student hbook by Bolton College

Student Handbook 2014-2015

School Partnership Programme for 14-16 Year Olds

Information for Learners, Parents, Carers and Teaching Staff

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Contents

“Hello and welcome” from the Principal

Welcome to Bolton College 3

College Calendar 4 Religious Festivals 5 Our Mission Statement 6 • Every Student Matters • Important Contacts

What We Will Provide For You

• Travelling to College • ID Cards • Youth Support Worker • Food and Refreshments

Key Policies & Procedures

• Equality and Diversity Policy • Bullying and Harassment Policy • Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy • Drugs and Alcohol Policy • Smoke Free Policy • Your Health and Safety Responsibilities • Fire and Emergency Procedures • Evacuation Procedures for Students with Disabilities and/or Learning Difficulties • False Alarms and Malicious Acts •Reporting Accidents and Injuries • Lifting and Carrying • Using Electrical Equipment • Specialist Areas • Working in Workshops • Personal Protective Equipment • Working with Chemicals

Student Code of Conduct

• Major Incidents/Gross Misconduct • Partnership Programme • Attendance • Monitoring and Reporting Procedures

Disciplinary Structure

Student, Parent/Carer College Contract

• What the College expects from Students • What the Students can expect from the College • What Parents/Carers can expect from the College

Statement by the Learner, Statement by the Parent/ Carer

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Welcome to Bolton College and congratulations on gaining a place on one of our many courses. We aim to provide students with a unique learning experience that they will hopefully enjoy and remember forever. A new and exciting development for 2014 is the addition of our STEM Centre - offering ‘Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths’ courses that will help learners to access career opportunities in this exciting sector of the economy. The STEM facility complements our purpose-built multi-million pound campus at Deane Road and further strengthens the Bolton Education Zone. Our professional teaching and support staff will encourage you to perform to the best of your ability, and our Student Services Team are on hand at all times to offer advice on courses, progression and career paths. The Learning Resource Centres offer free access to IT facilities, and for anyone who has additional needs of a sensory, physical or learning nature, our Student Support Teams will work with you while you follow your chosen programme of study. Each year we celebrate student success through high-profile activities, exhibitions, showcases, competitions and award presentations – all generating significant media interest and public recognition of your achievements. The Student Handbook is essential reading as it provides important information on College policies and guidelines. It sets out what we will expect from you and what you can expect from us, so please familiarise yourself with it and ask your Learning Development Mentor or tutor. We will be more than happy to assist you. The College is a large community that is proud of its diversity and we hope that you will find it an ideal environment to build new friendships and achieve your learning goals.

Marie Gilluley College Principal & Chief Executive Bolton College www.boltoncollege.ac.uk 3

College Calendar

Primary Religious Festivals 2014 - 2015

Here are our official term dates: Autumn Term Monday 8 September 2014 to Friday 19 December 2014 Half Term Monday 27 October 2014 to Friday 31 October 2014 (1 week)

September 2014 24 - 26 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

18 Ash Wednesday (Christian) 19 Chinese New Year

Spring Term Monday 5 January 2015 to Friday 27 March 2015

October 2014 4 Dussera (Hindu) 4 Yom Kippur (Jewish) 4 Eid al Adha (Islam) 23 Diwali (Hindu & Sikh)

April 2015 3 Good Friday (Christian) 3 - 11 Passover (Jewish) 4 Theravada New Year (Buddhist) 5 Easter Sunday (Christian)

November 2014 6 Birthday of Guru Nanak (Sikh) 11 Armistice Day (Multi-Faith)

May 2015 4 Buddha Day – Visakha Puja

Half Term Monday 16 February 2015 to Friday 20 February 2015 (1 week) Summer Term Monday 13 April 2015 to Friday 3 July 2015

December 2014 16 - 24 Hanukkah (Jewish) 25 Christmas (Christian)

Half Term Monday 25 May 2015 to Friday 29 May 2015

January 2015 6 Epiphany (Christian)

