte Bowker have used their qualifications as a springboard to careers in the caring sector. Shannon’s now at the University of Worcester studying for a degree in Healthcare, whilst Charlotte’s at Liverpool Hope University, working towards an Early Childhood & Special Educational Needs degree.
The Sciences Science whizzes Hajira Khalid and Atimizia Afonso have taken it to the next level – both are at university, studying Pharmaceuticals and Physiotherapy.
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Professional Building (Design, Surveying & Planning) With a qualification in Professional Building, you can build your future! Thomas Stubbs is now Two studying Construction Project Management Distin ction at the University of Salford. He said: ‘It’s Stars! brilliant, I’m loving it!’
Our Professional Building qualifications open up a choice of careers – after leaving College, Josh King moved on to the University of Salford, where he’s studying Interior Architecture. Once qualified, he could earn up to £90,000 per year!
Computing, Digital & IT Thomas Khameeree’s dreams of becoming a Games Designer are turning into a reality - using his qualification in Computing, Digital & IT, he’s now studying Games Design and he’s even set up his very own online gaming channel, which also produces merchandise; it’s been a huge success!
Health & Social Care Elle Scott really enjoyed the psychology elements of her Health & Social Care course, so when she achieved the grades for university, there was only one choice: a Psychology & Criminology degree at the University of Bolton.
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Three Distin ction Stars!
ARED APPE C’S B ON B ST H WE T R O N HT TONIG
e Thre tion inc Dist ars! St
Aidan McGovern went straight into employment after completing his Health & Social Care course – he’s now working full time as a Support Worker for adults with learning disabilities. He said: ‘I wouldn’t have achieved my goal without the help of the wonderful staff at College.’
Engineering Jignesh Versani’s living life in the fast lane, thanks to his Engineering qualification 13 of our from Bolton College – he’s now at engineerin g the University of Central Lancashire, students a c h ie ved studying Motorsports Engineering. triple Dist inction stars!
James Snelson loved his time at Bolton College so he decided he wanted his Higher Education experience to be right here - he’s now studying for a HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Three Distin ction Stars!
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From this September, we’ll be offering Gold Standard T Levels and Skills to a T programmes in the curriculum areas below, so if your son or daughter has already applied for a course in one of these sectors, they may want to consider T Levels instead. Equivalent to THREE A Levels, T Levels are accepted by universities, and because a sector-specific Industry Placement accounts for 20% of the course, they also open the door to employment and a high-level, well-paid career! Staring this September, choose from: • Construction Design, Surveying & Planning • Onsite Construction • Digital Production, Design & Development • Education & Childcare • Healthcare • Healthcare Science Starting from September 2022: • Engineering & Manufacturing • Management, Business Administration & Human Resources • Legal, Finance & Accounting
To learn more, visit www.boltoncollege.ac.uk/t-levels
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Inspiring and Engaging our Future Workforce! Just four months after its launch, we’re proud to say that we’ve made the Top 10 Schools & College’s for Xello usage, our Careers and Employability platform.
What is Xello? Xello’s an engaging online programme that will prepare your young person for success! Regardless of their chosen pathway, Xello will support them as they make plans for the future, helping them to achieve success in: • Academics • Their future career • Life!
Watch a demo:
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Powered by
How How will will Xello Xello benefit benefit my my son son or or daughter? daughter? Using Xello, your young person will be able to do the following:
• Complete interactive career, personality and learning style assessments to help better
understand their unique interests, skills and strengths – this has massively helped our current learners connect who they are, with relevant career options. • Explore hundreds of career, college and university options that match their
assessment results. • Personalise their Xello experience by creating a
shareable, online portfolio showcasing their interests, skills and abilities. As your son or daughter gains new experiences, their profile will easily update to reflect who they are, every single step of the way. • Build essential skills and knowledge that can
help your son or daughter succeed in the real world, thanks to integrated employability lessons. These lessons are personalised and based on the level of your young person, giving them the chance to reflect, reassess and build skills, ensuring smooth transitions between critical life stages. Your son or daughter’s dedicated Learning Development Mentor will help them get acquainted with Xello during their weekly tutorial sessions.
Click he
re to learn more about t his innovat ive platform !
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Powered by
Pre-Professionals Programme: Industry Placements
Our Pre-Professionals Programme will help your son or daughter improve their employability via a sector-specific Industry Placement, accounting for 20% of their course. So in addition to a dedicated Learning Development Mentor and Careers Coach, your young person will pick up skills on the job, from experienced professionals. College Connect page 10
Our students have excelled thanks to their Industry Placements, with many securing full-time permanent positions after wowing their employers. They also add another dimension to their study - if your son or daughter does decide to progress to university, an Industry Placement will look great on their CV, demonstrating that they’re an experienced and dedicated individual.
THREE DISTIN CTION STARS
Daniel Hayes Engineering Level 3 Industry Placement at Howorth Air Tech
Alex Watson Sports Level 3 Industry Placement at Royal Bolton Hospital
Emplo yee of the mont h
‘My Industry Placement led to great things – not only did I pick up the professional and technical skills to get to university, I was also named ‘Employee of the Month’. I’m now at The University of Bolton studying Physiotherapy’.
