• • • Parents & Carers Newsletter • • • College Connect Issue 1
November 2023
Bolton College’s Job Shop is open for business!
Click to watch the video We recently welcomed guests to the official opening of our Job Shop, an exciting new talent hub connecting our students and apprentices to leading local and regional businesses. Read more on page 2. Part of the University of Bolton Group
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Students and leading companies and organisations joined us recently for the launch of our Job Shop.
Located in the College’s Student Experience Zone, the Job Shop gives our learners opportunities to connect with leading employers, whilst businesses in turn gain exclusive access to fresh talent.
Attendees included representatives from Bolton at Home, Bolton Council, Bolton NHS and the University of Bolton, as well as other organisations and businesses.
The Job Shop is open Monday to Friday, 9am-3.30pm.
‘The Job Shop formally recognises our commitment to equipping our learners with the skills and qualifications for successful careers, whilst being a key organisation for helping employers and businesses to fill vacancies.’ Mark Burgoyne Deputy Principal Bolton College
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‘Bolton College takes pride in the work they do with industry, including tailoring curriculum based on industry feedback, giving their students the best opportunity to prepare for employment.’ Ben Sudworth Manufacturing Engineering Manager MBDA (UK)
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New students enjoy warm welcome As always, our new students were given a warm welcome at Bolton College during their Induction Day and Freshers’ Fair. Here are a few snapshots…
INDUCTION INDUCTION DAY DAY && FRESHER’S FRESHER’S FAIR FAIR
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Subhan set for high-flying career! On completion of his engineering course, Subhan had achieved Distinctions in every single unit and was inundated with offers from SEVEN Higher Apprenticeship providers, including industry giants BT and Barclays.
Subhan eventually opted for a Software Graduate Apprenticeship at the renowned multinational aerospace company, BAE Systems, which is highly unusual for a college leaver; Graduate Apprenticeships are typically given to people with university degrees. However, Subhan gave such a good impression that they couldn’t help but offer him this incredible opportunity. Well done Subhan!
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Share this step-by-step guide to support your young person throughout our application and enrolment process.
Guide to Application & Enrolment
1. APPLY FOR YOUR COURSE You’ve decided what you would like to study so select ‘APPLY’ on the course information on our website. This will prompt you to set up a Learner Hub account. Remember your user name and password – you’ll need this if you need to log back in to see how your application is progressing. Once you’ve completed all the information press submit; you will then have the opportunity to select your interview date and time. If you forget to do this and admissions contact you to book your interview log into your Learner Hub account, accessible through the main website, and follow the instructions. If you have any difficulties, contact our admissions team on 01204 482 155 or email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk who will be able to book your interview for you.
2. ATTEND YOUR INTERVIEW AT DEANE ROAD CAMPUS
3. CONDITIONAL PLACE OFFER You may be offered a conditional place, dependent on getting the necessary GCSE grades and a good school reference. In the unlikely event you’re not offered a place don’t panic, you can still join us! We’ll put you in touch with our friendly Careers Team who will chat with you about options available to you, including an additional interview.
4. KEEPING IN TOUCH Throughout the year, we’ll keep you informed about any events or updates via text or email.
5. TIME TO ENROL! You’ve got your conditional place, now you’re ready to enrol! We’ll contact you with instructions, usually after Easter.