In addition, College will be closed on Bank Holidays: Monday 4 May 2015 and for staff development days planned during term time on Friday 17 October 2014 and Wednesday 4 February 2015. Please check with your tutors whether your class will take place on Staff Development Days.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

February 2015 17 Shrove Tuesday (Christian)

(Buddhist)

24 Pentecost (Christian) 24 - 25 Shavuot (Jewish) June 2015 18 Ramadan Begins (Islam) July 2015 2 Asala – Dharma Day (Buddhist) 17 Eid–Ul-Fitr (Islam)

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

College Mission Bolton College will enable individuals, businesses and communities within Bolton and the region to realise their potential through Education and Training that is inclusive, inspiring, innovative and responsive to their needs.

What we will provide for you Travelling to College

Youth Support Worker

Details of public transport services to and from the College are available on the Greater Manchester PTE Website www.gmpte.com using the Journey Planning section of the Website. Trinity Street rail and bus interchange is close by.

The college has a Youth Support Worker whose role is to check and monitor attendance, liaise with schools, provide support to the learners and to deal with day to day issues around school monitoring and behaviour.

ID Cards

Food and Refreshments Our students at the Deane Road have a number of restaurants to choose from on campus, which are operated in partnership with Catering Academy, our new catering provider in College:

Gina Andrews School Partnership Co-ordinator gina.andrews@boltoncc.ac.uk 01204 482 145

All students are issued with an Identity Card when they enrol. You need to wear your ID badge at all times when you are in college as you will be requested to produce it by members of staff. They will need this ID card to access a range of college facilities e.g. to borrow resources from the libraries and also as proof of identity if requested by College or Security Staff.

Antoinette Harrop Youth Worker antoinette.harrop-peake@boltoncc.ac.uk 01204 482 145

If a card is lost, a replacement be at the cost of £2.50 and this is available from the Enrolment Centre at the Deane Road Campus.

Every Learner Matters

We are committed to support students to:• Be Healthy • Be Safe • Enjoy & Achieve • Make a Positive Contribution • Achieve Economic Wellbeing

Important Contacts

Customer Support Team: 01204 482 000

Diversity is our main student food court, offering hot food from 8.30am until 1.30pm, Monday to Friday. The menu includes halal options, healthy choices, hot snack items and an extensive grab and go and homemade cake offer for busy students “on the go.”

Susanne Quinn Curriculum Leader suzanne.quinn@boltoncc.ac.uk 01204 482 820 6

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Our students at the Deane Road have a number of restaurants to choose from on campus, which are operated in partnership with Catering Academy, our new catering provider in College: Infusion is our Costa Coffee Bar, which offers a relaxed environment where students can enjoy a branded coffee with a continental style breakfast and healthier options including homemade bio yoghurts. Foundation is the Construction and Arts food court, offering a traditional breakfast service and lunch items, which include vegetarian and halal options Foundation is open from 8am - 2pm (Monday to Thursday) with a breakfast only offer from 8am - 11am (Friday). Students who are eligible for Free College Meal Deals will need to use Diversity or Foundation outlets.

At Signature, the College’s luxurious restaurant, you can book excellent meals for special occasions at amazingly low prices. Vending machines are also available in all areas to provide our out of hours service and are maintained by our external partners, Benson and Clark vending services. The Atom shop is open from 8.40am until 3.20pm on a daily basis during term time, and sells a range of stationery, art supplies, students’ work, confectionery, drinks, jewellery, cards, gifts and College clothing. The main campus at Deane Road has a cash machine installed on the first floor landing. There is no charge for your cash if you use a bank card which is part of the ‘Link’ scheme. We would advise you to keep your money securely and not carry around large amounts of cash with you for your own safety.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Key Policies and Procedures The College has several key policies and procedures in place which are designed to promote a positive and comfortable learning environment for all. They also ensure that students, staff and visitors to the College remain safe at all times. Equality & Diversity Policy Our Vision is: To create a learning society that is free from discrimination and prejudice, and which encourages and helps all who learn and work at Bolton College to reach their full potential. The College seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment for all of its staff and learners, in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The College welcomes individuals and groups from local, regional and international communities. The College values difference and diversity and strives to create positive relationships, so that everyone can work and study to the best of their abilities, free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

