Pastoral Support

PASTORAL SUPPORT SUPPORT

Tutorial Programme

Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. This will be somebody who will get to know you very well. There are dedicated tutorial periods each week which are used for disseminating information and undertaking tutorial activities. You will be expected to attend all your tutorial periods. Personal Tutors are responsible for the organisation of the pastoral side of College life, they monitor progress and offer additional advice and guidance with regards to achievement and future ambitions.

Tutors are the main point of contact between the College and parents, with the aim that both parties feel free to contact each other about any problems affecting a student’s work.

Academic monitoring and reporting

Education post-16 is dominated by exams and coursework and you can expect to be formally assessed throughout your time at College. For this reason, it is vitally important that you’re aware of how well you’re doing and what you need to do to improve. As well as having class and homework marked, you’ll have regular key assessments and individual interviews with your teachers or tutor to set and monitor your individual learning plans.

In addition, you’ll receive a formal interim report approximately every six weeks. These are given to you and your parents. For each subject, these show: attendance, punctuality and both a predicted and minimum expected grade. Effort grades are also given to help you see exactly what you need to do to improve. The College puts great emphasis on developing close links with the home and parents are always welcome in the College.

Learning Support

We are committed to an inclusive education and set out to ensure every student is given the opportunity to make the most of their individual skills and abilities. Support and advice is provided by both teaching staff and tutors, with extra, specialist support provided where needed.

Coulsdon Sixth Form College has a friendly and nonjudgemental approach to Learning Support. Students’ needs are assessed at every opportunity, from their initial interview and throughout their College life. When a school, family or individual student tells us about their situation we will work together with them to create individual plans to support students whether with physical, learning or sensory disabilities or those who do not have English as a first language. This plan could include examination concessions such as extra time or a reader, in class support, out of class support or specific resources to help with study.

Once this plan is established students will study alongside their classmates in the normal way. We have a team of trained Learning Support Practitioners to provide support in and out of class.

The Learning Support room is a large area with resources for students to use. The environment is very welcoming and you will find one to one support or students just working in the quiet environment throughout the day.

Independent Learning

As at university and school, all students are expected to carry out several hours of independent study a week, to build on lesson ‘contact’ time. Students will not do well unless they commit to doing this right from the start of their courses. The College sets out to encourage and develop independent learning skills and strongly recommends that students make full use of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), where staff are always on hand to offer advice and assistance.

The LRC houses a suite of 100 computers that gives students the opportunity to complete independent study during College hours. The College has a virtual learning environment (Moodle) which can be accessed from a home computer, as well as from the College network. This is an interactive system enabling students

to access online course material and e-books, to support STUDENT STUDENT their studies and contains assessments and independent learning activities. It forms a vital basis of support for all students outside lessons and contains a variety of media PROFILE PROFILE to make learning more enjoyable. Counselling

Although tutors are always happy to discuss problems, sometimes it is easier to talk things over with someone who can offer more objective advice. The College employs a qualified counsellor, a mental health officer and welfare officer who can provide confidential advice on a range of issues and can refer students to other sources of support. The College has policies and procedures that are in line with the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board to ensure the safety of all students.

Finance

The government’s 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to students who might be experiencing financial difficulties. More details and an application form will be available at enrolment, along with any help which may be available from the Local Authorities.

If you are 16-18 please talk to us about:

Free school meals A bursary that we can pay you while you study Help to buy books and equipment Help to pay for compulsory College trips Free bus travel and discounts on other services with the 16+ Oyster photo card Help with other travel costs

Leah Hardcastle

Previous school: St Philomena’s Subjects: BTEC Art and Design, English Literature

STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE PROFILE

Why did you apply to Coulsdon Sixth Form College?

After I finished secondary school, I felt it was time to branch out into a wider space and become more independent. The art department at the College immediately caught my interest as well as the diverse social aspects of Coulsdon Sixth Form College.

Why did you chose to study BTEC Art and Design?

I’ve always enjoyed art, not just in an education setting, but also on a personal level as it’s been my therapy to deal with my mental health.

What are your future aspirations?

I would love to design and publish my own fiction books and hopefully become a teacher within Further Education due to my passion for helping others learn. I’ve developed this love whilst I’ve been an English tutor for other students, and my involvement in the student magazine at the College.

What opportunities have you been presented with during your studies here?

I’ve been fortunate enough to exhibit my own art work in various locations and local events. Not only this, but I’ve also been nominated for a BTEC Art award which took me by surprise but I feel so grateful!

Do you have any advice for future students?

If you find the right balance between finding friends and enjoying your studies, you’ve found the pathway to a successful future. Never let any person or obstacle stop you from achieveing exactly what you want.