‘The manager on my Industry Placement was really impressed with me, so much so that as soon as I finished my course, I was offered an Apprenticeship!’
e f i L e g e Coll Meeting your expectations...
College Charter
Our College Charter tells you what your son or daughter can expect from us now that they’ve been offered a place. This includes honest and impartial advice to help them make the right decisions throughout their life at College. We also commit to: • An induction clearly explaining their rights and responsibilities as a member of Bolton College • Discussing any additional support required, after their initial assessment • Providing a high-quality learning programme delivered by well-qualified staff • Regular progress meetings • Opportunities to express their views about their course and the College • Promptly returned assignments with written feedback to help their studies • Enrichment activities outside of the classroom • Support accessing confidential counselling and welfare services if required
Student Support We want your son or daughter to get the most out of their course and have the best chance of being successful, so our support includes: • Special and individual needs assessments • Technical equipment support • Communicator support or help with English if it’s your young person’s second language • Dyslexia support • English and maths support, and help with study skills at our drop-in centre, TheHub@1:35C • Exam support, such as extra time or a reader If your son or daughter has a learning difficulty or disability, but didn’t indicate this on their application form, please contact our Admissions Team on 01204 482 155 to discuss their support needs. You can contact our Learner Support Team on 01204 482 669 or 482 670.
Staying Safe Bolton is a safe place to study, live and work. However, it’s important that your son or daughter takes a few simple precautions at home and whilst travelling, to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. We work closely with Greater Manchester Police to advise and protect our learners and we have strong links with specialist organisations across Bolton, that can help our learners with a range of issues outside of their studies. These include: •
Information and support for young people affected by alcohol and/or drugs misuse
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Helping learners to access health services
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Supporting people with mental health issues
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Helping with homelessness and related issues
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Providing a listening ear to anyone who would like to discuss LGBTQ+ related issues
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Learning
Development
Mentors Our Learning Development Mentors (LDMs) are responsible for ensuring that your son or daughter gets the maximum benefit from their time with us. Their LDM will be their critical friend and support and guide them along their journey through College.
Each week your young person will meet with their LDM, along with other learners in their group, to discuss a topic to do with their course or of interest in the media. Each term your son or daughter will have one-to-one time with their LDM to discuss and record their progress on the course, celebrate their latest successes and talk about areas where they can improve and develop. Your son or daughter’s LDM may contact you if they feel there are issues they need to discuss with you. Please make sure that your contact details are kept up to date.
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and Catch Up Innovations The government are supporting colleges to help learners catch up where learning may have been lost due to lockdowns, isolation or sickness, and we’re grabbing this opportunity with both hands... English and maths are essential for your young person’s progression onto higher level courses and/or employment - almost all universities and jobs expect good levels of English and maths, with many requiring a GCSE grade 4 or above. So, your son or daughter will complete an initial English and maths assessment before they enrol; the assessment helps us identify which topics your young person may need to work on. We have numerous pathways to help your son or daughter develop these skills. We’ll look at their existing English and maths qualifications and if they don’t already have a Grade 4 in English and/or maths, we will allocate them to the most appropriate English and/or maths classes as part of their study programme. Then, owing to learning lost due to the pandemic, there will be additional sessions in vocational classes. The English and maths team - understanding that these are the skills employers will demand - are also launching a series of novel, creative sessions where learners can develop skills whilst having fun! They’re also inviting learners to come forward with ideas of how they would like to learn....watch this space!
If your young person has already achieved a grade 4 in English and/or maths, we have options to stretch and challenge them beyond GCSE. We currently offer a limited number of places on a Level 3 core maths qualification, helping learners to develop and apply maths skills in everyday life.
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first hurdle!
Why it’s so important to be in class on time... We all know the importance of being on time for work and appointments, and helping our young people get into good habits is part of the life skills we teach…but there’s a much more important reason not to be late to class.
The opening ten minutes of the class is crucial to effective learning for the rest of the session. In the ‘opening phase’, the teacher consolidates the learning from the last class, links it to what will be taught in the session ahead and sets out what key elements of learning will be covered. It provides a road map for learning…without it, the late learner is like a ship without a rudder for the rest of the class. So the next time your son or daughter presses the snooze button, it would be great if you could go in there, switch the light on and remind them about the early bird…
Attendance and Reporting an Absence We appreciate your support in promoting the importance of good College attendance to your child. If your child is going to be absent from College, please report this as early as possible by calling: 01204 482 999. The line is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.
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As well as providing an excellent learning experience, we aim to support your son or daughter to develop the understanding, skills and behaviours to lead fulfilling, worthwhile and happy lives. Good wellbeing underpins successful learning and supports progress to further learning and employment, so our whole College approach aims to provide the best possible experience for your son or daughter. Your young person will be provided with opportunities throughout their learning journey to reflect on and enhance their wellbeing. In addition to their learning programmes we provide a menu of activity and support based on the NHS 5 Steps to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active; Keep Learning; Give to Others and Be Mindful. You can find
out more about the 5 Steps to Wellbeing by visiting: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
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in Encouraging your son or daughter to engage their out-of-class activities and clubs to support wellbeing.