6. GSCE RESULTS We will receive a copy of your GCSE results from the Government website; provided you meet your course’s entry requirements, we’ll then confirm your place and send you details of your Induction Programme. If you haven’t got the results you were hoping for don’t worry, we’ll still have a course for you! Part of the University of Bolton Group
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Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after my young person has applied for a course? When your young person submitted their application they will have had an opportunity to select a date and time to attend an interview. If they missed this, we will have texted them asking them to book an interview; they can do this by logging onto their Learner Hub account and selecting and booking their interview, or they can call our admissions team on 01204 482 155 or email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk who will be able to help. How frequent are interviews? Interviews are held as part of the open evening events every month, which will allow you to see around the curriculum area and meet the tutors at the same time. My young person has a conditional offer, what’s this? This is a promise to provide a place on their chosen course, provided your young person achieves certain criteria such as particular GCSEs, a good reference or suitable work placement. The conditional offer is always confirmed in writing. When can my young person enrol? Enrolment starts after Easter which means it’s likely your young person will enrol before they get their grades; their offer will remain conditional until proof of their grades is uploaded in the summer. My young person hasn’t achieved the grades expected, what do we do? Don’t panic, we have courses at different levels! Tutors will be happy to discuss these options with your young person. We also offer impartial information, advice and guidance about options via our Student Experience Team; call them on 01204 482 182 or email studentservices@boltoncc.ac.uk to book a meeting with a Careers Guidance Specialist. We need to change our contact details, how do we do this? Your young person can change their email address and phone number by logging into their Learner Hub account via www.bit.ly/LearnerHub or they can email their name, date of birth and new contact details to admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk Any more questions? Call our Admissions Team on 01204 482 155 or email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk Part of the University of Bolton Group
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Supporting you with finance Worried about the cost of College? Contact our Student Experience Team on 01204 482 182 or email studentfinance@boltoncc.ac.uk
College Offers Bolton College offers a wide range of: • Free sports and recreational activities at lunchtimes and after College • Savings on food in our eateries • Discounted rates at The Academy, our hair & beauty salon, and our onsite Fitness Suite • Subsidised trips and visits.
Discretionary Bursary
If your household income is less than £30,000 per year, funding is available to support your young person with the cost of studying.
The Discretionary Bursary is awarded for help with the general costs of study – printing, stationery, etc. Additional travel payments may be made if your young person does not have an Our Pass travel card.
Student Support Allowance
This bursary can help learners with the costs of College if they: • Are in care or are a care-leaver • Receive Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment in their own right
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• Receive Income Support in their own right • Receive Universal Credit, paid in place of Income Support, in their own right.
Care to Learn
If your young person is a young parent, aged 19 or under, they may be eligible for financial assistance from the government’s Care to Learn scheme. The scheme provides help with the costs of having a child looked after at an Ofsted registered nursery or childminder whilst they study. Learn more at www.gov.uk/care-tolearn
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FREE College Meals To receive a free College meal, your young person must be in receipt of, or you must be in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits: • Income Support • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) • Support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit • Child Tax Credit, provided they/you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC • Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 per annum. Your young person is only eligible when they, or you as a responsible adult on their behalf, have made a successful application once enrolled. *For students who meet eligibility criteria. These details refer to the support available in 2023-2024. Visit www.boltoncollege.ac.uk/ financial-support Part of the University of Bolton Group
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Our promises
to you
It’s important to us that we deliver high-quality education that meets the needs of your young person, as well as you as a parent/carer, so here are our promises to you: • Regular progress reviews • At least one Parents’ Evening each year • To be contacted by tutors if there are any issues relating to your young person’s progress which are causing concern • The opportunity to provide feedback on the College both informally and by participating in the annual parental survey at Parents’ Evenings • To be asked to encourage appropriate conduct and hard work at all times.
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During their course, your young person can expect: • A high-quality learning programme • Regular meetings to discuss progress • Opportunities to express views about their course and College • Written work and assignments to be returned promptly, with written feedback • Opportunities to take part in enrichment activities • Access to confidential counselling and welfare services • Help with careers information, advice and/or guidance.
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What we ask
of you You play a huge role in the success of your young person at College so we ask that, as a parent/carer, you:
• Lastly, check in with your young person to ensure that they’re happy here and are making the most of college life.
• Attend parents’ evenings so that we can keep you updated on the progress of your young person.
We ask that your young person:
• Keep track of your young person’s progress in College via your Parent Portal account – learn more on the next page. • If a work or industry placement is part of your young person’s study programme, ask them to think about where they’d like this to be, that way they’re prepared when they join us – read more on page 14. • Encourage your young person to think about plans for the future; what’s next after College - university, employment, a higher Apprenticeship?