Bolton College is an inclusive organisation and is committed to achieving excellence through inclusion. We recognise that we all have a right to equality of opportunity irrespective of race, disability, gender, gender reassignment, age, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status, socio-economic status, background or class. We want everyone to feel comfortable and secure enough to be themselves. We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, victimisation or discrimination. The College has clear and effective procedures for dealing with complaints relating to these issues and they are always investigated and appropriate action taken. If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination or unfair treatment, you need to report it to your tutor, a member of the Fairness Team, a member of the Student Services Team or to a member of staff who you trust. The College takes any complaints of this nature very seriously.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Bullying & Harassment Policy Bullying and harassment is defined as any conduct which is unwanted by the recipient, or any such conduct which affects the dignity of any individual or groups of individuals. Bullying or harassment may be repetitive or an isolated occurrence. It may be: • Physical – contact, assault, gestures, intimidation or aggressive behaviour • Verbal – unwelcome remarks, suggestions, propositions, malicious gossip, jokes or banter • Non-verbal – offensive literature or pictures, graffiti, computer imagery or phone texts, isolation or non cooperation, or exclusion from social activities • Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behaviour; abuse of power; or unfair sanctions which make the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable

If you feel you are being bullied or harassed, keep a note of the date, time, place, name of the person who is bullying/harassing you, what happened, how you felt at the time, name of any witnesses, action taken and whether you reported it and to whom. You should also keep a record of any written evidence relating to the incident and any subsequent incidents. You should report any incident of bullying or harassment to your tutor, a member of staff who you trust, a member of the Fairness Team or a member of the Student Services Team at the Student Services Centre at Deane Road Campus. An investigation will then take place, and you will receive support whilst the issue is being resolved. Those behaving in a manner that is regarded as bullying or harassment will face Disciplinary Procedures.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy These policies are designed to keep students up to the age of 18 and ‘vulnerable adults’ (those students within College who have a severe learning difficulty and/or disability) safe from physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse and neglect. There is also an Abuse of Trust Policy which forbids staff members working at Bolton College to have an inappropriate/sexual relationship with a student aged up to 18 (even though the student might be over the age of consent). If you wish to talk to someone about an instance of abuse, neglect or abuse of trust happening to you or another student, speak to a member of staff who you trust or a member of the Student Services Team based at the Student Services Centre at Deane Road Campus. You will be listened to and supported well. We may need to speak to other agencies that can provide further assistance.

Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Smoke Free Policy

The taking of, dealing in or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly forbidden in the College. If any staff member suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, you will be asked to leave the College premises immediately and you will be liable to Student Disciplinary Procedures.

All students at Bolton College are required to subscribe to the Smoke Free Policy. The College does not permit smoking in any of its premises and buildings. Some Centres have shelters which may be used by smokers, but other Centres are completely smoke-free and no smoking is permitted in or around the Centre. The use of E-cigarettes is not permitted in/on College premises; only in designated areas.

Students would be expected to attend counselling to receive support and advice if they have ongoing issues with substance misuse. If we suspect that you have been selling or supplying controlled drugs at the College or if you bring them onto the College premises, you will be immediately suspended, the Disciplinary Procedure will be invoked and the Police will be called to investigate. If you wish to discuss drug/alcohol misuse issues with someone, contact your LDM or tutor who can arrange to see you for a one-to one discussion. Alternatively, you can log on to www.talktofrank.com for more information.

