Dv8 Student Handbook 23/24

S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K

STUDENT

HEALTH & SAFETY

PREVENT

BE READY

AWARDS & PRIZES

YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

CAREERS

PERSONAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

TRIPS & ENRICHMENT

STUDENT VOICE

BURSARIES

OTHER INFORMATION

WELCOME TO DV8 SUSSEX

Dv8 is proud to be one of the only independent providers in Sussex offering creative courses for young people Our mission is to empower creative thinkers, to embrace the idea that anything is possible if you approach it with an open and creative mind We encourage you to be problem solvers, to take risks without fear of failure and to work together to overcome challenges. We are here to help and support you every step of the way to make the most of every opportunity in the year ahead

BE READY MIRACLES COME IN MOMENTS. BE READY AND WILLING

BE RESPECTFUL TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED

BE SAFE BE CAUTIOUS, BE CAREFUL AND BE WELL PREPARED

WELC

We are proud to be entering our 20th year as one of the only independent providers in Sussex offering creative courses for young people Our mission is to empower creative thinkers, to embrace the idea that anything is possible if you approach it with an open and creative mind We encourage you to be problem solvers, to take risks without fear of failure and to work together to overcome challenges. We are here to help and support you every step of the way to make the most of every opportunity in the year ahead

Dv8 student’s learn in small class sizes, in an environment that is inclusive and supportive, where everyone will know your name and where expectations are high Our courses are a unique mix of creative projects, enrichment activities, crosscourse collaboration, work experience and English and Math’s qualifications, all delivered by tutors who have been there and done it in the creative industries. Our learning environments are designed to help you succeed and progress onto the next stage of your education equipped with all of the skills needed in the modern digital workplace.

We hope that over the next one, two or three years with us you share many amazing experiences at Dv8 whilst building friendships and professional links that can last a lifetime. We look forward to supporting you on your journey and helping you achieve your potential in your chosen subject.

This Student Handbook is filled with useful and essential information about the College aiming to guide your through your time as a Dv8 Student If there is anything you would like to know that’s not in here, please talk to your tutor in the first instance, or a member of the Centre Team, Student Services or Learning Support.

OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

OUR MISSION

Empowering creative thinkers to be successful in work and life

OUR VISION

Dv8 Sussex is a specialist college offering young people aged 16-24 personalised, industry-led training in the most vibrant & exciting creative sectors Through practical project based learning our students gain real life experience to develop skills in a supportive and ambitious environment, where there are continual opportunities to work and think differently

OUR VALUES

• Ambitious - We believe anything is possible We encourage our students and staff to take risks, think creatively and problem solve to reach their goals

• Excellence - We love learning We strive to be excellent in all that we do and recognise and celebrate success throughout the organisation

• Creativity - is at the heart of everything that we do • CollaborativeNo one can change the world alone We all need a team around us that can function to achieve shared goals

• Inclusive - We are committed to your individual journey. No matter what your starting point at Dv8 we will help you achieve and progress.

LEAR AGRE

We want to make sure yo academically and personally Knowledge and information are crucial to achievement, and we want to ensure you understand how Dv8 Sussex works, what our expectations are of you as a learner and what you can expect from us. This agreement underpins the main points of the college rules given to you as part of your induction and relates specifically to your Study Programme.

Please read the following carefully and seek clarification/ advice on any points that are not clear

The College will provide you with:

An introduction to the learning spaces and Dv8 Sussex within your first week. This will include information on your course and qualifications, available facilities, staff, and health and safety procedures.

Opportunities for regular assessment, reviews of your progress both vocational and personal and clear systems for recording your achievements

A curriculum that stretches and challenges you to achieve all you can. Individual advice, guidance and support at all stages of your learning including additional support from external agencies if required.

Reasonable access to appropriate facilities, resources and equipment

Agreed learning outcomes and learning support.

Opportunities to comment on your learning programme and course or centre facilities

Clear and timely information and support relating to your personal progression plan into further / higher education and training or employment

Equality of opportunity.

Inclusivity, Equality of Opportunity and ensuring you are treated fairly

A safe, comfortable and friendly environment.

You will have signed a copy of this agreement at enrolment. By doing so, you agree:

That you have received appropriate advice and guidance from staff to assess your suitability for your choice of programme and level

To accept responsibility for your own learning and to review your progress with the support of your tutor(s).

