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A Handbook for
Parents & Guardians
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Welcome to Prior Pursglove College
If your son or daughter chooses to come to Prior he or she will become part of a very long tradition. There has been education provided on the site since 1561 and the college transformed itself from a Grammar school to a truly modern sixth form college in 1971. Since then we have continued to change with the times and the education we provide and our facilities are some of the best in the area. A key to our success is the real commitment we have to help young people identify and achieve their goals. We see the college as a partnership which also includes parents and we welcome your involvement at all stages in your child’s progress. Taking the step from school to college is an exciting move and can also be quite daunting. Your son/daughter will no doubt have lots of questions to ask and some important decisions to make. You will probably have questions as well and we hope this handbook will help you to find some answers.
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Why choose a sixth form college? A sixth form college can best be described as a ‘bridge’ between school and university or the world of work. Here at Prior we have some of the same approaches as schools, particularly our emphasis on pastoral care and attendance, but we are flexible on other things. Our students like the more grown-up and independent learning environment which we provide. Progressing to college gives the opportunity for 16 year olds to start again, to reinvent themselves and develop a fresh approach to learning. There is no uniform, they can make new friends and study a much broader range of subjects than can be offered at most school sixth forms or other colleges. Because of our size and flexible timetable, we have the capacity to offer a very wide range of academic qualifications such as GCSEs and over 50 A levels along with many vocational courses. Our examination results are always some of the best in the Northern Region. You will find the latest information in our College Prospectus.
The combination of options exceeds that of school sixth forms and it is not unusual for a student to study an A level alongside a BTEC national diploma. Some young people will come to us to build up their GCSE/Level 2 qualifications before progressing to an Advanced level programme or into work.
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Which course, which level? Whatever your child’s ability, he/she should be able to find a course to suit his/her needs. Whilst there are no formal entry requirements, how well a young person does at school will determine the level of course he/she can choose at Prior. The better the GCSE grades, the higher the level at which they can enter college.
However, please do not let your son/daughter be deterred by any lack of formal qualifications or by not meeting the exact entry requirements – come and talk to us. In some cases entry requirements can be waived at the college’s discretion or other evidence such as a strong commitment or a portfolio of supporting work can be taken into account.
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What else? Life at Prior is not only about classroom study – there are plenty of additional activities on offer as well. The Student Council organises a variety of events throughout the year. Sport, music and drama play an important part in College. In addition, there is a thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and we also offer such activities as Tai Chi, Kung Fu, a debating society, British Sign Language, the Prior Newspaper, first aid training and exotic animal handling.
What support do our students receive? Our prime concern is always the wellbeing of our students and the provision of a caring environment which enables them to achieve their best. We expect our students to accept responsibility for their own learning and progress. However, we recognise that they will need help and support along the way and so there is a well-structured pastoral system which encourages plenty of individual discussion.
School Liaison We have a Director of School Liaison and a Progression Mentor who work closely with schools and the college’s Student Services team to support and encourage students as they progress from school to college. This support includes the offer of ‘taster sessions’, talks in school, individual advice and guidance, and opportunities to ask questions at careers conferences and our own Open Evenings.
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Personal Tutor
Careers Guidance and Work Experience
Every student has a personal tutor who will be able to focus on an individual’s needs, giving help, advice and encouragement to make sure they are progressing well. Students meet with their tutor regularly on a one-to-one basis and also receive help through a weekly tutorial programme which is designed to give them appropriate knowledge and practical help on issues which affect them, for example, studying, time management, careers and financial matters.
We have specialist advisers who, together with Connexions and personal tutors, can help students to make the right choice for their future. Extensive work experience (for instance a half day per week for a term or more) can be essential for some careers and desirable for others. There is a dedicated area in the Learning Resource Centre with information on a wide range of careers and universities and we have strong links with our local universities. Approximately 80% of our students go onto higher education each year. We also have information available at our Open Evenings.