IT Responsible User Policy You will have to agree to comply with the College’s IT Responsible Use Policy if you want to use the College’s computer hardware and software or network facilities. The Policy covers a range of issues including unacceptable access and use of the Internet and email, downloading materials and copyright issues. You will be made aware of the Policy when you first log on to the College IT system. The Policy is also available in College Learning Resource Centres. Your Health & Safety Responsibilities

This will require all students to: • Observe all instructions, whether written or verbal, to ensure personal safety and the safety of others • Conduct themselves at all times in an orderly manner and refrain from any form of horseplay that could cause injury to themselves and/ or others • Treat the building structures and internal fixtures, fittings and furniture with respect and care • Use all safety equipment and/or protective clothing as instructed, reporting any loss or defect to their tutor/lecturer • Not interfere or misuse any equipment provided for health and safety purposes • Report all hazards to their tutor • Report all accidents to their tutor, whether injury is sustained or not • Be familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure, and the location of fire alarm points and emergency equipment As part of your health and safety responsibilities, you should adhere to the smoke free and drugs and alcohol policies.

When attending Bolton College, all students have a duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of both themselves and others who may be affected by their actions.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Fire and Emergency Procedures It is the responsibility of all students to familiarise themselves with and adhere to the College fire/emergency procedures. Action to be taken by a student discovering a fire: • Raise alarm by operating the nearest break glass call point • Following alarm activation, key evacuation personnel will investigate the cause of the alarm and, where necessary, contact the Fire Brigade. If you are in any doubt you can notify the Fire Brigade directly by dialling 9-999 • Do not attempt to tackle the fire unless your escape route is blocked On hearing the alarm: • Leave the building immediately by the nearest safe emergency exit. Do not use any lifts and do not stop to collect personal belongings • Close all doors and windows when leaving • Remember that you may not be allowed to re-enter the building, so it is advisable always to carry your car keys, wallet and phone with you to ensure that you can get home • Report to the appropriate Fire Assembly Point and register with your tutor • Remain at the Fire Assembly Point and await further instructions • Do NOT re-enter the building until you are instructed to do so 14

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Evacuation Procedures for Students with Disabilities and/or Learning Difficulties On hearing the alarm: • From ground floor areas with direct access to assembly points, students with reduced mobility or those requiring assistance should be escorted by the tutor or volunteer buddy to the Fire Assembly Point • From upper floor areas, students with reduced mobility or those requiring assistance should be escorted by the tutor or volunteer buddy to the nearest refuge point • Once the escape route is clear from obstructions and it is safe to do so, the most able students with a disability or students with a learning difficulty shall be assisted down the stairs and to the appropriate assembly point • The volunteer buddy should remain with the wheelchair-user in the safety of the refuge until the arrival of the Emergency Services or College staff

Once accounted for, all students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should remain at their Fire Assembly Point and await further instructions. No student should re-enter the building until they are instructed to do so. False Alarms and Malicious Acts Raising a false alarm is a very serious breach of the Health & Safety Regulations. Any student found deliberately setting off the alarms without good reason will be subject to the College Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures. It is a criminal offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act to knowingly damage or interfere with any equipment provided in the interest of Health and Safety.

Visually-impaired students should be escorted to their designated assembly point by their tutor, unit staff and/or by their volunteer buddy. In addition to the operation of the fire alarm sounders, visual alerts will illuminate in the D/deaf unit classrooms. Tutors and support staff will accompany D/deaf students when they evacuate to their dedicated assembly point 16

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Reporting Accidents and Incidents Know the location and contact details for your nearest First Aider. In the event of an accident or incident, students must report it to their tutor or to the College reception. Once reported, a College Accident/ Incident Form must be completed by your tutor or a member of staff. This will then be forwarded to the College Health and Safety Officer. An investigation will be conducted to see how and why the accident/incident occurred.

Once the investigation has taken place, control measures will be implemented to prevent the accident/ incident from occurring again.

may be used on College premises, unless they have permission and/or it has been inspected by an authorised member of staff.