That you understand places can be withdrawn within the first 6 weeks if attendance, punctuality and/or attitude to learning are considered below that deemed acceptable standards

That you understand you are following a full-time study programme. This means that you will need to commit 5 days per week to your studies, both in and out of college

Your course requires you to engage with vocational studies, sessions on Personal and Social Development, Careers and a minimum of 35 hours of work placement/experience, social action, and English & maths, as appropriate.

To punctually attend 100% of all timed activities and that on the rare occasion you may be absent, this absence is accounted for in at detail and a timely fashion. You understand that any student who is absent for four consecutive weeks becomes ineligible for funding and the college will need to withdraw from their studies.

To take responsibility for your behaviour in and around the centre and whilst involved in trips or activities associated with Dv8 Sussex. The college’s expectation is that you are:

Ready to learn

Respectful to others

Safe in all your behaviours

To complete your work to the best of your ability and within specified deadlines, as required by your tutor(s)

To follow and respect published Dv8 Sussex policies and procedures (copies of which are available from the Centre Team office and on the Dv8 website)

That the information provided to create your ILR (Individual Learning Record) is correct and that you will inform Dv8 Sussex of any changes immediately

To look after all resources and facilities and return any borrowed equipment on

nd representing the college - a

TERM DATES 2023-24

BE READY BE RESPECTFUL BE SAFE.

These are the three simple rules of Dv8 Think about your actions, behaviour and language and if they are not respectful or safe, or you are not ready and prepared to learn, then you are breaking the rules

BE READ

TO LEARN

We want Dv8 to be a safe and welco g p order for this to be the case, there are a few rules that need to be followed at all times

The Rules

You will attend every session and be on time.

Food and drink is not allowed to be consumed in classrooms or practical spacesthe only exception is bottled water

Mobile phone use is not allowed during lesson time, unless used as part of teaching, learning and assessment

Hats, hoods and outdoor coats must be removed during lesson time Bags and rucksacks must not be worn in class.

Posting photos or video from lessons onto social media is forbidden unless consent has been given by your teacher

You must arrive prepared for what you need in order to fulfil your proper work expectations - pens, notebooks, instruments, technical equipment as applicable

Drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol use in college, or being in college suspected as under the influence, is forbidden and will be a serious disciplinary matter.

i i i i bli f ki d hil n site is not allowed

e premises in line with DV8 policy

ed deadlines

BE RESP

TO OTHERS

Dv8 is a safe, respectful and inclusive environment Whilst at college you are expected to treat others with respect, regardless of difference, gender identity or ethnic diversity. Any behaviour which contravenes these requirements may include but is not limited to:

Bullying

Abusive language or actions

Sexual name calling or harassment

Violent or abusive behaviour (including sexual) of any kind

If the above is not adhered to you will be suspended, without prejudice, and a Student Contract meeting will be arranged with you and your parent/carer.

BE SAFE

IN ALL YOUR BE

Whilst attending Dv8 Sussex, students are expected to act as ambassadors for the college, modelling positive and appropriate behaviour at all times Consequences can be issued by any student in or around the centre buildings who are not showing the expected behaviour standards This may include, but is not limited to:

Damage to property and equipment

Inappropriate behaviour shown to other students or members of the public

Littering - use the bins provided for litter and recycling, both in College and in our local community

Alcohol and drug use

Stay away from the nearby loading bays, our neighbours’ doorways and be mindful of the taxis turning around in the area (Brighton site)

Do NOT invite non-Dv8 students on to College premises Only Dv8 students are allowed on site

If the above is not adhered to you will be suspended, without prejudice, and a Student Contract meeting will be arranged with you and your parent/carer.

SUSPENSION AND EXCLUSION

These are issued immediately for seriously unacceptable or criminal behaviour, including (but not exclusively) damage to college property or facilities, threats or use of violence, sexual harassment (in person or online) for example, sexual name calling, wolf whistling or requesting/sharing nude images, sexual abuse or violence of any kind, bullying (verbal, physical or online), extreme prejudice or unsafe opinions, use of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances, and theft

You will be suspended, without prejudice, on a review of the incident, you could be permanently excluded Parent/guardians will immediately be informed where applicable and a behaviour meeting with a member of the management team and parent/guardian will be organised We do not expect any students to receive more than one suspension and will move to permanently exclude any students who are persistently demonstrating unacceptable behaviour A suspension will bar a student’s progression to higher levels of study within DV8