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• Makes the most of the opportunities available here. • Works hard to achieve their potential. • Comes prepared for learning. • Attends classes on time. • Shows respect to others.
Our College Charter details our promises to you in full. To read more click here 11.
Parent Portal
As a parent/carer of a young person attending Bolton College you’ll have access to our Parent Portal system, an interactive online service you can use to review your young person’s progress during their time at the College. Parent Portal contains information on: • Personal details •
Timetable
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Subject reviews and SMART targets
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Attendance and punctuality
Progress being made in all courses Upcoming assessments
Times and dates of meetings
Intended progression details.
If your young person joins us we’ll send you instructions on how to register when they start in September.
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Learning & Development Mentors (LDMs)
LDM Case Study If your young person joins us, they’ll be assigned their very own Learning & Development Mentor (LDM) who’ll support them throughout their time at College.
Weekly tutorials with their LDM will be part of your young person’s study programme, and their LDM will also be their key point of contact in College. They’ll also be yours too so if you have any issues or concerns, pick up the phone and they’ll be happy to help. Your young person’s LDM will also: • Help them to stay on track with their course • Encourage them to explore further study, career and university options • Ensure they’re prepared to succeed in the world of work
Ryan is one of the College’s Learning Development Mentors. He said: ‘My primary goal as an LDM is to break down any barriers to learning, ensuring that the learners I work with succeed, achieve and fulfil their potential. The strong working relationships we have with our learners also allows us to offer platforms of support to those that may need to access counselling, the mental health team, wellbeing or the student zone. I take pride in the fact that young people leaving Bolton College are not only prepared for the challenges of the real world but also equipped to become active and engaged citizens in society. Whether they choose to progress into employment or pursue higher education, our role ensures that they are well-prepared for the next exciting chapter in their lives.’
• Support their time at College so they’re successful and happy.
Check out our Whistle Stop Tour of Bolton College. Part of the University of Bolton Group
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Preparing for Work Experience at Bolton College It’s likely that your young person will undertake external work experience as part of their study programme. This will be for a minimum of 30 hours, depending on the course they’re studying, and needs to take place outside of their normal days in College.
Work experience is a great opportunity helping them to: • Develop their skills • Have a better understanding of the world of work • Find out more about the industry they want to work in.
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Plan during summer Encourage your young person to start thinking about what they’ll do for work experience when they join us. The Work Experience Team The team will support your young person’s work experience but please encourage them to have a placement in mind when they join us in September. Tell your young person to think about… WHAT THEY WANT TO DO This needs to be linked to their studies so they need to approach companies they know are in the business they want to be in. PEOPLE THEY KNOW Maybe you have family connections or friends that can put your young person in touch with a suitable placement. THEIR APPROACH This will be their first impression with any prospective work experience providers so remind them to be polite, keen and clear about what they’d like to do.
Work Experience will give your young person:
T Levels
• An understanding of the work environment and what employers expect of their workers
Work experience is different for T Levels; T Level Industry Placements last a minimum of 315 hours, whilst Industry Placements for our Education & Childcare T Level students is a minimum of 750 hours.
• An opportunity to explore possible career options • Increased self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence • Increased motivation to continue study and/or undertake further training • An introduction to workplace practices • Enhanced opportunities for part-time and casual employment • The opportunity to include the employer’s work experience evaluation in future job and course applications • Opportunities to develop work-related competencies and acquire skills • The chance to ‘try out’ a workplace.
For any questions about work experience please email: workexperience@boltoncc.ac.uk
T Level Industry Placements at Bolton NHS One of the big benefits of a T Level is an Industry Placement, spanning at least 315 hours (or 750 hours for Education & Childcare T Level students), giving our young professionals on-the-job experience in the sector they wish to work in. Our Health T Level students are currently making an impact at the Royal Bolton Hospital, with each assigned to a specific department, including Coronary Care; Day Case Surgery; Endoscopy; Elective Orthopaedics; Ear, Nose & Throat; Acute Paediatrics; and Community. Kim Fletcher, Apprentice Coordinator at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘These students are our future workforce and by giving them their first step into the workplace, they gain essential skills and knowledge for their future careers.’