Lifting and Carrying

The use of certain specific electrical equipment and machinery will only be appropriate when students have received appropriate training and information. Students should read all instructions carefully before using the electrical equipment.

report any damaged electrical equipment to the nearest tutor or member of staff. Specialist Areas

Students should not lift or carry any heavy or awkward items unless they are instructed to do so and have been provided with appropriate training. Using Electrical Equipment Remember, electricity can kill. Treat it with great care. No portable electrical equipment belonging to a student

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

If you do not understand, ask your tutor, technician or another member of College staff. Students should

Certain areas of the College, such as workshops and laboratories, have specific Health & Safety rules and regulations. Where these rules and regulations are needed, they MUST be adhered to at all times. Failure to do so will result in you being refused access to work in that area.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Working in Construction/ Engineering/Motor Vehicles/ Catering Workshops Great care should be taken by all students when using any machinery to avoid both personal injury and damage to equipment. Codes of Practice have been established and must be strictly observed when using items of workshop equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Specific tasks require that students wear personal protective equipment. Students will be provided with personal protective equipment and training in accordance with College Policy. All instructions for use and care of PPE must be followed.

Always wash your hands before touching other parts of your body, especially the area around the eyes,

or before taking food. Never smoke, eat or drink in the presence of chemicals.

Working with Chemicals Students must never use any item of work equipment or machinery without the appropriate protective devices, guards or interlocks in place. Any student found removing or causing damage to a guard or device will be subject to the Student Disciplinary Policy. Students should report any defects found to a guard or interlock immediately to a member of staff. Where machinery is in use, arrangements must be made so that a second person is within direct or close proximity and could be called upon should an emergency arise. Rowdiness and practical joking are very dangerous behaviours in the workshop environment and are strictly forbidden.

Never deliberately taste, swallow or inhale any hazardous substance or chemical. All hazardous substances or chemicals should be regarded as toxic by ingestion; hence pipetting liquids or solutions by mouth is strictly prohibited. Use a pipette pump, syringe or a mechanical dispenser. Chemicals can also enter the body through skin absorption or through the accidental inhalation of vapours or dusts. Suitable protective equipment must therefore be worn when handling chemicals. Cuts and wounds are particularly vulnerable and may allow direct entry of chemical substances into the bloodstream. Broken skin should be covered with a suitable dressing, but if the wound is on the hand then the dressing should be waterproof and protective gloves must be worn while handling chemicals.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Student Code of Conduct

After two parental meetings it will be necessary to assess the student’s sustainability to remain on course.

We expect you to: • Attent regularly and punctually and to notify the College of any absence immediately • Show respect to others regardless of their ethnic background, gender, age, religion or personal circumstance • Show respect for others’ property and to respect the College Environment • Work hard to achieve their goals • Uphold the College Policies • Subscribe to high standards of behaviour • Take responsibility for their own learning and progression • Complete and hand work in on time all work set • Seek help from College staff if needed • Meet assesment and examination requirements

At this meeting the Head of Schools will discuss with parents/guardians and the school representative various options. It could be that the student is asked to leave the college at this meeting. Students have the right to appeal against this decision to the Director of 14-19 and Foundation Learning.

• Take responsibility for their own and others’ health and safety The College and School will address any disciplinary issues with a School Partnership student as follows: Any issues will be recorded on a cause for concern form by the titor and faxed, or emailed to the School by the Youth Support Worker. If three ‘Cause for Concerns’ are sent to School from the College, parents/ guardians wil be invited to attend a meeting with School to discuss the issues in detail. If the issues are very serious they could loose their College place. Students have the right to appeal against this decision to the Director of 14-19 and Foundation Learning.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Major Incidents/gross misconduct Parents and school to be telephoned immediately. Schools are expected to support the College in the formal disciplinary has taken place, which may result in the student being asked to leave the programme immediately. Partnership Programmes:

• On College premises there are key staff who are known to the learners e.g Course Tutors, Head of Schools Provision, Youth Workers, Student Mentors, Administrators, Security and Support Staff who can be contacted with any problems • Students are not directly supervised during breaks and lunchtimes • The College follows advice on Safeguarding Children and carries out enhanced checks for all employees of the college • Staff are advised not to have contact with students outside of normal teaching hours and are not permitted to give students lifts in their car • Parents/Guardians should be aware that there are students of all ages studying at College and that these adult students may not be CRB checked