SAFEGUARDING

Dv8 Sussex aims to create an environment in which students and staff feel safe and protected. We have a duty to safeguard our students from a number of risks which include: sexual abuse and inappropriate relationships, physical and emotional abuse or neglect, domestic violence, bullying, self-harm and victimisation due to race, sexual orientation, faith,gender, gender identity, age, marital status or disability If you are affected byany of these issues, or are concerned about someone else, we recommend you speak to you tutor or a member of the student support team

Please note, members of staff will not be able to promise to keep something confidential or a secret if they feel your safety is at risk and there may be times where we have to tell someone else about what you have told us We will discuss this with you first however This will happen if we think or are told that:

1You, or other(s) are experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) emotional harm, sexual harm, physical harm or neglect.

2If we think that something you have told us may compromise, threaten or undermine the safety or security of learners, Dv8 staff or property.

If you ’ re worried about your safety or the safety of a friend call Student Services team or email n.lombardo@londonlc.org.uk who is one of the Designated Safeguard Leads.

ARE YOU WORRIED?

Scan here to report a concern you have for yourself or another student

If you’re worried about your own or another person ’ s immediate safety and you think you/they may be significant risk of harm, please speak to any member of staff straight away.

STUDENT SUPPORT

The Student Experience and Learning Support Teams are here to make sure you have the best possible experience and outcome during your time with us. There may be occasions when you need to talk confidentially about some aspect(s) of your college or personal life Student Services are there to help you and can offer advice and guidance or just be there to listen.

STRUCTURED SUPPORT

Structured support has been developed to help all Dv8 students to overcome issues they may be having with the subject content of their studies. We can provide expert guidance and support to ensure students work is reflective of their abilities and help them stay on track Learning Support will also help those that need a little extra to further develop their English and Maths studies To find out more please get in touch with Learning Support or make a referral through the Google Forms link that will be distributed.

You can access support, either directly by going to the Learning Support team or by speaking to your tutor If you are finding anything difficult that is impacting on your learning, we will support you with a personalised plan for your needs which may include 1-2-1’s in and out of class, group work, regular check ins, mentoring, drop ins, referrals to outside agencies and advocacy We care about your welfare and learning experience above all else.

SICKNESS

If you are feeling unwell whilst at College, you should go to the Centre Office, either to sign out or to call a First Aider Please do not leave the site without telling a tutor or the Centre office

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE COLLEGE

Be Safe - All areas at Dv8 Sussex have Risk Assessments covering the activities that students are asked to participate in. These assessments reduce the risk of injury to a minimum, by the use of control measures These controls will be communicated to you for each activity

•Take care! Accept personal responsibility for your own safety and watch out for your fellow students.

•Follow the rules and warnings given to you in your lessons, in specialist areas (eg Green Screen room, music studio) and in other situations which may be hazardous –eg outside field work or work experience

•Do not misuse, neglect, damage or interfere with any safety equipment Your own safety, or that of other students, may depend on them working on another occasion.

•Report hazards to teaching staff or Centre Management teams This could prevent other people from accident and injury.

•Accidents or Serious Illness - In the event of an accident or serious illness, please speak to any member of staff. If you are involved in an accident, even if it is relatively minor, please see a First Aider to complete an Accident Report Form

•First Aid - There are green and white First Aid posters in every room. Ensure that you have read and understood the instructions You can contact a First Aider by going to the Centre Office.

•Fire and Emergency Procedures – In the event of a fire or other emergency a siren will sound continuously and you will be asked to the signposted fire exit (main doors at the front

It is your responsibility to know the routine thoro designated assembly point (Brighton: Back of V the corner of Wilton Road and Endwell Road- to Assembly point until you are given further instru unless instructed to do so by a member of staff

• Do not stop to pick up your coat or bag

• Do not smoke whilst the fire alarm is soundin

• Stay with your class and your tutor at all time

• Once you have been told to re-enter the bui not a break time

PREVENT A WHICH BR SUPPORT

We promote what are known as ‘British Values’ at Dv8. These include:

• Democracy

• The Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

We also follow the Government’s ‘Prevent’ strategy, designed to keep us safe from the dangers of radicalization or extremism of any sort. Radicalisation involves developing increasingly negative views influenced by a political or religious ideology or cause As outlined in our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy we treat radicalisation and extremism with the same level of attention as any other safeguarding issue. We will run sessions on the national Prevent Strategy and ‘British Values’ as part of your induction and PSD education. To keep you safe, we have a web filtering system called ‘Securly’ which monitors searches and key and generally checks all college online activity for signs of extremist, harmful or inappropriate content and offer targeted support through the Safeguarding team