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Our curriculum promotes positive health and wellbeing, providing your son or daughter with sources of online support for mental health and wellbeing.
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Opportunities for your young person to engage in social action projects.
Mentors, personal tutors, support workers, the mental health team and others, work with groups and individual learners to support mental health and promote wellbeing.
We have an excellent counselling service if your young person needs more professional support during their time with us. We also work with many partners in the local area, if we need to direct your son or daughter to support outside the College.
To find out more follow the link to our Wellbeing for Learning and Life Strategy: www.boltoncollege.ac.uk/assets/Uploads/Wellbeing-forLearning-and-Life-Strategy.pdf College Connect page 17
Help & Support with Finances £ We offer financial support with College essentials such as travel, meals, equipment and childcare.
rs Eligible* learne ge attending Colle three days per week could
Save up to
Our Pass – the door to Greater Manchester and all that it has to offer. Our students each receive an Our Pass, which enables them to travel around Greater Manchester, anytime, free of charge! To find out more visit: www.ourpass.co.uk help@ourpass.co.uk 0300 323 0777
FREE College Meals * are available if your child or your
family is in receipt of any of the benefits listed below, and has an annual gross income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC. • • • • • •
Income Support Income based Jobseekers Allowance Income based Employment & Support Allowance Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit
*Learners must meet eligibility criteria and apply for financial support once they are enrolled. This information is based on our 20/21 offer and is subject to change according to Government regulations and funding for 21/22.
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Support through Bursaries £
A Discretionary Bursary* is available for eligible learners to help towards costs such as travel, equipment and meals whilst at College. Your child may qualify if your family’s income is £22,000 or less a year and they travel more than two kilometres from home to College (Google Maps is used to determine distance). Learners entitled to a Discretionary Bursary also receive a free ‘Meal Deal’ on the days they are studying in College.
Care to Learn* is a Government scheme which will cover 100% (up to £160 per week) of childcare costs for learners who need to arrange care for their own children whilst they study. You can find out more information by visiting: www.gov.uk/care-to-learn/overview
If you think your child is eligible for financial support whilst at College please encourage them to apply as soon as they have enrolled at the College. For pupils finishing school this year, our Financial Support Application Forms will be available from June but they can’t be returned until enrolment has been completed on or after GCSE results day. More information on Financial Support is available from our Student Finance Team. You can contact them on 01204 482 199 or via studentfinance@boltoncc.ac.uk College Connect page 19
! s e c i t n e r p ur ap
o t e Me
We’ve put our apprentices on the spot and asked them the questions that YOU want to know the answers to.
Emilio is an award-winning plastering apprentice.
Hairdressing apprentice Caitlin was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Bolton Business Awards. College Connect page 20
Sporty Molly is making her mark as a personal trainer apprentice.
Apprentice Brooke is a natural when it comes to painting and decorating.
Naeem’s made a big impression as an IT apprentice at Bolton School.
Clarice and Katie love working with children at Eagley School House Nursery.
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Star of the BBC’s The Apprentice!
ADA
Adam Corbally, named the favourite ever candidate of the BBC’s The Apprentice, would normally be visiting your son or daughter’s school this month, giving them the chance to swap the classroom for the boardroom and learn more about Apprenticeships. Luckily Adam, a big friend of Bolton College, wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to connect with the next generation of young entrepreneurs, so here’s the next best thing - Adam’s engaging thoughts on Apprenticeships, as well as his recipe for success!
Check out Adam’s websites here: www.adamcorbally.co.uk www.enterprisedays.co.uk
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AM CORBALLY CLICK HERE
Check out the Funny Bits from The Apprentice Episode 11, where Adam was tasked with creating a new sweet.
CLICK HERE College Connect page 23
Watch Adam’s audition for The Apprentice – Adam reached the final three, narrowly missing out on the final.
CLICK HERE
Adam not only starred in The Apprentice, he also made a big impression on another BBC show, Total Wipeout!
Are you interested in learning about life at Bolton College? O Watch our Young People’s Virtual Open Event!
VER 11,00 0 VISIT ORS
Due to lockdown restrictions, we were unable to invite you or your son or daughter into College so instead, we’re bringing Bolton College to you! Get a real feel for the College by accessing over 40 videos at a time convenient to YOU. Enjoy a Whistle Stop Campus Tour; learn about the huge selection of Apprenticeships, Study Programmes and new T Level qualifications we offer; discover exciting careers and their earning potential; find out about our amazing enrichment programme, giving plenty of opportunities to enhance life outside the classroom; plus so much more!
To experience the event, simply
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click here
Click here to watch our Whistle Stop Campus Tour
Click here to watch our video, Celebrating our Students’ Success College Connect page 25
Are your contact details correct? Now, more than ever, it’s essential that your contact details are up to date. Important information regarding your son or daughter’s course and start date is communicated via email, post, and in some instances, by phone. If your details aren’t correct, then we have no way of reaching you, which means missing out on essential information regarding their College course and joining us in September. If your contact details, or your son or daughter’s, have changed since they applied, it’s really easy to let us know. Simply email admissions@ boltoncc.ac.uk
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