Learning Support We have an experienced team able to support students with a range of disabilities, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, physical disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, or English as a second language. The support we offer is designed to provide individuals with what they need to succeed on their chosen course. This may include British Sign Language communicators, personal care, equipment and resources, assessment and exam arrangements. It is very helpful if we can be informed well in advance if a student is likely to require special equipment or other support.
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Financial Support
Counselling Service
Students who are under the age of 19 when they join and are not classed as overseas students do not normally have to pay tuition fees or exam fees when they take them for the first time.
Students can sometimes have problems for which they need help and support, for example, personal, stress related or they just need help to make the right choice. We have a qualified counsellor in college who can provide confidential counselling (subject to the exemptions of Child Protection legislation).
They may also be eligible for support through the Educational Maintenance Allowance Scheme (EMA). Full details of how to apply should be given to your son/daughter through their school or you can order an application pack on-line at www.ema.dfes.gov.uk. If your son/daughter is 19 or over then the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is available on a similar basis to the EMA. For more details, visit www.direct.gov.uk The college also has a Learner Support Fund (LSF) to help those who are experiencing financial difficulty which might prevent them from joining or continuing with their studies at college. A student can apply to the fund for help towards such things as the cost of travel, books, equipment, and visits organised as part of their courses.
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Catering
Transport
There are catering facilities and a shop on the campus open for most of the day providing hot and cold food, snacks, teas and coffees. We also have water fountains located in several areas of the college.
The college is well served by public transport and, in addition, some buses operate on special routes. Students are not normally allowed to park cars on the campus during the daytime. There are public car parks within easy walking distance. Further information on bus routes is available from Student Services. There is currently no restriction on students bringing bicycles, scooters or motorbikes onto the campus provided that they are ridden safely.
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Attendance
How can you be involved?
We expect our students to attend all their lessons and tutorials unless they have a very specific reason not to. If a student is absent and we are not informed about it or it is not a valid reason, we will contact you to let you know. Good attendance is crucial to a student’s success and their EMA is dependent upon it.
Once your son/daughter has joined us you can expect to be invited to a number of events, some of them specifically for parents. In early September we hold an introduction evening for all ‘new’ parents to give you the chance to meet your child’s personal tutor and find out more about life at college. Parents’ consultation evenings are normally held in January/February and we encourage you to come along with your son/daughter to meet their subject teachers and discuss progress. In late June or early July you will receive another invitation to come into college specifically to find out about the progression opportunities available to your son/daughter and the whole process of applying to university. If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s time at college then do contact his/her personal tutor and let them know so that we can put support in place if it is needed.
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What parents say about Prior “My daughter has settled in very well and the staff have been very approachable and helpful.” “Good reputation, excellent staff, great college, worth making the effort to attend from the Middlesbrough area.” “There is no comparison in the local area.” “My son is responding well to the structured timetable and expectations of the excellent teaching staff after a disastrous first year at another establishment. My 14 year old is already looking forward to applying for a place here.” “We feel that our son has gained in self confidence and become more independent through attending college and because of this he is now ready to go to university.” “I would recommend Prior Pursglove College to any student keen and motivated. I recognise you offer students a great deal.”
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How to find out more
Is there anything for me?
Come along to one of our open evenings, usually held in November and March, to find out for yourself what life at Prior is like.
Whilst we specialise in full-time courses for the 16-18 age group, we also have a very good reputation for adult education and leisure courses. Our dedicated Community Learning and Leisure team offers many challenging and stimulating part-time courses which are available in the evening at college, at outreach centres across the borough, or as Saturday workshops. Please contact the CLL team for a copy of our Community Learning and Leisure Guide.
Have a look at our website: www.pursglove.ac.uk Look out for us at Careers Conventions and at parents’ evenings in some of our partner schools. Have a look at our full-time prospectus which provides much more information about the subjects we offer, the structure of the day, our expectations and the application process. Your son/daughter will be able to pick one up at school or contact Student Services at college.
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Church Walk, Guisborough TS14 6BU T: 01287 280800 E: ppc.enquiries@prior.pursglove.ac.uk W: www.pursglove.ac.uk