Equality and Diversity

O f D 8’ l i i l i it d th b li f that all people are of equal worth, in every aspect of College life We themselves, and for others, at all versity Policy can be found on the

BE READY

Attendance & Punctuality

Part of the experience of coming to Dv8 is to prepare you for the demands and challenges of adult working life; where the expectation is that you arrive on time and attend every day that you are required to. At Dv8, you are expected to attend all timetabled lessons and tutorials You must also be available for 1 to 1 meeting’s, given suitable notice, with members of staff throughout the College day.

You should be in the classroom at least 5 minutes before the start of the session.

Arriving late to a lesson is not acceptable and disrupts your own and others’ learning

Regular lateness will result in communication home to parents/carers and possible suspension from the course

Missing or arriving late at planned sessions will lead to you falling behind in your studies and may affect your final grading and achievement.

If you arrive late in class for any session take your seat without disrupting the class The tutor will speak to you at the next available opportunity to discuss why you were late.

What to do if you are absent?

You must call the Centre to inform us that you will not be coming in to college before 930am on the morning of your absence

To report a student absence, please use one of the following methods:

Brighton

Call Brighton Centre Office : 01273 550432

Bexhill

Call Bexhill Centre Office : 01424 213890

You can also email absence@dv8learn.org.uk.

Authorised absence: If you have a medical appointment or have another unavoidable reason for being absent please provide written evidence to the Centre team outlining the reason for your absence Please note that persistent absence through illness will be investigated to see how we can best support you to continue in your learning.

If you fail to inform us in advance, your absence will be listed as unauthorised. Only the college can decide if an absence is authorised or unauthorised

BE READY

Types of Absence - We reserve the right to consider issues on a case-by-case basis, but below serves as our general guide to what could be seen as acceptable reasons to miss college. You should only miss college for serious, unavoidable reasons. Usually acceptable reasons include:

Ø You are too ill to leave the house

Ø You have a hospital appointment, or a medical emergency

Ø You have a day of religious observance

Ø There has been a family bereavement

Ø University and Employer Open Days

Ø Work experience – requests for term-time leave for essential work experience will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. These requests should be submitted at least two weeks in advance

Persistent unauthorized absence will be dealt with by a 4 stage process:

Stage 1 – One week of non-attendance/lateness or two weeks of same day absence will result in a Student Contract meeting between the student, parent/carer, tutor and the relevant Attendance Officer.

Stage 2 – Two weeks or three weeks of same day absence will result in a ‘Learner at Risk’ Action Plan meeting between the student, parent/carer, tutor and the relevant Attendance Officer

Stage 3 - Three weeks non attendance/ lateness or four weeks of same day absence will result in a letter being sent home from the Principal stating that the student is “at risk” of being withdrawn

Stage 4 – Student will be withdrawn

AWARDS & PRIZES

We have a number of prizes and rewards for good attendance and exceptional behaviour, which are held throughout the year.

Termly Attendance Prize

Yearly Attendance Prize Draw

All of the top attenders for the year will go into a prize draw with the winner (one for each Centre) being drawn at the End of Year Show. Prize TBC

‘Good News’ Postcards

Dv8 Breathrough Awards

All staff members are able to hand out personalised postcards which celebrate a student going above and beyond what is expected of them Postcards can be exchanged for vouchers at the centre office

5 postcards = £5 voucher

10 Postcards = £10 voucher

15 postcards = £15 voucher

You will not be able to cash in vouchers beyond £15

W l t l b ate our students at Dv8!

ar we have special awards which highlight those students who go d during their time with us.

DV8AWARDS

Breakthrough Awards

Charlie Stoneham This is awarded to the student has consistently worked hard to overcome barriers to their learning.

Fern Ritchie Award This is awarded to the student that has shown great promise in their chosen field, has shown clear progression from their start date and is moving forward into their chosen industry, or onto further study in that field.