Click to watch the video
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Masterclasses & real-life experience
We’re keen to bring your young person’s learning to life with real-life experiences and masterclasses from industry experts!
• Learners discovered their dream university and career pathways at our Higher Education Fair.
• Dionne, owner of aesthetics and micropigmentation salon The Dressing Up Box, gave our beauty learners a masterclass on the latest industry trends and cutting-edge techniques.
• Student volunteers supported Bolton Wanderers in the Community at the official launch of their Wellbeing Hub.
• Uniformed Public Services students were put through their paces with an army-style boot camp. • Early Years T Level students benefited from a masterclass with nursery manager Lynsey, an expert in childhood education and leadership excellence.
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Applying for university; writing a personal statement; sitting a job interview – in these situations, participation in our enrichment programme will prove that your young person is successful and well-rounded, with professional and technical skills outside of the classroom. Your young person will benefit from four types of enrichment:
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Our learners’ voices are heard through Departmental Learner Forums and College-wide Learner Voice Forums. These interactive meetings involve senior management, giving your young person the opportunity to represent their peers and discuss aspects of college life.
We’re the U pa so yo niversity o rt of ur yo f Bolt un o from g person n Group their will b enefi progr enrichm t ent amm e too !
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS The Bolton College Volunteering Group provides diverse volunteering opportunities. Our goal is to match your young person with a fitting project, allowing them to assist others, gain work experience, and build confidence and friendships.
DEPARTMENTAL ENRICHMENT • •
Specific to the curriculum your young person is studying, enhancing classroom learning Activities include inspiring trips, meetings with industry experts, and visits to leading companies.
CROSS-COLLEGE ENRICHMENT
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Mixing and making friends with students from other departments with activities and sports to improve health, wellbeing and fitness. These activities fall into five categories:
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A visit to Wella Studios in Manchester
A trip to the outdoor activity centre, The Anderton Centre
Baking and selling cakes for Macmillan
Transforming a children’s centre for Fortalice, charity supporting victims of domestic abuse
Volunteering at a College Open Event
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Amy achieved a Distinction for her Early Years T Level and is now studying to become a teacher at Edge Hill University. She’s the first in her family to go to uni and she opened her results live on BBC Radio Manchester!
Umar smashed it with a Distinction for his Design, Surveying & Planning T Level; he was soon offered Apprenticeships at PlanBEE and Bowmer + Kirkland.
August saw our students celebrating outstanding results, with many progressing straight into university or employment.
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Forensics student Michael Walker achieved THREE Distinction Stars. He’s now at UCLan and wants to become a fire investigator.
Olivia completed her Level 2 electrical course and was offered an Apprenticeship at WMB (Installations) Ltd, who are working on the £40 million new build at the Royal Bolton Hospital!
Chloe achieved a Merit on her Digital T Level and is now studying computing at Man Met University.
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College Life in Pictures
New uniforms for Uniformed Public Services students
It’s only three months into the College year but we’ve been busy! Here’s a taste of what we’ve been up to…
Early years students receive a visit from the College’s nursery children Wearing yellow to support World Mental Health Day
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A visit from Chris Green MP to discuss Gold Standard T Levels
A performance of ‘Bolton Dungeon’ for Halloween
Car part donations from the RRG Group for the College’s motor vehicle students
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Key Contacts
Admissions 01204 482 155 admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk Apprenticeships 01204 482 033 apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk Customer Support 01204 482 000 info@boltoncc.ac.uk 01204 482 669 Learner Support studentsupportadmins@boltoncc.ac.uk 01204 482 191 Student Finance studentfinance@boltoncc.ac.uk Student Experience Zone 01204 482 182 studentservices@boltoncc.ac.uk
Keep in touch with us on social media
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