• Parents/Carers should ensure that their children are taking the safest route possible when travelling to and from College

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Attendance Policy Bolton College has high expectations of students’ punctuality and attendance, as we believe they are crucial if students are able to achieve. The college expects the same high standards of our School Partnership students. The College will monitor attendance and take measures to tackle any issues as follows: • Schools are expected to inform the College if they know in advance if a student or group of students will not be attending, for example due to personal reasons, sickness, exams, work experience or school trips • Student absences will be emailed or telephoned to the nominated contact person in school within approximately 1 hour of the session starting. The school or college will then proceed to contact the parents with regards to absence. Monitoring and Reporting Procedure Bolton College monitors the progress of all students. High standards are set for each individual student’s achievement and regular monitoring helps identify any issues early. The College expects that parents will feel included in what happens at College.

• Progress reports will be issued termly • The main subject lecturer will produce the report on the College proforma. The student will have the chance to comment on his/her progress on the report • These reports will be collated by the School Partnership Co-ordinator and will be sent to both the Parents/ Carers and the School. These reports will remain on the School and College files. • All pupils will be given advice and guidance on progression routes by appropriate College and School Staff • Any concerns about poor performance from School Partnership pupils will be raised with the named school contact by the School Partnership Co-ordinator • The College will endeavour to provide the Schools Examination Officer with the results of their year 11 pupils achievements prior to GSCE results day • End of year 11 – students should receive their qualification/units towards a qualification via post to their home address

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Disciplinary Structure First Stage • Verbal Warning • Letter Home (if under 19) • Monitored by Personal Tutor

Second Stage • Formal Verbal Warning • Letter Home (if under 19) • Issued and monitored by Curriculum Leader

Third Stage • Written Warning by the Programme Manager - then • Final Written Warning by member of SMT / Exec Team Member • Letter Home (if under 19)

Final Stage • Final Review Meeting with Principal and/or Head of Centre. • Student may be asked to leave the college

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Student, Parent/Carer & College Contract What students can expect from the College:

Name: What the College expects from students: • To attend regularly and punctually, and to notify College of any absence immediately • To show respect to others regardless of their ethnic background, gender, age, religion or personal circumstance • Students to show respect for others’ property and to respect the College Environment • To work hard to achieve their goals • To uphold the College Policies • To subscribe to high standards of behaviour • To take responsibility for their own learning and progression • To complete and hand in on time all work set • To seek help from College staff if needed • To meet assessment and examination requirements • To take responsibility for their own and others’ health and safety

• An induction onto the course and College, and to have clearly explained your rights and responsibilities as a member of the College community • A high quality learning programme delivered by well qualified and experienced staff • Opportunities to express views about the College • Written work/ assignments returned promptly, with written feedback that can help you in your studies • A safe environment What Parents/Carers can expect from the College: • Opportunity to contact the College with any concerns • Regular progress reviews / tracking • Contact by tutors or School Partnership Co-ordinator if any issues are causing concern • Opportunity to provide feedback about the College.

Statement by Statement by the Learner the Parent/ Carer By accepting a place at Bolton College, I agree by the rules of the College, to attend regularly and to do the work expected of me whilst a student of the College. I have received and will read the 2014/15 Student Handbook and I have had a full induction to the College. I am aware of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures and understand that if these are not met my College place may be terminated.

I have read the Student Handbook and the contract and agree for (please insert full name of learner) to attend the course and to support them on their course. Signed on behalf of the College:

Signature of Parent/Carer:

Signed on behalf of the College : Date: Student’s Signature :

Date:

The College asks that parents/carers encourage appropriate conduct and hard work. 26

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk

Bolton College Deane Road Campus Deane Road Bolton BL3 5BG 01204 482 000 Gina Andrews School Partnership Co-ordinator gina.andrews@boltoncc.ac.uk 01204 482 145

/boltoncollege

@boltoncollege

+boltoncollege