Attendance Awards

Termly top 5 This is awarded to the top 5 students (5 from each centre) that have achieved excellent attendance (over 95%) for each term. Prize - £10 voucher

Yearly Prize All of the top attenders( (over 95%) for the year will go into a prize draw with the winner (one for each centre). It is drawn at the end of year show. Prize - TBC

YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME AT DV8

Upon enrolment, you will be asked to sign your “Learner Agreement” confirming your planned hours of attendance and main vocational qualification aims You will be provided with your timetable detailing all of your planned teaching and learning at Dv8.

Vocational Course Content

You will be provided with information during induction outlining the key elements of learning within your course as well as key work submission and assessment deadlines Please be sure to read through all the information given.

If you have any questions please ask your Tutor or someone from the Centre Team or Student Services and we can ensure you have all the information you need.

English and Maths

Your English and Maths aims may be confirmed at enrolment or following an initial assessment period in the first half term Learners that start on roll in September and have a D/ 3 at GCSE or a Functional Skills Level 1 will be put in for GCSE’s. Learners joining later in the year eg (past December/ January) may be put on GCSE’s depending on prior attainment (qualification level achieved before comingto Dv8) or a stepping stone qualification eg functional skills in line with ESFA English and Maths conditions of funding

COURSEWORK DEADLINES

It is essential that you meet all your coursework and assignment deadlines. Your tutors will confirm any deadlines with you and you can also check the course schedule on the Google Classroom. Make a note of the relevant dates in your calendar and allow time to complete these Late submissions may not be marked or will achieve a lower mark due to lateness All coursework should be submitted to your tutor as agreed unless alternative arrangements have been made.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE

The Induction period provides time to see if the course you are on is right for you We call this ‘right course choice period’. If you feel at any time during the induction period that you may not be on the right course, or if you feel that there is another course at Dv8 more suitable, or at another level, please be sure to raise this with your tutor as soon as possible. We can then discuss options with you as soon as possible to make sure that you are on the right course for your level of work, career aspirations and interests.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism means taking someone else’s words, thoughts or ideas and copying them or trying to pass them off as your own It is a form of cheating which is taken very seriously It is alright to make reference to other people’s work, as long as you have given it credit in a bibliography and used quotation marks where appropriate. There are many ways that Teachers and Examiners detect plagiarism:

Changes in the style of writing and use of langu Familiarisation with the topics they are marking, have read the source you have used Internet search engines and specialised compu phrases or pieces of text with original sources a grammar and style of writing or punctuation

If it is discovered that you have broken the regulatio will be applied by the awarding body:

The piece of work will be awarded zero marks

You will be disqualified from the unit for that ex You will be disqualified from the whole subject You will be disqualified and barred from enterin

It’s your qualification, it needs to be your own work.

NS, TS & APPEALS

ment, it will be decided what level of English and onal Skills or GCSE. If you are following a GCSE ou will be issued with a statement of entry

be adhered to:

roducts with electronic communication, storage wed in the exam room

Only clear pencil cases

Any infringement of these rules could result in disqualification. Please remember to bring your student ID to all timetabled exams

If you would like to appeal any of your exam or assessment outcomes please follow the guidance and procedures outlined in our Assessment Appeals Policy and Procedure document, available on our website or speak to your Tutor or a member of the Centre Team

CERTIFICATES

All exam certificates will be available to collect, after exam results have been published at the end of the Summer break Along with Statement of Results. Students need to collect their ce site they attended If this is not possible the certificate know in advance and we have your correct address U destroyed after 1 year. After this time you will have to c

be accessed from the college computers and from home, with and password on any browser The classroom contains eachers in your subjects including homework assignments and on, notices and updates on the front page You can also communicate with your tutors through this platform

CEIAG (CAREERS, EDUCATION, INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE)

As a vocational College it’s our aim to help prepare you for life after Dv8, whether that’s employment, further or higher education or an apprenticeship We do this in a number of ways:

Work Experience

Work Experience is an essential part of your course and the college will support you in securing appropriate placements. It's a great opportunity to broaden your skills, build confidence and help you stand out from the crowd Students are required to actively seek out work experience opportunities for themselves throughout the year We can give you advice on how to research and approach businesses, how to put together a CV, how to apply for positions and how to present yourself well

Specialist Industry Placements

This year Dv8 continues to run a special pilot programme on behalf of the government to trial a new type of work experience called ‘Industry Placements’ which will eventually become a mandatory part of the new T Level qualifications These Industry Placements are much longer than normal work experience opportunities, involving a weekly commitment of approximately 45 days over the course of the academic year They will deliver meaningful, high quality placements where you will use the technical skills and knowledge you have learnt in the classroom and apply this in the workplace This is a new, exciting opportunity which will grow your confidence, provide you with genuine industry experience and help you network in your specialist vocational area Previous participants have even gone on to get paid work with their placement provider. These placements will be a weekly commitment of 1 day per week in addition to your college days, over the academic year There are however limited places available so if you are interested in taking part in this programme, either speak to your tutor or email the Stakeholder Engagement Co-ordinator lelkhatib@londonlcorguk as soon as possible giving your name and course title to find out more.

Careers Events

Dv8 offers a great mix of career related opportunities from guest speakers to interactive workshops and masterclasses, trips out and visits from industry professionals from all curriculum areas, sharing their career journey and talking about opportunities and careers within their creative sector

Careers Advice & Guidance

During your time with us you will have the opportunity for an appointment with a professional Careers Adviser who can help you to look at the most suitable progression options for you after your course at Dv8, write a CV and help prepare you for job applications and interviews.

Support for UCAS Applications

You will be encouraged to consider all progression options after Dv8 We are ambitious for all our students and will encourage you to aim for and apply to university There will be talks and workshops, advice and support about the HE route and application process through the PSD programme and tutorials as well as visits to UCAS events as appropriate. If you have any questions or need more information about this please speak to your tutor or email the UCAS Lead nlombardo@londonlcorguk

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

This is an essential part of the course which is all about your development as a person To succeed in life, you need more than expertise in your chosen area in Music/Media/Games, you need other 'soft skills' as well, to be able to communicate, work with others, look after yourself, apply for and obtain employment, conduct relationships and be aware of difference in people and society - all things which contribute to you having a successful and fulfilling life. It will cover key areas like how to keep yourself safe, homelessness, drugs and alcohol, health and wellbeing, equality and gender issues, current and global affairs, mental health and resilience, sexual health, relationships and careers and employability. It will also celebrate key dates in the calendar or themes throughout the year like Black History Month, World Mental Health Day, Anti-Bullying Week and National Careers Week, with visiting speakers and organisations to help raise awareness, reinforce learning and bring topics to life.

TRIPS AND ENRICHMENT

To ensure that you get the best experience as possible we organise and arrange a number of trips and enrichment activities in and out of college timetable. The College offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities throughout the year including:

Theme Days

Visiting speakers

Careers events

Specialist workshops

Special projects

Off-site visits

You will hear about these opportunities from your tutor, the internal screens at the college, by checking your Dv8 email, social media or asking the Centre team

Trips

Some trips may require a financial contribution, you may be able to access the Discretionary Bursary to go on a trip You must apply well in advance to the Centre Office.

Level 3 Music Students attend The Great Escape Music Conference in May 2022

We value your input and views at Dv8; and in line with the emphasis we place on the value of Democracy, feel that it is important that your opinions are heard This is done in a number of ways; at certain points in the year you will be asked to complete surveys or questionnaires and it is important that as many of you respond to these as possible otherwise only a small number of learners’ views are represented We need students to sit on interview panels when we recruit new staff and on occasions will require specific student feedback on new premises perhaps or other college developments There is a termly Student Voice meeting and you will be asked to nominate and elect a course representative during induction week. From time to time Student Voice focus groups are held where learners get the chance to come together and provide feed-back either on specific issues or on the wider student experience at Dv8

If you would like to get involved or find out more please contact your centres

Attendance and Engagement Officer

STUDENT VOICE YOUSAID. WEDID.

LEARNER SU AND BURSA

There is money available to help you y yp bursary which can be accessed to help with different aspects of being at Dv8:

1. 16 -19 Bursary Discretionary Bursary

This a small pot of money designed to enable students, who would have difficulty otherwise, to access education This includes help with travel, equipment, food and trips This bursary is assessed and based on the individual students need and circumstance and we cannot guarantee that the full costs will be met.

2. Vulnerable Bursary

This is a bursary for students who are living in care, care leavers or in receipt of specified Government support This will be assessed based on your specific needs up to a total of £1,200 a year As this is based on your needs you may not receive the full £1,200. All bursaries are dependent on attendance and behaviour.

3. Free College Meals

If you or your parent/guardian receive income support, Child or Working Tax credits or universal credit you may be entitled to a free meal each day you attend college Learners in receipt of Free College Meals will receive a voucher from the office each day to buy sandwich, a snack and a drink each day they are in. For further information on how to claim all the funds please speak to the Centre team

Please note you will need to provide evidence of your parent's/carer's benefit entitlement To apply, please visit our website for a digital form or speak to the Centre Co-ordinator For any information on the financial assistance available and other known as Totem card) and please talk to the Centre Team.

OTHER STUFF AT DV8

Wi-Fi login details

Dv8 Brighton: Dv85uss3X17!

Bexhill Guest: Hon3ycomb

Things to remember – it is very important that you:

Wear your College Identity card lanyard at all times when you are in College and produce it at the request of any staff member. You will also need it on any exam days

Check your College email account daily and the Google Classroom for your course for important news and information

Bicycles

There are nearby public bike racks, we advise you to lock it with a secure D-lock and take out insurance cover for your bicycle

The C-Card App

The C-Card App enables young people up to the age of 25 to access free contraception and testing in Sussex. Dv8 Sussex is an access point for this for Dv8 students Download the app and get free contraception To find out more please speak to a member of the Centre Team

Communicating with Staff

You will be given an email address for use with the college We will use this to send vital information to you Please check this email daily When emailing a member of Dv8 staff, or emailing anyone from your Dv8 email address, please consider carefully the tone of your message and be considerate and polite You can expect a response from a member of staff within five working days. You should not normally email a member of staff over a matter which requires an immediate response – in these instances you must find someone and speak with them.

Lost Property

You must take responsibility for anything you bring to college, Dv8 cannot take any responsibility for loss or damage, however caused Make sure you have appropriate insurance cover for items such as musical instruments, mobile phones and anything else of value We strongly advise that you do not bring large amounts of money into college.

If you lose any items, please go to the Centre Office where it might have been handed in. If you find someone else’s lost property, please bring it to the Centre Office where it will be logged and stored Unclaimed lost property will be disposed of at the end of each year.

Mobile Phone use

Mobile phones are banned from class completely at Dv8 Sussex If you wish to use your phone or are expecting a phone call, please arrange this for break times only. If you use your phone in class you will be asked to put the phone away in a pocket or bag, if you become disruptive you will be asked to leave the classroom

Online Media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Blogs, Forums etc.)

When communicating as a Dv8 Student, consider your online reputation and digital footprint Always write professionally, with accurate spelling and grammar Use the right level of formality

Remember that online, anyone can read what you say and it can be reposted anywhere. Imagine an employer, a university, or a parent was going to read your comment and then write it

Part Time Jobs

Many students have part-time jobs and gain personal and financial benefit from them However, we ask that you take on no more than a maximum of 10 hours a week. You must not arrange to undertake paid work at any time during the college day, as you may be required to attend meetings with staff at any time.

Student Spaces

In both Bexhill and Brighton campuses there are spaces for students to work and relax in We expect these spaces to be looked after and respected by all, if they are found to be left in a consistently bad state access will be restricted. 10 minutes before the end of each session you will be expected to help tidy the space and leave it in a usable state for the next session.

Use of the College Computer Network

The network at Dv8 Sussex is provided for you to carry out work related to your college work only You will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct (user agreement) when you start which means you are agreeing to abide by the college’s rules concerning use of the computer network and equipment.

You have to access to a College server drive which can be accessed by a username and password, this will be given out at the start of the year. If you have any problems accessing the drive or your work, please report this to the Centre Team

Please ensure you read and understand the IT/ Equipment Housekeeping rules below:

Only use software that is provided for your use by the College Any attempts to install software will result in disciplinary action. The internet is for educational use; you must not access unsuitable material All internet activity is monitored via our secured filtered domain and improper use can result in disciplinary action

Do not download executable files, music, movies, or any copyrighted material. If you need to download something to support your coursework, please consult your tutor first

Report any faults to the tutor, Learning support assistant or other supervising member of staff

You must not use the system in such a way as to cause inconvenience to others.

When you leave a computer, ensure that you tidy up after yourself, placing unwanted print outs in the recycling bins and logging out.

No eating or drinking is allowed in the vicinity of computers under any circumstances

You are responsible for making backup copies of all work in case of a system failure

Lastly...

Enjoy your time at Dv8, you will get out of college experience what you put in

Work hard, attend every day, be on time, turn up for lessons and keep up with assignments and you WILL SUCCEED ! Many of our students have gone on to have fantastic careers in the creative industries and we want you to do the same For more info don't forget